HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 "When the crops were thriving, Squanto took the men to the open forests where the turkey dwelled. He pointed out the nuts, seeds, and insects that the iridescent birds fed upon.

He showed them the leaf nests of the squirrels and the hideouts of the skunks and raccoons. Walking silently along bear trails, he took them to the blueberry patches.
He told them that deer moved about at sundown and sunrise. He took them inland to valleys where the deer congregated in winter and were easy to harvest. He walked the Pilgrims freely over the land.
To Squanto, as to all Native Americans, the land did not belong to the people, people belonged to the land"

A small band of explorers, seeking religious freedom sailed across an ocean and established a great nation. A nation founded on great ideals of freedom. A nation that often does not live up to those ideals. But a nation of people who try. In the coming days we will point out our failures, because doing so makes us stronger and better. 

For today we wish you peace and happiness with your family and friends. 

BUT... being Rumpole, we cannot resist this one rant. 

Our email inboxes are already filled up with Black Friday deals. That mop with the automatic squeegee that we think will change our life- well now it's on sale for 50% off. That is what Thanksgiving has turned into- an enormous sale of goods for consumers. So be it. We have bought a TV from time to time over the years on Friday. Not to mention a new coffee maker (we are in fact about to buy the Spin and go Pod free. It's not a cheap purchase and we are still pondering it, so any reviews are welcome.). 

HOWEVER, what we do not need is your email wishing us a happy Thanksgiving. 

No one sits down to their meal, a beautiful Turkey on the table with all the fixins and says "wait a sec honey. Before we pray and eat, did we get that email from Dooey Cheetum and Howe wishing us a happy Thanksgiving?

"Who?"

"You know, the law firm who two years ago sued on our behalf when the neighbor's septic tank leaked and ruined your petunia garden. They always send an email with a picture of a smiling turkey wishing us a happy Thanksgiving..." 

JUST STOP IT. 

We do not need your email. It just clogs up our inbox, obscuring the email from CMECF notifying us that the motions to suppress was denied without a hearing (because if the officer found it, it was there, so there....)  and trial is set for January 2. 

The email is just an ad masquerading as good wishes.   "Hey everyone- don't forget about us. We sue insurance companies when they don't pay for hurricane damage and we are such good people that we also wish you happy Thanksgiving."

You want to be a good person? Go donate to a food bank. Go serve meals at a homeless shelter.  And do it anonymously:

"Be careful that you don't do your charitable. giving before men, to be seen by them, or else. you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 6:1  

Of course, Jesus had limited internet availability when he gave his Sermon on the Mount, or else he may have said "Be careful that you do not send your emails trumpeting your charitable deeds and good wishes, to be seen by others, else your team will not cover on Thanksgiving day." 

Enjoy the weekend off.