Things I’m Not Thankful For This Thanksgiving

rockwell's thanksgivingWith another Thanksgiving upon us, it’s that time again to think about what we are thankful for in this life.  I have many things in my life to grateful for, including having good health, the support and love of my family and friends, a career that make me happy and the freedoms and opportunities I have living in the United States.

However, there are a lot of things going on the world today that I am not thankful for, such as:

International terrorism: I absolutely hate everything ISIS, Boko Haram and other terrorists stand for and the violent actions they have taken on innocent people around the world.  There will have to be a breaking point when the world really comes together to smash these violent thugs.

Domestic terrorism: In addition to worrying about a suicide bombing afar, America also has to deal with random mass shootings by mentally unstable people who shouldn’t have access to guns.  Unarmed black men have to fear for their lives because the police automatically shoot first and ask questions later.  Something is seriously wrong!

Politics: If the best this country can do is have Trump, Carson or Bush as possible presidents,  we are doomed.  While I support Hillary, she is still the lesser of the evils.  In a more ideal world, I would vote for Bernie, but Wall Street would just smash him.

Divisiveness: It feels like this country has become more divisive on multiple levels.  Thanks to people like Trump and Carson, it is now okay apparently to be openly racist, xenophobic, homophobic or Islamophobic.   Whether we are talking about Black Lives Matter or immigration, why can’t people just agree to disagree on issues and still be civil.  Try to remember this when having Thanksgiving dinner with your argumentative relatives.

Mean-spirited people: This is related to divisiveness, but really people who are always looking for a reason to put other people down.  Pay no mind to people like that because they usually have their own insecurities and karma has a way of finding them.

MBTA: You have heard me complain about my city’s horrible public transit system many, many times.  If the MBTA handles snow emergencies this year the same way they did last year, I swear I will be out in the streets with other disgruntled Bostonians with our pitchforks protesting at City Hall and the State House.

Holiday Shopping Craze: The holiday shopping season traditionally starts the day after Thanksgiving, but it is starting earlier every year.  Some stores will even be open on Thanksgiving Day!  I still don’t understand how one gets into the holiday spirit by standing in a line overnight just to get into a shoving match with another hapless customers over a $10 toaster.

Tech Overload: As much as I love technology, I don’t live my whole life online.  This holiday season, unplug yourself from your mobiles and computers and make real connections with actual people in person!

Maybe everybody should just be play Adele all Thanksgiving.