The Daily Escape:
Turkeys on the fields of Wrong – November 2018 photo by Wrongo
(Wrongo and Ms. Right are taking a break. He’s completed eight rounds of chemo with at least two more to go. Most days, he feels happy to be here and engaged in the task that is the Wrongologist. His deepest gratitude is for Ms. Right who’s been by his side throughout his fight. Regular readers will know that much of what follows has appeared on the blog before.)
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual” — Thoreau
Thanksgiving is Wrongo’s favorite because as a secular holiday, no one commands you to do or say anything. Celebration is subdued, and at least around here, it focuses on gratitude. Wrongo always thinks that despite America’s current problems, we should be grateful that we live in this wonderful country of ours, and how grateful we are for all of our country’s gifts.
We’re lucky to live in a land of plenty: Most of us have employment, most have access to healthcare. Most of us have a warm place to sleep at night, most have hope, at least until now, for their kids’ futures. While this is true for “most”, the fight continues for the rest of us to see such fundamental security in our lives.
Here’s Wrongo’s thanks to the readers of the Wrongologist. Special thanks go to everyone who reads this crummy blog, particularly those who have stuck around since the beginning: Monty, Fred, David, Marguerite, Pat, JES, Kelly, and Terry. Thanks to those who comment and send me private emails saying the equivalent of “What’s wrong with Wrongo?”.
I am grateful that you all stick with it, and with me.
We started this adventure in 2011, without a real plan. Wrongo knew he wanted to write and talk about politics and government, but wasn’t sure if people would read it. Since then, this is the 2,864th post. The company that hosts the Wrongologist says that in the past 12 months, we’ve had 1.2 million page views. Most readers (43.7%) use a desktop machine, and Chrome (48.2%) is the preferred browser.
Wrongo is grateful every day for this journey he’s on with you. Sometimes, it seems like cynicism and despair is all we have left, that we will have to fight for everything we want. But resistance isn’t futile, and we will make gains up to and through the 2026 midterm elections.
On the big day, we’ll have a kitchen filled with good smells, “Alice’s Restaurant” playing in a semi-continuous loop, along with good thoughts about the great country that we’re privileged to live in.
We’re thankful to those who came before us, and to our family members and friends who can’t be with us today. We’re thankful to those who are on the front lines in military service, or here at home in our hospitals, schools, firehouses, and police stations.
P.S. Don’t fight with your MAGA uncle. You’re only giving him what he wants.
Here’s a seasonal tune Wrongo had never heard. “The Thanksgiving Song” from 2020 by Ben Rector. Schmaltzy and nice. Try it you’ll like it:
And thanks to You for all the great thoughts you’ve shared!
You’ll never know how much we readers are thankful for how you sift through complex issues and make them clear, and actionable when needed. Much love to you and Ms. Right and wishes for a healthy and joyous holiday season.
Yes. Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Quite right about the secular holiday and I’m grateful that the merchandisers have left it alone relatively speaking. And also that when I was about 15, after reading yet another Economist article, I said “One day I’m going to live in the United States”. I worry about it sometimes, like now, but it was a good decision.
I always look forward to reading your take on trends and events. Amazed at your capacity to repeatedly dig deep with illuminating research and analysis even between chemo sessions! Wishing you well with treatments.
Yes, most of us are fortunate to have led fulfilling lives leading for many to comfortable retirement in a still free, prosperous and domestically peaceful country. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to focus on family and blessings.
I must say I preferred President Biden’s grateful holiday message over that of the spiteful incoming felon.
Thank you, John! I love reading what you share. It’s always thought provoking, interesting and educational. I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Also very great to hear that you are through eight chemotherapy treatments with only two to go. I am thinking of you and pulling for both you and Carol. Happy holidays, Kim