posted on Nov, 27 2013 @ 06:14 AM
We know, as a nation we're not perfect. We have evident scars from self-inflicted wounds. We have freshly incurred bruises that have yet to heal. And
one way or another, they will. For better or worse, we will go on. We're Americans and we'll find a way. It's what makes us the greatest nation on
earth. And for this, we should all be thankful we are fortunate to live here.
For all our faults, with all our blemishes, there is no other country that still maintains the promise, the hope, that if we try we can make something
of ourselves. Yes, there are times when the differences may seem overwhelming. When it seems though we are trudging forward at a pace that can be
daunting, for still far too many, but there's hope. We are Americans. After all is said and done, this is the greatest gift known to man, in the
greatest nation of earth.
If proof were needed of this remarkable reality, there are people who will risk it all, their very lives, to come to our shores. To have even the
smallest chance that they too can share in our promise, our bounty.... then partake of this....
Yesterday more than 120 Haitians were rescued at sea, trying to come here, to reach for a piece of America. When they left Haiti on a home-made raft,
their numbers were more than 200. They were crammed to the stern with little more than the meager, tattered clothes on their backs. Hanging on to
whatever was there to try and realize the dream of freedom, hope and a better life.
They never made it. They spent 8 days at sea in the freezing water and with 60 mph winds battering their makeshift boat. With sharks ripping at the
legs of those who couldn't get all of themselves aboard and 10 foot waves tearing at their rickety craft, there was not one single life jacket among
them. Almost half of them lost their lives before the Coast Guard spotted them and began the harrowing rescue of survivors.
Only able to navigate halfway to our golden shores, knowing they had but to touch the sand of any part of America to be able to stay, they tried, alas
in vain. But they gave it all they had, in hope of getting to our America. The failure to make it all the way, promised to return them to their
homeland without ever casting eyes on what we take for granted every day of our blessed lives.
Those 120 human beings will be returned to Haiti. But I can virtually guarantee you, they will try again. The failed attempt, the loss of family and
belongings, will only strengthen their 'do it or die' mission to come to our homeland for a chance at what we have. Happy Thanksgiving to all of
you. We do have much to be thankful for, we're Americans.