Local opinion: An old turkey’s remarks

As the most joyous of seasons approaches, I wish to ask a special favor of all of you.

Recently, from out of nowhere, came a vision of the cafeteria in Tucson where I attended elementary school 81 years ago. At the front of the cafeteria was a large upraised stage atop which stood a large, beautiful statement. It said, and I quote, “Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you God for everything.”

That sweet passage made me think deeply about Thanksgiving and what we might want to reflect upon during this time period.

Is it the suffering of our Pilgrim forefathers and foremothers who came out of horrible New England winters only to celebrate surviving such wintry fury and establishing a glorious new country?

Might it be that you are part of the most loving family imaginable? Now that, dear friends, is a real blessing.

Perhaps you want to reflect upon the economic security you have and that the debts you have are small. You might be in the minority of Americans on that one.

Good health? Oh, my goodness, how lucky you are if you have that attribute. Believe me, I know, but will spare you the details of my 11 days and nights in ICU.

A sense of love for others even though you might adamantly disagree with some of their major points of view on the workings of the world?

Is it that you have neighbors that most folks would die for? Watch the nightly newscasts if you think that this is unimportant.

Are you happily ensconced in retirement and can reflect with joy on what you achieved during your professional years?

Do you feel elated that you have the most beautiful pet God ever put on the face of the earth? Mind you, there’ll be some competition in this category.

Articulating on your kayak trip on the river in Costa Rica, where you saw exotic villagers tattooed with bows and arrows across their shoulders and spears in their hands? Their kids were the cutest ever.

Hearing the concert in El Paso with Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash? What a country/western rush.

Now, as we backtrack on all the blessings we have to be thankful for, let’s flip this thankfulness piece and pose the question, “What can we do for those who haven’t been as lucky as we have?”

What’s wrong with advocating for value-centered professional performances as part of stars’ pay packages?

What I mean by this is American professional standouts in virtually every realm are paid a ton of money, more than they can use in one lifetime. Why not scoot some of that money from these outstanding performers to people who desperately need it?

These star performers could determine where their “mad money” would be sent. This would send the general public a message as to what you truly value in life.

I’ll be waiting to hear from you.