Friday, November 25, 2011

Post Turkey Day Wrap Sheet

I know everyone was busy yesterday basting and tasting, so let me catch you up on some of the turkey news you may have missed, starting with a few excerpts from Big Guy’s annual Thanksgiving pep talk to the country.

"Like millions of Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are," [ed. Some might say “blessed” butt I guess “lucky” works too. And I have overheard people saying that Big Guy is the luckiest man on earth. Again, some might say  “blessed” or “smart” butt I won’t quibble with “Lucky” ]

We’re also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters, making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay.

                 mo at  food kitchenmeet and greet at the food bank

Lady M in her Miki Taylor hairdo and Big Guy pose as they help out at the local food bank…thankfully, no OWS protestors at this bank.

 

This sense of mutual responsibility – the idea that I am my brother’s keeper; that I am my sister’s keeper – has always been a part of what makes our country special. And it’s one of the reasons the Thanksgiving tradition has endured.

 

110511_2996Post-modern version of “sense of mutual responsibility”

photo H/T Powerline via Larwyn’s Linx

The very first Thanksgiving was a celebration of community during a time of great hardship, and we have followed that example ever since.

zuccotti-park-filth-occupy-wall-streetCelebrating at the community center in Zuccotti Park

Even when the fate of our union was far from certain – during a Civil War, two World Wars, a Great Depression – Americans drew strength from each other. They had faith that tomorrow would be better than today. 

All we need to make things better is to get this stinkin’ revolution off the ground

We’re grateful that they did. As we gather around the table, we pause to remember the pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who helped make this country what it is. They faced impossible odds, and yet somehow, they persevered.

0778occupy-together-liberty-plaza

Today, it’s our turn.

 

I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny.

divorce rings 

The problems we face didn’t develop overnight, and we won’t solve them overnight. [ed. - happened under Bush’s watch] But we will solve them. All it takes is for each of us to do our part. [especially the 1%, who can afford to do 99% of the required part]

With all the partisanship and gridlock here in Washington, [Do-nothing Congress!] it’s easy to wonder if such unity is really possible.

Everything’s tougher when there’s a class war waging

But think about what’s happening at this very moment: Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country.

If we keep that spirit alive, if we support each other, and look out for each other, and remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we too will overcome the challenges of our time.

Of course, some will have to support more than others

So today, I’m thankful to serve as your President and Commander-and-Chief. I’m thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great country of ours. And I’m thankful for the chance to do my part, as together, we make tomorrow better than today.

We don’t need no stinkin’ oil anyway

Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Some people seemed upset, or at least surprised, that Big Guy didn’t mention anything about God in relation to our annual Thanksgiving celebration. Really?

Anyhow, after having pardoned the big fat ugly white turkey that’s been occupying the W Hotel here in Washington -

Liberty the pardoned turkey

we had chef cook one for us to enjoy as part of our regular Thanksgiving menu:

2 kinds of meat: Turkey (the unforgiven), Ham
2 kinds of dressing: Cornbread Stuffing, Oyster Stuffing
5 Sides: Greens, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Mac and Cheese
2 kinds of Dinner Rolls: white and brown
6 (!) kinds of Pie: Apple, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Banana Cream, Cherry, Huckleberry

It’s no wonder we have a deficit, Big Guy has such trouble choosing between options.