I realize I missed an opportunity last week to talk about Thanksgiving. I guess I went off on a rabbit trail, consumed with finding that “moderate Democrat.” My Norwegian friends back in the Midwest have a saying: “Too soon old, too late smart.” I guess I’m living that! So, here we are a week later, but wait … this is America. It’s never too late to be thankful!

The Left can rail and rant all it wants about how evil and racist we are. But I know too many people who have come from around the globe to begin a new life in America. They came here legally, with nothing, and today they are success stories and thankful for America.

Some years ago, we had a personal trainer who had escaped from Beirut, Lebanon, in the midst of a civil war. Beirut was a bombed-out, burned-out city where people lived in destroyed buildings, scrounging for food and hoping not to get caught between warring factions on the street. Maurice would tell me over and over he wished he could tell young people how grateful they should be to live in a country where you can achieve anything you want if you work hard.

Roger and Jennifer came from South Africa to work for me at our faith-based nonprofit. We couldn’t pay them for months until they got their green card. During that time, many of our staff would give money out of their pockets to help them get established until they could legally be paid. My wife and I were so proud of our staff who gave, even though they did not have a lot themselves.

Today, this couple owns a very successful company they started on their own. We had a great time attending a 4th of July cookout several years ago at their lovely home, celebrating their becoming American citizens!

A few years ago, a former staff couple who became pastors helped a young pastor and his wife escape Cuba and come to America. For the next few years, they mentored this couple and eventually turned the church over to them. We’ve been to this church and we always come away humbled by their attitude and servant hearts.

The last time we were there doing a Veterans Day service, we went to dinner at a local steakhouse. My wife was sitting next to him and asked what kind of steak they had in Cuba. He told us it was illegal to have steak. That was just for high-ranking government officials. He told us how the government wanted citizens to spy on each other, and if they had something they shouldn’t have (like a flat screen TV), they needed to report them. Pastor Josue said he’d love to tell students all over the country what “socialism” is really like.

All of these and many more we know came here legally, without welfare of any kind, and achieved the American Dream. So, tell me again how evil this country is and how the deck is stacked against you. Don’t believe them; they’re lying to you!

We are (for now) the land of opportunity for those who come here legally and work for their own success. And by the way, Epstein didn’t kill himself!

Something to think about?