The Pilgrims could never have imagined America as we know it today. From our colonial roots, we have grown into a country that remains the envy of the world, even in these challenging times. A country that has welcomed millions of immigrants in search of a better life to our shores. A country that has sent our young people into battle to defend not only our freedom, but to fight on behalf of our allies around the globe. A country that has seen more than 150 Nobel Prizes awarded and more than twice that number honored with medals at the Olympics.
Our strength as a nation has been our pioneer spirit and our democratic values. We have come a long way since the Pilgrims “innovated†the planting of their crops with the help and cooperation of the Native Americans who lived side by side with them. There is much to be learned and reflected upon in the traditional story of the first Thanksgiving – a time of respect and friendship, of simplicity and appreciation for the earth’s bounty, of cooperation and hopefulness. We are facing a “harsh winter†of challenges with record unemployment, conflicts abroad and partisan entrenchment in Washington that threatens to undermine the affirmative spirit of our nation.
We need a harvest of fresh ideas and a national spirit of optimism if we are to secure a brighter future for all Americans.
It’s time for those who have the privilege of serving in Congress to honor the institution of government and to use their voices and their political influence to move our country forward. Our ability to adapt and evolve over the centuries since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth is a testament to what is possible when we leverage our best efforts and commit ourselves to our highest aspirations as a nation. Our challenges are great, there’s no doubt about it. But if the pilgrims could weather rough seas to find the promise better times ahead, so can we.
We can focus on our challenges or we can focus on our opportunities. We can talk about problems or we can talk about solutions. We can continue the politics of partisanship, division and negativity or we can demand intelligent, courageous and affirmative leadership from our leaders. Let’s not lose our spirit of innovation and optimism when we need it the most. Let’s not forget how far we’ve come and how much further we have yet to go. And let’s all take time to give thanks for the privilege of living in a great democracy where all things are possible.
On behalf of our entire campaign team, let me wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and brighter days ahead.