11-27-2008, 04:38 PM
I don't actually like the "post and run" thing that happens here occasionally, but I have a thought about the focus of this thread that I'd like to share, although I know I won't have time to participate if it goes much further. So, I offer my apologies in advance for posting and then having to disappear to tend to my turkey and trimmings!
I'm a second generation citizen of this country, so it was somebody else's ancestors that had already done the conquering of this land long before my family got here. However, while those from England were here tormenting the Native Americans and stealing their land, my ancestors were being tormented by conquerors in another part of the world and having their land stolen. This is simply the history of the world folks. Please don't misunderstand; I certainly don't feel the Native Americans were treated well, and, in some parts of this country, they still aren't being treated well. But those "Pilgrims" who came here in the early 1600s and established their settlement didn't write the book on the subject of taking over land at the expense of those who were there first. Sadly, it continues today in other parts of the world.
Personally, I have kind of "rewritten" the reason for this celebration in my own mind. It's the day of the year that I pay tribute to those things for which I am thankful - my family and friends most especially.
I'm a second generation citizen of this country, so it was somebody else's ancestors that had already done the conquering of this land long before my family got here. However, while those from England were here tormenting the Native Americans and stealing their land, my ancestors were being tormented by conquerors in another part of the world and having their land stolen. This is simply the history of the world folks. Please don't misunderstand; I certainly don't feel the Native Americans were treated well, and, in some parts of this country, they still aren't being treated well. But those "Pilgrims" who came here in the early 1600s and established their settlement didn't write the book on the subject of taking over land at the expense of those who were there first. Sadly, it continues today in other parts of the world.
Personally, I have kind of "rewritten" the reason for this celebration in my own mind. It's the day of the year that I pay tribute to those things for which I am thankful - my family and friends most especially.