The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

A reminder of the history of this holiday by Earl P. Holt,
"Despite the quaint stories taught in school as part of some sort of “multicultural appreciation curriculum,” Thanksgiving has nothing to do with Indians saving the early colonists from starvation: That never happened. Instead, Thanksgiving is actually America’s National Holiday, in which we celebrate our deliverance from socialism and collectivism.

The earliest recorded settlers in the New World landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. On their voyage across the Atlantic, these Pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact, which was also the first recorded instance of a socialistic political economy in North America.

Among many other things, (not all of them bad,) participants in the Mayflower Compact agreed that everyone would contribute to a common store of food and other goods, and that each person would have an equal share in its ownership and use.

The Governor-General, William Bradford, wrote a detailed history of the Mayflower Company, (”Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647.”) In it he commented that there was a great deal of sloth among some of the strongest and most able members, who voiced the opinion that it was unfair that they should make a disproportionately large contribution to the common store but, in return, receive a share no greater than that of any other.

Consequently, much arable land was left fallow, and by the Winter of 1620-1621, their already meager food stores began to dwindle. Approximately one-third of the Mayflower Company died that first winter, most succumbing to starvation and diseases associated with starvation.

The following year, the socialistic elements of the Mayflower Compact were jettisoned, specifically, those dealing with this common food store and the equal division of shares among members. The institution of private property was re-established and vigorously defended. Members were free to work for their own good on their own plots of land, and were also free to dispose of the fruits of their labor as they saw fit.

As a consequence of the economic benefits of private property, the following year produced such an enormous bounty that these early colonists were beside themselves with gratitude. As a gesture of their gratitude to God for their great fortune, they established a national day of Thanksgiving, and even invited friendly Indians to share in their bounty."
May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving with Family and Friends!
x, M.