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November 2010
The greatest moratorium this country has ever known is about to move from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, from the Gulf to the Canadian border. It defies the blandishments of politicians to handle it, the subtle aplomb of newsmen to slant its purpose. It is a moratorium of the people and by the people. It has nothing to do with protestations or dissent or demands. It knows no racism, no hate, no prejudice. It recognizes no past and no future. It knows only the now of its motivating force, the giving of thanks for one entire day set aside for that purpose by an entire nation. Its only march is from home to church to give thanks; or from home to home to join those one loves in family gatherings.
Giving thanks is the most powerful solvent one can bring to bear on any situation because the ingredients involved are love and forgiveness, and we in America have much for which to be thankful. We have thousands of thinking citizens who are earnestly striving to live in accordance with the highest moral principles, who are seeking quietly to give help where it is needed, to comprehend that which seems incomprehensible, to be fair and just.
We have thousands of American parents who are aware of the importance to their children of a stable home life based on strong religious faith, and who are endeavoring to hold the home front on the line of kindly discipline and affectionate understanding of the problems confronting youth in todays world.
We have thousands of young adults of high school and college age, who are honestly trying to see through the mirage that would lead them astray; ofttimes bewildered and confused by their own lack of wisdom and emotional immaturity, yet eagerly determined to improve the world. We have much for which to give thanks even in the midst of crises that would seem to be tearing us apart.
Each day brings stories of individuals who have become law-abiding, regretful of the stupidity in which they had indulged; of statesmanlike decisions on the part of government officials. On the day of this great moratorium, we shall find prejudice and resentment laid aside. Color and creed will go unrecognized. Those who have will provide gladly for those who have not.
Love and forgiveness will prevail as an entire nation gives thanks to God, an Infinite Intelligence, a Divine Love, who has given us the pattern by which we can live if we so choose. Above all, on this day of a great national moratorium, our deepest gratitude must come forth from within ourselves, a swelling, rolling, overflowing giving of thanks that as a nation and individually as well, we are rooted and grounded in the certainty that God is. Can one ask for more? |
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