Public Radio Commentary

By Sandy Courtnage, Communications Director

November 20, 2007

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It’s almost Thanksgiving and I’ve been tempted to come up with a list of things for which I’m grateful.  But I’ll spare you the ‘raindrops-on-roses and whiskers-on-kittens’ list, although I like both of them.  Instead, for some reason, I thought of the country song by writer and singer Mac Davis that offers this line:  “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” 

Somewhat like the song, I’ve found that it’s sometimes hard to be grateful when surrounded by so much greatness.  But Thanksgiving is this week, so in that spirit, here’s a list that remains a work in progress.   

First on my list is very important, yet predictable – my family and friends, of course. 

But as I started thinking more broadly about my community, my state and my country, troubling thoughts could not be avoided.

I’m fortunate to be able to look out my window and see a stunningly beautiful sky.  But elsewhere in the world, bombs are falling and shots are being fired.  There is anger, confusion and mistrust, both at home and elsewhere.  There is poverty.  Families have been broken and friends lost, and the hold on life and health is tenuous. 

I jump in my car and drive to work in the morning, and I worry about the rising cost of fuel.  It seems that just getting to work and heating a home has become an exercise in creative budgeting. 

And yet, I know there is more that I can do to reduce my energy impact.  I also know that a number of public policies that support sustainable energy production and encourage energy conservation are caught in gridlock right now in Washington, D.C.  Meanwhile, around the world, people do not have food or cooking fuel, let alone the ability to move about freely.

I’ve heard it said that we have nothing if we don’t have our health.  It’s almost a cliché.  Yet, most of us have had to stand by and simply bear witness as someone we care for has struggled with an illness.  It’s not a cliché, and it has very real consequences that health care in the United States and the world is not available for everyone.    

We live in a time that offers staggering opportunities for some, but not for all.  I talk to my son about college.  We have the luxury of dreams.  But I also know that in the context of the world, opportunity is hard and scarce when lacking peace, or food or health.

What will your dreams encompass?  And, what will be your Thanksgiving thoughts this week and in the weeks to come?

My personal wish for Thanksgiving is this:  a bright crisp day, a walk with the dog, the smiles of family, and maybe a chat with a friend – the one who knows me and still wants to hang out.  I know, I’m asking a lot.  We’re used to doing that.

I’m thankful that there are many talented, creative and dedicated people who work to make the world a better and healthier place for all.  There is much to be grateful for and much work remains.  One thing is sure about this Thanksgiving:  the opportunity, health and peace balance sheet in the world still doesn’t balance. 

For the Montana Farmers Union, I’m Sandy Courtnage.  Best wishes to you this Thanksgiving.