Happy Thanksgiving

Reflecting back on past Thanksgivings, tomorrow is a very mixed bag. The world is in so much trouble and turmoil. About one child dies every five seconds from hunger or hunger-related causes. [Source] To bring things closer to home, there is this news:

Fueled by rising unemployment and food prices, the number of Americans on food stamps is poised to exceed 30 million for the first time this month, surpassing the historic high set in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.

The figures will put the spotlight on hunger when Congress begins deliberations on a new economic stimulus package, said legislators and anti-hunger advocates, predicting that any stimulus bill will include a boost in food stamp benefits. Advocates are also optimistic that President-elect Barack Obama, who made campaign promises to end childhood hunger and whose mother once briefly received food stamps, will make the issue a priority next year. [Washington Post]

Fortunately, I still have a job, an income, a roof over my head, food to eat, pretty good health, good friends, transportation, etc. I count my blessings. Many of us are in very bad situations and have few to count. Do what you can to help those less fortunate, even if all you can spare are a few cents. Give!

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife took their daughters to work at a food bank on the day before Thanksgiving, saying they wanted to show the girls the meaning of the holiday, especially when so many people are struggling.

Ten-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha joined their parents to shake hands and give holiday wishes to hundreds of people who had been lined up for hours at the food bank on Chicago's south side. [AP]