Much is wrong, still much to be thankful for

Watching the protests around the world, from the Tea Party demonstrations that started a few years ago, to the "Arab Spring" that is continuing through the winter, to the "Occupy" protesters who are shivering after having the good fortune of being thrown out of parks at night, it's obvious that discontent is widespread.

While some of that discontent is justified -- who can argue with deposing a brutal dictator? -- other protests deserve to be put in perspective.

"Occupy" protesters have some good points to make about "crony capitalism" and corruption in high places.

But none of them have experienced the starvation and desperation that results from grinding poverty and outright evil in other places in the world.

Yes, American plutocracy is evil, but voters have a chance to change their government that other citizens can only dream of.

When it comes down to basics, we have much for which to be thankful.

Are you reading this?

For one, that means you're breathing and you have eyes that work. For another, you can afford a newspaper, or someone has lent you one, or you have a computer and Internet access to read the news online.

If you know how to read this, you have an advantage over 2 billion fellow humans who don't know how to read.

If you crawled out of a warm bed this morning, have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75 percent of the world.

If you have a little money in the bank, you are among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy.

Feel like going to church? If you have that choice, you have freedom of religion.

Feel like buying or selling property, quitting your job and taking another or moving to a distant city? Go ahead, you live in a free country, with constitutionally guaranteed rights to do just that.

Do you feel safe in your home or community? Can you walk in the countryside without fear of stepping on a landmine or being shot at by people with religious or political views different from yours? Be thankful you don't live in many countries around the world where those things do happen.

Are you or your parents or grown children happily married? If so, you can count yourself truly fortunate in this day and age.

Yes, America has a lot of problems and a lot needs to be done to get us back on track. And not everyone has food to eat, a place to sleep or the simple basics of life, even in the affluent United States of America.

But, we're one of the most generous peoples in the world when it comes to helping those in genuine need. And, for the most part, we appreciate those who sacrifice to preserve our freedoms and personal safety.

Let's take time this Thanksgiving to put things into perspective and truly give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy.