Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA.

 

It all started when a group of Pilgrims crossed the ocean on the Mayflower and landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620.  Half of the Pilgrims died that first winter, but thanks to helpful Indians, the others made it through the second winter. In order to show their gratitude to the Indians and to God, the Pilgrims invited the Indians to a meal.

 

Nearly 2 1/2 centuries later, Abe Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving.

 

Much has changed in America since 1863 and even more since 1620.

 

TIME TO THANK OR TANK?

 

This morning's newspaper reported that Thanksgiving Day has the highest number of drunken drivers on the highways. I thought New Years Day held that dubious honor.

 

This sad statistic seems to have something to do with sports and food. Thanksgiving Day is a time to eat and watch football. And many Americans consume a generous amount of alcohol. They drink with meals and continue drinking while watching the game. If their team wins, they celebrate by drinking and if it loses, they "drown their sorrows".

 

And they drive. Thanksgiving Day is also the heaviest travel day of the year. Thanksgiving Day was originally a day for thanking God, but it has become a day for tanking gods, both the belly god and the chrome and metallic variety.

 

The Romans built temples to their gods and coliseums where they held sporting events like racing chariots and burning Christians. And they consumed a lot of alcohol. Americans are simply continuing Roman traditions rather than following the Pilgrim's example.

 

The Pilgrims and Abe Lincoln would turn over in their graves if they could see what has become of Thanksgiving Day. Appropriately, tomorrow is called "Black Friday!"