{"id":1784,"date":"2023-11-24T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shinsori.me\/?p=1784"},"modified":"2023-11-24T21:56:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T21:56:21","slug":"how-to-have-gratitude-amid-political-turmoil-opinion-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/shinsori.me\/index.php\/2023\/11\/24\/how-to-have-gratitude-amid-political-turmoil-opinion-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to have gratitude amid political turmoil | Opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Sept. 25, 2023. As Thanksgiving approaches, we should take time to be grateful even amid turmoil.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/span><\/p>\n

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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

International and national politics seem to have sunk to a scary level not endured since the frostiest days of the Cold War. Because your columnists have far more Thanksgivings behind them than ahead of them, we feel qualified to opine on how readers should feel this Thanksgiving weekend<\/a>, amid such turmoil.<\/p>\n

Americans\u2019 respect for government institutions is at an all-time low. In their daily reports, the media reveal dysfunction, partisan hostility, incompetence and confusion, which further erodes confidence among citizens. Should Americans be consumed with anger and frustration, or is there reason to be grateful for our system of government, despite the current state of politics?<\/i><\/p>\n

Pignanelli: <\/b>\u201c<\/b>Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.\u201d \u2014 Marcus Tullius Cicero<\/b>, <\/b>106-43 B.C.   <\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

Most Americans should be grateful to live in a time of unprecedented prosperity with opportunities for better lifestyles and a thriving democracy. Unfortunately, too many incorrectly believe we are on the precipice of a dystopian future. All the screaming in the media ignores the lessons of history which document our nation was always a hotbed of controversy and nonetheless blossomed.<\/p>\n

Following an acrimonious 1800 presidential election, Vice President Aaron Burr<\/b> killed Alexander Hamilton<\/b> in 1804. From then on, political divisiveness became a consistent feature of American government. The decades leading to the Civil War, and even after, were blemished with extreme polarization. But national animus was not just a 19th-century theme. The 1960s and 1970s contained assassinations, riots, crime waves, corruption and changing social mores. In fact, there is no time in the history of our country that was not subject to turmoil.<\/p>\n

Yet, our republic not only survived \u2014 it also flourished. As usual, Americans are currently engaged in vigorous debates on numerous policy matters. We are enduring another huge societal and technological shift on par with the development of the printing press.<\/p>\n

Thus, a small trip down memory lane must instill a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for a government and political structure that protects our liberties, obligations and lifestyles. Even those who dislike turkey have plenty of reasons to be thankful.<\/p>\n

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