By MIKE MAGEE
A Nation of Contradictions
This Thanksgiving, let us express gratitude for our nation, imperfections included. as noted by filmmaker Ken Burns, America is a tapestry woven from contradictions, and it is precisely this complexity that defines our identity.
The Current political Climate
This past week has been tumultuous; we witnessed former President Trump’s nonchalant remarks regarding the Saudi crown prince’s involvement in the Khashoggi incident while together grappling with revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein that could alter the course of his presidency. Marjorie Taylor Greene encapsulated a shared sentiment when she stated her refusal to be a “battered spouse” waiting for circumstances to improve.
the Search for Hope amidst Turmoil
In light of an unprecedented autocratic challenge facing our democracy, many Americans are seeking glimmers of hope. Is it beneficial for our democratic system to undergo such stress tests that expose its vulnerabilities? Shoudl we reflect on our role in fostering a culture steeped in celebrity worship and accepting extreme inequality? Has rampant capitalism eroded both community spirit and effective governance?
Heroic Public Servants
A beacon of hope shines through the actions of numerous public officials—many being first-generation immigrants—who exhibit professionalism and bravery in their commitment to uphold American values. Citizens yearn for representation from these leaders rather than from those investigating them.
The Power of Compassionate Action
The resilience shown by compassionate individuals who oppose authoritarianism is inspiring. Many have stood against aggressive immigration enforcement alongside organizations like the Catholic Church, which has amplified support for immigrants across the country.
h3>Literary Reflections on Change
< p>I often turn to my son Mike’s book published by University of Alabama Press in 2004 titled “Emancipating Pragmatism: Emerson, Jazz, and Experimental Writing.” This work stems from his doctoral dissertation at the university of Pennsylvania and explores themes found within Ralph Waldo Ellison’s “The Invisible Man” as well as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s philosophies.< h3 >Key Insights from Mike’s Work
< p >What insights dose he offer that resonate today as we approach another Thanksgiving?
< p >On page three: Quoting Emerson—“To interpret Christ requires a Christ…to advocate freedom against oppression one must embody the Declaration of Independence.”
< p >On page seven regarding misinformation: Mike notes how Emerson perceived ‘America’ itself as an evolving text shaped by collective interpretation—a notion suggesting notable social implications stemming from linguistic perspectives.
< p >On page eighteen about conversion and fairness: “Emerson asserts…the philosophy we seek should embrace changeability.”
< p >On page nineteen concerning American culture’s diversity: “‘From democratic ideals enshrined in constitutional documents,’ Ellison observes Americans were crafting their national identity through diverse dialects and cultural expressions.”
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On pages twenty-five and twenty-eight about shaping history:
Mike writes about jazz musicians who play both within their groups while redefining them—a metaphor reflecting how communities evolve together over time.
This week has been significant; progress is evident. we are dynamic beings—not stagnant or powerless—and indeed experiencing “fluxions and mobility.” Yet there remains much work ahead; this should neither surprise nor dishearten us.
On his book’s final page he states,“An emancipated pragmatism emerges whenever creative minds engage meaningfully with democratic principles.”
Democratic – Symbolic – Action represents more than mere words; they embody core values shaping our future narrative. as Ken Burns recently remarked—the American Revolution stands as perhaps history’s most pivotal event as Christ’s birth. by publicly supporting immigrants this week alongside labor movements—the US Conference of Catholic Bishops boldly joined this ongoing revolution against tyranny.
wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Mike magee MD serves as a Medical Historian contributing regularly to THCB. He authored CODE BLUE: Inside America’s Medical Industrial Complex (Grove/2020).