Centerfield

I took the time this year to think about what it means to be "grateful".

I wrote up a little piece on it...if you have a chance, please come over and read it:

http://www.preemptivekarma.com/archives/2004/11/the_grace_in_be.html

I am thankful that I've found a group of people here at the Centrist Coalition that I can have an nice conversation with.

Seriously, I used to have an identity crisis. I'd ask myself. Was I a liberal? No. A libertarian? Not enough to be comfortable at libertarian sites. A conservative? Maybe a little, but I didn't fit in at conservative sites either. Finding other centrists has been really inspiring.

Thanks, y'all.

I am thankful for my family and friends, white and black and Asian and Hispanic and NA, liberal and conservative and indifferent, gay and straight and confused, who make life worth living.

I am thankful for my community, that shows me time and again that there is good everywhere.

I am thankful for this island in a sea of echoes, where thoughtful people can discuss and even argue in a mannered fashion, and learn more about each other in the process.

I am thankful for America, where we can have scheduled revolutions to become a better nation without actually killing anyone. (If you don't realize how wonderful and amazing a thing that is, read more history.)

And, to paraphrase Eric Arthur Blair, I am thankful that rough men and women stand ready in the night that we may sleep peacefully in our beds. Christmas is coming, and I'd like to remind everyone that a few small things can make a big difference to our troops in the field.

Support Our Troops

The military mail system can't handle a flood of mail and packages right now, especially of the "any troop" kind, but there's tons of other stuff that would be welcome. Especially little things like donating calling cards so soldiers can phone home over the holidays.

And you can help your own community in so many ways that I shouldn't even need to mention them.

We have done what Tully suggested; sent a package of "goodies" to a soldier overseas.

Whenever I think about people fighting in a war, especially one to protect me (whether I agree with the policy or not), I get a little choked up. Frankly, I can't imagine what it's like. I have watched "Saving Private Ryan" numerous times and I just thank God it's not me. The current troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and anyone who has ever been under fire in a war zone (regardless of their performance) is a hero in my eyes. I work at a federal government agency where one of the Commissioners is named Orson Swindle, who spent several years with John McCain in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Enough said. Regardless of your position on the war, my fondest hope is that these people can come home soon.

And ditto to all the other comments.

This seems like the perfect place to express how thankful I am to live in the United States. Lord knows, our country isn't perfect, but when it comes right down to it, I can't think of any other country that offers the level of opportunity and freedoms that ours does.

All of you have expressed my thoughts. So, thank you. :)

I am glad to have my brother back safely from Iraq. This will be a much better Christmas for his family than last year. I'm also proud that he says he wouldn't mind going back if he was told to. He would rather be there than have someone else take his place. Those guys really look out for each other...and us. I am thankful for that.

Thankfulness is such a wonderful thing.

I am thankful that people are thankful for everything they have in their lives. I think it makes people happier to stop complaining and grumping long enough to reflect on all the good things in their lives that they really shouldn't take for granted.

I am thankful and proud that we have a national holiday dedicated to thankfulness. :)

I am thankful that I've found a group of people here at the Centrist Coalition that I can have an nice conversation with. . .

Thanks, y'all.

No, thank you Rick. You and William created this community. We just accepted your generous invitation to use this blog to converse.

I am thankful for everybody who has devoted their lives to democracy, and especially for those who've risked their lives and lived hard lives to do so.

I am thankful for living in a time and a place where we can do so much, and people are living so well, and where life gets so much better every year that passes.

I am thankful for Rick and William for putting so much effort into making this blog a fun place to hang out, and for everybody else hanging out here.

I am thankful for my friends, and for those who love me, and for the many who've helped me in so many ways in my life.

I am thankful for Todd...also for Lizanne, Mark, Chip, Chuck,and grateful to their families: Melinda, Scott, Stephanie, Kim, Cole, Ella, Kallie, Matthew, Katy, Kristin.....All of them are the greatest blessings of my life...and every day I thank God for all of them.

I am thankful for Todd...also for Lizanne, Mark, Chip, Chuck,and grateful to their families: Melinda, Scott, Stephanie, Kim, Cole, Ella, Kallie, Matthew, Katy, Kristin.....All of them are the greatest blessings of my life...and every day I thank God for all of them.