With Thanksgiving now upon us, many will write their annual obligatory comments on Facebook, Twitter, via text messages and so forth.

These messages will run the gamut from simple (“Happy Thanksgiving”), to the spiritual (“Give God glory and thanks on this day for all of His blessings”), to political (“This day commemorates the white man’s betrayal of Native American humility and generosity.”) I too, participated in this ritual of praise and gratitude. This morning I posted the following:

There is no law that says we must mimic others’ cultural practices, or share their identical values or narratives. I have learned to give thanks every day. No words can adequately express how thankful I am for life, family, friends, political comrades, and the ability to earn my living by serving my people. I also thank those of you who take time to read my essays, purchase my books hire me to…