Jeff RhodesWas there ever a year during which less happened to be thankful for than 2020? Even 1941, the year the U.S. entered World War II wasn’t spoiled until Dec. 7.
This year has been an almost unmitigated disaster from the start.
The elephant in the room is the lingering COVID pandemic, which would have been bad enough if it were simply distinguished by illness and fear of death. But thanks to the reliably arrogant and ham-fisted overreaction of our “leaders” in government, we also had to contend with mask requirements, social distancing and massive business closures that have devastated the economy — to say nothing of the lives and dreams of millions of Americans.
But wait, there’s more.
We’ve also had to endure open warfare in our streets, racial unrest and the spectacle of a phony impeachment scandal — all orchestrated by the leftist forces that, in November, captured the White House under circumstances that have left many questioning the sanctity of our very election infrastructure.
Lastly, on a personal level, the Freedom Foundation was rocked by the death this fall of longtime board chairman Steve Neighbors.
It’s hard to remember a year that brought with it such turmoil, and at this traditional season of Thanksgiving, it would be easy to descend into cynicism and conclude the only thing we have to be grateful for is that 2020 is nearly finished.
But we’re not of a cynical bent here at the Freedom Foundation.
Somehow, in the face of adversity, we still recognize we live in the greatest country on earth, and battered and bruised though they may be, the institutions that made it so still survive.
And so does the Freedom Foundation.
Despite the fervent wishes and frequent hostile actions of our adversaries, we end the year as we began it — strong, resilient and more determined than ever to promote and preserve the cherished ideals of free markets and limited, accountable government.
To be sure, we expect some of our recent gains to be rolled back in the next year or two — with many others facing serious challenges. But even if we lose a few yards in the process, we’re still on our opponents’ side of the field and throwing for the end zone.
To paraphrase Gen. George S. Patton (or at least the unforgettable motion picture that did so much to define him), we don’t like paying for the same real estate twice around here. So we plan not only to tenaciously safeguard our hard-won gains, but also to move onward to new and important victories.
Our team of freedom warriors — to say nothing of our stalwart board — have taken the worst the enemy can dish out and emerged on the other side leaner, meaner and tougher for the ordeal.
That in itself is an enormous blessing for which we are truly thankful. But once again, there’s more.
There’s also the unwavering support of our legions of donors and supporters who make it all possible.
May your holiday be filled with all the cheer our would-be oppressors on the left hopes it lacks.
Be healthy, be hopeful and be happy. Better days are ahead.