WE’RE ALL WINNERS

Just like Al Gore, John Kerry’s most human moment during his entire campaign for the presidency was his concession speech. As I sat crying in relief that it was over and we had won, I heard him say something I will never forget.

He said that no matter who you voted for, we’re all winners:

In an American election, there are no losers, because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as Americans. And that is the greatest privilege and the most remarkable good fortune that can come to us on earth.

That is one of the most moving statements I have ever heard from any politician, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, right or left.

All my life, I have always thought it was the coolest thing on planet Earth to be an American. I have been to something close to 200 countries and political jurisdictions in the world, and whenever someone asks me, “Where are you from?” it is a special thrill to be able to answer, “America – I’m an American.”

Thanksgiving is the unique American holiday. We share Christmas and Easter with every other Christian nation. Most every country celebrates its Independence Day, and the birthdays of their founding heroes. Thanksgiving is ours, where we give our deepest thanks to Providence for the extraordinary gift of America to mankind.

Other countries have their special times to celebrate their uniqueness, when their citizens take justifiable pride in their country’s achievements, and all to the good. Thanksgiving is America’s Day, the time when all Americans – all – get to celebrate the achievements of the most successful society in history.

It is not, though, a time for hubris. Giving such thanks for being American is a curiously humbling experience. Humbling in an Einsteinian sense. There’s a story about Albert Einstein attending a scientific conference with a friend, who points out a young promising physicist. “Professor Anderson,” Einstein’s friend comments in admiration, “is a very humble man.” Einstein looks at his friend with scorn, and replies derisively, “Humble?? He hasn’t done anything yet to be humble about!”

Just as Einstein had accomplished more to be humble about than any other scientist, so America has accomplished more to be humble about than any nation in the saga of civilization. It’s funny how real pride and real humility are two sides of the same coin.

So primarily, Thanksgiving is the opportunity to express our gratitude towards Providence for the humbling honor of participating in and contributing to a civilization that stands at the pinnacle of history, a civilization that the Greeks would have called makarios – blessed.

For me personally, it is an opportunity to thank all of you. Quite frankly, it is an honor to write for you, for people whose values I share. It is also an opportunity to thank those of you who have taken the time to write to me. My confession is that I am in total email overwhelm. I have yet to figure out a way to respond to each and every one of you individually. For those to whom I have not answered, please accept my apology.

And for all of you , please accept my deepest wishes for the Happiest of Thanksgivings. This November every American has so very much for which to be thankful.