Be full of thanks

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 22, 2000

Thanksgiving is upon us and as we look around us, we see much for which we may be thankful. Certainly, there is strife, horro, disappointment and disgrace abounding world-wide. Yet, in the face of it all, there is much accomplishment, safety, charity, brotherhood and love. While in the world, warfare continues to engulf places such as the Holy Land, with even the innocents a casualty of war. Yet, children are saved on a daily basis from the horrors of starvation through efforts of organizations dedicated to that end. Our nation is currently reeling from the debacle of Election 2000, with both sides showing their worst sides under the stress of post-campaign blues. The candidates themselves are attempting to distance themselves from the heart of the fray, yet it is apparent the emotional toll is harsh. Certainly, anyone who pays the dues and develops the commitments to run for and win the Presidency has lost much. One can only hope their integrity has not suffered unduly and both remain with good grace. On the other hand, an election such as this, conducted in many countries we could name, would have resulted in riots, tanks in the major cities, water- cannons into crowds and possibly a few assassinations. Here, our lawyers fight our battles for us in court, not with bullets but with words. Ultimately, it will be the informed and care taken by a judge or judges which will make the final decision. One remembers the world-wide concern after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Some nations feared the worst, and half-expected either the nation to crumble into anarchy or that the nuclear switch would be thrown into Armageddon. It is a reflection on the unique government we have, together with the dedication of the American people, that those feared events did not happen. Closer to home, Louisiana has had more than its share of scamps, charlatans and criminals in high places. Yet, when disaster strikes in the form of a hurricane in Central America, it is Louisiana which spearheads rescue and relief efforts. We have literally millions of good, hard-working, honest and admirable people in Louisiana. Once in a while, one of these gets elected. Louisiana is also special in many other ways. Its easy to point to our food, music, dance and festivals. However, what makes Louisiana a standout among the 50 states is unquestionably our people. Nowhere else can such an amazing melting-pot of cultures blend into a gumbo called “Louisiana” and produce such a people. We cheer on a football team which has never won a playoff game. We treat politics like a spectator sport and laugh at our political scoundrels. We are friendly to a fault. We love our children like nowhere else and revere our old folks to an extent long- forgotten elsewhere. And its in the River Parishes that this gumbo simmers to an appetizing perfection. Certainly, we have faults. Yet, we maintain an unbounded optimism for the future and enthusiasm for our lifestyle unheard-of elsewhere. On this Thanksgiving Day, we can all thank our Maker for Louisiana. For better or worse, we wouldnt have it any other way. LObservateur