Despite what many of us believe – We all have a lot to be thankful for as we begin the 2018 holiday season with Thanksgiving.
Tomorrow our concentration will be on shopping until we drop – But today is a time for family, friends, reflection and over eating.
Indeed, we have a lot to be thankful for and despite political differences, each and every one of us must all be thankful that we live in the United States of America – The land of the free and the home of the brave.
Locally here in Sullivan County, I am thankful for the resolve of our community and those always willing to help people in need.
Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers providing thanksgiving meals to those who otherwise would have none.
Our firefighters, ambulance workers, members of civic and religious organizations continually go above and beyond their call of duty for us.
We all must be thankful to our members of our law enforcement community and those in the military who constantly risk their lives for us. These people have a spirit in them that words cannot express.
Thank you to our hardworking underpaid prosecutors who could earn so much more in the private sector. Thank you to all our hardworking members of our Judiciary.
Thank you to our teachers who do some much to educate our youth.
Thank you to our dedicated Sullivan County workforce. These people often are taken for granted. They are underpaid and overworked.
The problems facing Sullivan County are very real, and it has become increasingly hard for people to enjoy a quality healthy life here. We are still one of the poorest and unhealthiest Counties in New York State. Hopefully that is beginning to change.
Although I am often critical of our elected officials – I am equally grateful for all they do.
Hopefully the “Mouth That Roars” column and the Sullivan County Post Facebook group assist in creating honest open dialogue throughout Sullivan County.
As family and friends gather during the next several weeks – We should also keep in mind that the holidays are not a joyous of time of year for many people. There are those who are alone and tend to become sad and lonely. Depression is known to occur more frequently, as the days get shorter and it becomes colder. We must be thankful to all our charitable organizations that are there for those in need.
Thanksgiving has become a difficult time of year for me since the horrific sexual assault and tragic passing of my developmentally disabled sister Paula. I pray that “Paula’s Law” mandating surveillance cameras be placed outside of all state run group homes and day programs will one day become law to protect our most vulnerable.
The holiday season is a time we should embrace all fellow human beings no matter their race, creed, color, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Let’s all be thankful for what we have and share the joy with those around us.
Dudley and Gracie are thankful for their loving home and they asked me to remind everyone to please leave out an extra bowl of food for that stray cat.
Let’s keep the spirit of thanksgiving alive all year long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Bill