If one begins with the premise that Man is perfectible, one will always be frustrated about the deplorable condition of much of the world (in Romans 8, Paul writes about how God has built "futility" into the world "in hope" that the world will turn to Him). We have conflict with each other, because too many of us are in conflict with God: not accepting His existence; not obeying His commands; rejecting His salvation.

In the midst of conflict and chaos, we can be thankful that we live in America which still guarantees the freedom to worship, or not, according to one's own conscience and that until recently we have largely been protected from the consequences of religious and ethnic tensions that grip much of the world. That has changed since 9/11, but America remains the last best hope on Earth. If it didn't, so many would not want to come here -- legally and illegally!

Thanks must have an object and Thanksgiving has traditionally been understood in the context of thanking God for His many blessings. That never changes, no matter our political surroundings or personal circumstances.