It is that time of year again when many students and family members gather around the table to participate in the Thanksgiving tradition. Unfortunately, for many people around the world there will be no Thanksgiving, no gathering of friends and loved ones. The democracy, which we enjoy each and every day is oftentimes taken for granted.

In light of this pervasive attitude, we all need to consider the wonderful aspects of our freedom. This year, after the food and spirits have settled and the boisterous conversation has dwindled to a silent purr, let us take time to reflect upon the gifts that our founding fathers provided us.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate these gifts and say thanks--thanks for a society that is free to decide for themselves, thanks for a career that promotes the imagination and spirit of the individual and thanks for a political system that elects the peoples' choice.

We must not let the current political turmoil tarnish our strong commitment to the democratic process. It is our challenge as Americans who have prospered in the past over extreme adversity to hold true to the fundamentals and values typical of a nation deeply rooted in gratitude to the many sacrifices of those who have gone before. Happy Thanksgiving.

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