November 23, 2011

 

Dear Fellow Republicans, 

Thanksgiving Day is once again upon us and we find ourselves confronted with the juxtaposed meaning and symbolism of this great American holiday – scarcity and abundance, apathy and compassion, isolation and fellowship. 

The first few Thanksgiving gatherings weren’t exactly what we’ve been told. They were extremely devastating times for our pilgrim forefathers. Half the population of Plymouth Plantation died the first winter and the following two years were essentially failures to the colonists as they pursued a socialist-style approach to forming this new nation. It wasn’t until their leader, William Bradford, banned this failed governing approach in 1623 that the colonists finally began to reap the benefits of their labor and the blessings began to flow abundantly. 

The lesson to be learned from those first few Thanksgivings was the realization that socialism was a profound failure and that the new nation’s future would be short-lived if it pursued a system that failed to reward hard work and respect for personal property. 

This message rings especially true today as we see the “Occupy Movement” attempt to drag our political and economic system down and fundamentally transform American society into a communal socialist bureaucracy that redistributes the fruit of our labor and punishes productivity. 

And this battle to reshape our American way of life has been waging for almost a century. This is why I have always believed that Republican Party principles – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, as articulated in our party’s platform – have withstood the test of time and reflected the true spirit of Thanksgiving. 

This Thanksgiving I am indeed thankful. 

We are still a nation of abundance, overflowing with citizens who voluntarily serve those in need by helping  during times of scarcity and misfortune. 

And contrary to those who claim Americans are obsessed with consumption and mired in apathy, we remain a people who overwhelmingly demonstrate compassion to others and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by our Creator. 

Thanksgiving has never been a time for self-absorption and isolation but rather celebration and fellowship with family, friends and community. We must remember that our strength is derived through our commitment to one another and the common values we embrace: faith, family and freedom. Our fellowship unites us as one people. 

This Thanksgiving, as Americans, we express gratitude for the many blessings received from the earliest beginnings of our nation to the present. We give appreciation for our liberties and especially to those who serve and sacrifice abroad to selflessly defend those freedoms. 

We give thanks for the abundance, compassion and fellowship shared among our friends and family – those we too often take for granted. 

Finally, we express our deepest gratitude to our Creator who we believe established this great republic as a shining city on a hill and a light unto all nations. Without His guidance and blessings, the world would know not the freedom of the ages. 

This Thanksgiving, may God richly bless you and yours. And may He continue to bless this land we love and appreciate, the United States of America. 

Gratefully Yours, 

Tom Morrissey
Chairman, Arizona Republican Party

 

 

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