One Mans Opinion 11/25/2010
By Dewaine Shoulders

It's Thanksgiving Day, and it's time to reflect on all of the blessings we - as Americans - enjoy.

We have the freedom of religion - To worship God, or not to worship at all.

We have freedom of speech - To be able to say the things that we hold dear in our hearts and minds.

We have the freedom to own a firearm - To hunt or simply to protect ourselves.

We have the freedom of choice - To choose our own destinies and not have out lives dictated to us from birth.

And we have the freedom to vote - And that is a precious freedom indeed.

But every single day, some of those freedoms and liberties are being taken from us. And we are allowing it because we the people are free to choose... And most of us have chosen to accept those things as a given in our lives. But we the people also can choose another path. And that is to stand up and say in a resounding voice, "I want my freedoms, and you cannot take them away from me!"

We started that process in November with the mid-term election, but the battle continues.

And just like the Pilgrims of old, we should give thanks to our Creator for the blessings bestowed upon us and the continued nourishment of our souls.

So today, when you are sitting around the turkey and dressing and preparing to watch a football game with the family and friends that are gathered around, say a prayer to whatever God you believe in and give thanks for all that you have. You may not have everything you want, but sometimes that's a blessing in itself. It makes you appreciate the things that you do have and gives you the desire to keep them in your lives.

And those precious freedoms we have are worth praying for.

Happy Thanksgiving.
Dewaine Shoulders