Finding rare agreement on the rightness of giving thanks

Today, we can be thankful for many things.

Not the least of those is a Washington Post-ABC News poll that shows there is something on which almost all Americans can agree.

And that something is Thanksgiving dinner.

Virtually across the boards, Americans approve of today’s festivities. Although there are some variations between North and South, Democrats and Republicans, on whether they approved strongly or simply somewhat, a clear 93 percent of Americans have a favorable impression of Thanksgiving. We’re tempted to say the 7 percent are turkeys, but we’re sure some folks have good reasons for taking a humbug view of the day.

On a serious note, there is some evidence within the poll’s breakdown that those with more tend more toward enjoying a day of thanks. But clearly, when unemployment is at 9 percent and disapproval of Thanksgiving is at 7 percent, even those who are struggling rise to the spirit of the day.

That would indicate that Thanksgiving isn’t all about the stuff we have or the money in our pockets. It’s about recognizing that we live not only in a land of plenty, but a land that values freedom and that doesn’t rest on its laurels. It is a nation with a traditon of working toward something better.

Bipartisan appreciation

And in the spirit of bipartisanship that the Post-ABC poll revealed, we will share some Thanksgiving proclamation thoughts from President Barack Obama and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

“Thanksgiving is a day when Americans recognize the providence bestowed upon our nation and celebrate the courage and faith of our country’s first settlers,” Kasich observed in his proclamation.

“In times of adversity and times of plenty, we have lifted our hearts by giving humble thanks for the blessings we have received and for those who bring meaning to our lives,” said Obama.

And today we give thanks as individuals for all the blessings of life, and special thanks to those who risk their very lives in serving us and our nation.

We add the hope that those who are away from our Thanksgiving tables today will be at them next year, safe, sound and happy to celebrate a day that helps to bring us all together.

A day on which we can put aside our differences is something to be thankful for in itself.