Why I Celebrate Thanksgiving

I celebrate Thanksgiving becauseI am thankful.
I am thankful to this amazingcountry that we call the United States of America. My grandparents came hereafter they survived concentration camp, and they were plenty thankful that theywere given a refuge after the hell they went through in Europe.They celebrated Thanksgiving every year, with an elaborate meal shared withfriends and relatives. They were more than happy to show their appreciation forthis country.
And while everyone always pointsout America’sfaults and goes on about how horrible it is to live here, and yeah, there are definitelyplenty of things that need to be changed, I think this country is prettyfreaking incredible.
Cool stuff I can do as anAmerican woman without getting thrown into jail or executed:

1. Run a blog that criticizes the government and its officials, as well as religious leaders and practices
2. Worship the god I believe in as loudly as I want to
3. Wear what I want
4. Vote
5. Run for public office
6. Drive
7. Get an abortion
8. Use birth control
9. Pursue a higher education
10. Play in a professional sports team
11. Marry who I want
12. Have a credit card in my own name
13. Own property
14. Get a divorce and have custody of my children
15. Receive equal pay for equal work

I know a lot of these thingsaren’t as great as they seem. No, there is no WNFL, gay marriage is only legalin a few states, and reproductive rights are being threatened and limited everyday (among many other unfair practices). But there are women’s football teamsand leagues, same-sex couples can be united in marriage in a few states, andwomen are able to get abortions and use birth control if they choose. In thenineteenth century (and even the mid-twentieth), most of the things listedabove weren’t even dreamed of, let alone enacted. Other countries are,unfortunately, at the same point as America in 1850.
So that’s why I’m thankful tothis country, and why I celebrate Thanksgiving. Thank you, America.Please continue improving in how awesome you are.