On Thanksgiving Day 2019, the world could use a lot more Molly Ivins. Here is what she wrote back in 2005.
Since the political world ranges from poor to icky these days, you may think we are gratitudinally challenged this Thanksgiving. But a mere soupcon of sunny optimism goes a long way toward getting us to dwell on how lucky we are. We are abundantly blessed with lemons. Let us make lemonade…
I am grateful for the Rev. Pat Robertson, who was upset by the school board election in Dover, Pa., where the creationist-supporting candidates lost.
Quoth he: “I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God—you just rejected Him from your city. And don’t wonder why He hasn’t helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I’m not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that’s the case, don’t ask for His help because He might not be there.” On the other hand, the same is true of FEMA.
If that’s the voice of Christian love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, I’m a monkey’s uncle. I am grateful Pat Robertson does not speak for me or the Lord…
So let’s all loosen our belts and get right down to the all-American tradition of overeating on Thanksgiving. It’s still a great country, even if it is a little strange. I am grateful for all my fellow citizens—how would we know it was America if we didn’t hear regularly from the nincompoop faction? Happy turkey to you all.
One can only imagine what Molly would be saying about the nincompoop faction that has taken over the White House. But we can rest assured that she’d be encouraging all of us to be happy warriors, while serving up some yummy lemonade.
So, to all of you happy warriors who support us here at the Washington Monthly, grab a glass of lemonade because I have a simple message for you all this Thanksgiving.
