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Health & Fitness

A Differing Point of View: Black Thursday?

Shopping ON Thanksgiving does dishonor to a long traditional American holiday.

A week or so ago, we read the mainstream news on the phenomena of Black Thursday – an expansion of the concept of Black Friday.

This writer shudders at the mere mention of the idea. Another step to destroying  the spirit of a unique holiday:  Another attack on our basic values.

As most of us know, Thanksgiving predates the formation of the United States. It dates back to the original Pilgrim settlers. Their motivation stemmed from their religious belief in the mercy and goodness of GOD Almighty that brought them to a promised land where they could practice their faith freely. They set aside one day to thank HIM and celebrate their achieving true religious freedom. The United States Congress designated that day into  the law of the land. Perhaps the President will deign to grant a parole to the turkey and retire him to a farm .

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Yet, today, we find the idea and purpose of Thanksgiving Day under attack. The Walmarts, K-Marts, Costcos, the Best Buys and others  are  putting their commercial gain ahead of our values.

Their rationale, we now have so many legitimate, as well as illegitimate residents that do not understand the history of Thanksgiving Day and it’s traditions. Perhaps, if we make it clear that if our new guests  want to enjoy the fruits of the land of opportunity It means learning and accepting our values. It’s not “just a long weekend”. Let us teach them the true meaning of Thanksgiving and expect them to enjoy their families, develop their traditions, visit their church of choice and give thanks for their good fortune. It may not be around long if we do not nurture it.

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We have achieved a reasonable truce with the food supermarkets closing early – rescuing the home cooks in need of another dozen eggs, spices, bread, or whatever they ran out of at the last minute. Do your last-minute food shopping and retire to your homes and enjoy fostering your families.

 Beat the Cowboys! Black Friday will come soon enough.

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