Thursday, November 22, 2012

The Unmentionables

 

  Previously this year, I wrote a blog about the Pilgrims. Of course I focused on the Palmers and how their name means "Pilgrim". The purpose of this blog is not to talk about what we call "unmentionables" or underwear. No, it is to speak of what the historians try to convince you all of about the first Thanksgiving- that it was a feast.

  The first Thanksgiving of 1621 was miserable. I know, because I was there. (Just seeing if you are paying attention.)  The first crops in the colony did not fare well. The biggest problem was that no one wanted to work. That's right. The first pilgrims were not willing to do all the work and give the proceeds thereof to their neighbors. I know what you are thinking, "What do you mean?" Well, the colony was set up a socialist society. Did you know that? The young were the most able bodied to get out and do the work, but because they didn't get to keep what they worked for- they didn't want to work! Duh!

  Does this sound familiar? Sounds like some contemporary issues we are facing doesn't it? When the leaders saw what was happening, they, in the next year or so, decided that maybe that form of government wouldn't quite work. That first year many people died from starvation and disease. I wonder why? Consequently after the change, the following two growing seasons were nothing like the first. There was an abundance of produce, all because the leaders granted the rights to property, commerce, and the right to keep what they produced. Suddenly trade was flourishing, all because they had an abundance and most importantly- socialism had failed and was now replaced with free enterprise.

  The years of 1622 and 1623 were a Thanksgiving to celebrate. And indeed you know the rest of that  story. And as the Pilgrims did that year- Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

 Happy Thanksgiving.