Thanks-giving

I hope we all have a lot to be thankful for today, but I've got one thing in particular: you.  I'm honored and humbled that people take the time to stop by on a regular basis and read what I have to say.  I remarked to a friend recently that keeping this site going is like having an essay assignment every single day (sadly, these postings don't write themselves, and they can take a lot more time than you might imagine); it's relentless, and that does start to wear at times.  But one of the things that keeps me going when I occasionally think about hanging it up is the reward of knowing that a lot of smart people I've never met are interested in hearing my take on the world.  So, thanks to all of you.

And a special thanks to those who take the time and effort to contribute to the site themselves, by sharing their thoughts and turning what could be a boring sermon into a much more interesting discussion (the first time two people were talking to each other in comments was a big thrill for me).  Anyone who's been reading here for a while knows this site is like an iceberg—there's the small bit that's obvious to the casual observer, and the equally interesting but much larger part you don't see from the surface.  It's inordinately pleasing to me that a bunch of articulate and intelligent folks choose to offer their views here, and I'm always impressed by the level of thought that goes into it.  Even when I don't respond you should know that I read and appreciate every comment.

(If you were in the first group but not the second, why don't you consider decloaking now and again to share your views?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to hear what you have to say.  And that way you'll get the even-more effusive praise the next time around—and you can't really put a price on that, now, can you?)

So thanks again, and whether you're eating tofu or murderbird, here's hoping you have a delectable Thanksgiving with people you love.

Comments

[JMC]

Hey John--thanks to you for your work putting together this blog! I've been reading it for about a month now, since I got sick of Common Dreams turning into the Daily Kos. I see we share very similar opinions on national politics. I also live in SF and am very involved in local politics, which is not (quite) as depressing as the national scene. Keep up the good work, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[KDelphi]

my "family" fell into substance idiocy again.....pleeze wish me happy non-turkey day.........hope stupidly sprang again---but never again--eternal--thanks and xmas be better

[Harold M]

Murderbird?! That's a wonderful, grim, funny, really grim neologism.

[John Caruso]

And just in case my mention of tofu created any misimpressions, I had some very tasty murderbird and gravy today.

[KDelphi]

I'm sorry I posted what I did--I wont bother no more

[John Caruso]

KDelphi: Not at all...sorry to hear you're having a rough day, and I hope things get better.

[cemmcs]

I enjoy this website very much and I always make a point of stopping by to check out your latest posting. Happy Thanksgiving and keep up the great work.

[Harold M]

Hey, KDelphi, I do wish you a happy non-turkey day and I'm sorry to learn your hopes were dashed. I'm sorry, too, that I sailed right by your comment without at least wishing you well. I was so pleased at finding out about murderbird that blurted out the first thought I had. My best wishes to you and hopes for a better xmas.

John, I feel I should be able to like tofu, but I can't bring myself to treat it as anything other than a unhappy duty. I know many ways to prepare it. People who can enjoy it say I do that well. But... I find it grim in a non-funny, non-wonderful way. In the confessional spirit, I'm a murderbird-hater too. Not from any ethical objections, but thanks to having cooked several tons of it over the years. When I close my eyes, an endless train of stainless steel chafing dishes, burdened with sliced turkey, passes in front of me. It's probably just as well that I managed to weasel out of any holiday obligations.

[Rosemary Molloy]

John, yours is one of the first I turn to evary day. It's impassioned, but clear and to the point. If only, if only, yours and others could be circulated to the vast majority who believe in the ruling class and parrot their inane slogans. Sigh...

[Duncan]

Thanks to you, John, and all I can add to what others have said is, like, Megadittos!

[KDelphi]

Thanks, peeps...I am, nonetheles, embarrassed..

[Save the Oocytes]

A lot of intelligent people comment here--and me!

[John Caruso]

Humility is a fine personality trait, but there are two problems with your statement: 1) you're a math PhD candidate and 2) you haven't commented in about a month now.

[Gnome Chomsky]

I am a tofu-eater, but "Murderbird" is now the name of my new band.

[petey]

you're welcome john. you're very welcome. [/'sly' icon]

[sadie]

murderbird!!!rotflmfao!!!!

I love reading this blog. I'm inclined toward dewey eyed hope sometimes and while that can be nice, clear eyed assessments of reality are also good.

[Save the Oocytes]

Sorry, nothing good to say. As a vegan, I appreciate "murderbird." I think I will scream on this subject next Thanksgiving when I hose my loving relatives down with hog blood.