I have mixed emotions about Thanksgiving. On the one hand, it’s a rare occasion for millions of Americans to simply enjoy being with their families.
The very idea of such a celebration cuts across all sorts of lines of political difference. And these days in particular, that is a very welcome respite.
On the other hand, on this day — of all days — it becomes impossible for me not to think about the people who lived here before anybody showed up from Europe, and how badly they have been treated (to put it mildly). Our history in that regard is an astonishing tale of betrayal and outright cruelty.
Maybe it’s good that I can’t get that out of my mind. The truth is a powerful disinfectant.