The Patriot Post® · Many Reasons to Give Thanks

As we prepare to celebrate the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving around a bountiful meal with family and friends, here are but a few reminders of just how much we have for which to truly be thankful.

Across the nation — and in fact the entire world — poverty is on the decline. Over the past 25 years, the percentage of people in the world living in extreme poverty has fallen from 36% to 10%. And in the U.S. the number of people living in poverty has fallen for three straight years, down to 12.3%.

The economy is booming as more Americans are working and the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low. Minority Americans are seeing record-low employment numbers as well. In other words, virtually all Americans are enjoying the benefits from the growing economy. On top of that, 80% of American households received a tax cut this year, thanks entirely to Republicans.

As for our safety, despite the mainstream media’s continued over-the-top headline coverage of violent criminal acts, the reality is that Americans are safer than ever. Violent crime has dropped 75% since its peak in the early 1990s and remains at its lowest levels since the 1970s. And Americans have a greater chance of accidentally drowning in a bathtub than being killed by a foreign terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, the stereotype of Americans being little more than wealthy and selfish just doesn’t match up to the facts. Once again Americans have proven themselves to be the most generous people on the planet, giving over $410 billion in charity last year alone, while 77 million Americans have given their time volunteering to help those in need. Look at how quickly and aggressively Americans from across the country repeatedly reached out to help their neighbors and strangers in need after suffering loss due to everything from hurricanes to floods to fires.

The freedom we have to speak our minds and express our voice at the ballot box is still alive and well. While at times it may become discouraging seeing many of our fellow Americans expressing political, social, or religious views with which we may vehemently disagree, we can truly be thankful for the wisdom of the Founding Fathers and the constitutional protections to Liberty they established and that, well over 200 years later, are still standing.

Finally, we can be most thankful — like the pilgrims of old — for the many abundant blessings we receive daily from God’s hand.