Thanksgiving

It's time once again for that purely American holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day was founded by President George Washington in 1789. Down through the generations since that proclamation, the holiday has evolved into a festive occasion for food, family, fun, and football. In a healthy country, there is no room for political squabbles on such a special day.

Yet many families are fraught with ideological disagreements in the wake of the November 5 election. This is sad; worse, it is stupid. It is pure folly that political differences be given the power to rend a family or friendship. These close personal relationships are far more precious and important than opposing political views and should be nurtured and protected beyond any differing opinion. At least, that's my belief.

Certainly, I'm not alone in the sad reality that I've lost friends over politics. I'm always open to the return of people who have estranged themselves because we vote differently. But it appears their ideology will not allow a reconciliation, at least up to now. I'll still be here if they change their minds.

Meanwhile, I'm grateful for all my countless blessings and for the many wonderful family and friends I remain close to. And let's not forget to thank what Washington called "that great and glorious Being"-- 

...for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

 

Return to Ireland

At Christmas time in 2006, my grown children and I visited Ireland. It was a return trip for both of them, but it was my first time on the "Ould Sod." We spent close to two magical weeks in the western and southern regions of Ireland, exploring such wonders as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Blarney Castle. 

In late October, I returned to Ireland for a family event. This time I was on the east coast, spending several exciting days in the capital city of Dublin and then continuing south to County Wicklow for the festivities and a subsequent vacation with family and friends.

This is not our grandparents' Ireland. Dublin is truly an international city now, bustling with industrial development and people from all over the world. In our whirlwind travels around town, we had cab drivers from Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as Irishmen. The hotel coffee shop was staffed by a Polish manager and a French barista. Everyone we met and talked with was warm, welcoming, and interesting.

The countryside of County Wicklow is stunning in its natural beauty. In two widely differing visits to the land of my ancestors over the expanse of two decades, I reached the same conclusion both times--Ireland remains magical.

View from Tinakilly Country House - Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Town of Howth - North Dublin

Powerscourt Gardens - Co. Wicklow, Ireland

In the Aftermath

I've heard reports that pedestrians in New York City are now walking the streets wearing MAGA hats. That's believable, and I hope it's true.

There is a feeling of confidence now among Trump supporters that was previously hidden. It's a collective sigh of relief, an aura of "Yay, we did it!" that surrounds conservatives in the aftermath of the November 5 election.

President-elect Donal Trump made gains with young voters. He also made inroads among Jewish, Muslim, and Catholic voters. None of these results should be surprising to people who were paying attention to world events in the days leading up to Election Day.

My opinion throughout the campaign was that, were it not for Democrat cheating, Trump would walk away with the election. Election results show that I was too fearful of vote rigging; "oh ye of little faith." The American voters turned out for Trump in full force, and it was enough to blunt the effectiveness of any cheating. Trump did indeed walk away with it.

While I have some reservations about a couple of his choices, Trump's rapid action to fill his cabinet posts has my full support. He's got only four years to mop up the current mess, and the clock is ticking. Let's get going.

Reflections After Elections

"...the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God governs in the affairs of men."

~ Benjamin Franklin, in the Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer

I was out of the country during the week of our presidential election. It was something of a relief to be removed from the intensity of media coverage. It also afforded an interesting opportunity to observe the deep interest with which foreign citizens follow our political events. There were many questions from drivers, waiters, and many other service personnel. Most of them supported the Democrat; having watched some of their media coverage, I understand why. Their "news" made MSNBC seem conservative.

Being several time zones ahead of the USA, I went to bed Tuesday night with a restless feeling that led me to awaken every hour or so to check the electoral college map on my phone. It was nearly dawn before I saw that Donald Trump's total had hit the necessary 270 mark. At that point I could sleep peacefully.

It was comforting and exhilarating to know that, as I had done, my fellow countrymen had voted overwhelmingly to change course. The change was not limited to the presidency but showed up in the Senate races results. The House of Representatives is still counting some races but has a whisper-thin lead for Republicans and looks promising to complete the sweep.

It has been less than a week since Election Day, and already so much has been said and written about the results that nothing new or noteworthy could be added here. There are two outstanding articles that I would direct you to for some of the most thorough and rational reasons why Trump's resounding victory unfolded as it did. Victor Davis Hanson provides his usual incisive forensic analysis in American Greatness, and in UnHerd, David Samuels offers a fascinating and insightful explanation of how Obama's hubris proved to be his undoing. Both pieces are well worth reading. 

Today is Veterans Day. Thank you once again to all who have served in our military. I believe that you especially, along with every American, will be safer now.