In case you missed it, Thanksgiving edition:
Gary Sinise shares why he's 'beyond grateful' for America's veterans.
Please, don’t: The White House Chief Of Staff tweeted a special holiday message on how to confront your family and defend Biden at Thanksgiving.
This article on Real Clear Politics reminds us of a few things for which we, as Americans, can be thankful.
Dear Friends —
Today is a wonderful American holiday.
It brings us closer to loved ones and reminds us of the many blessings we all have. High on all of our lists should be the truly unearned privilege of being born in the United States. (For overseas readers of this newsletter, know it’s too hard for us not to be grateful.)
And while political discussions are likely to work their way into your dinner conversation, I have one piece of advice I wish that I’d learned years ago: don’t win.
Don’t try to win an argument with your daffy niece that socialism has actually been tried before, leading to mass murder. Or try to finally prove to your brother how absolutely wrong he is on gun control.
I’m not saying be mute. If asked, explain why you believe what you do. But once people get into “debate” mode, few minds are ever changed.
This is my fifth year living in the San Francisco area, where my views are as rare as snowballs. When conversations with friends turn political, I do my best to first make it clear that I don’t view those with differing views as the enemy. They’re not. Even if they’re 100% wrong on everything they’re not evil lib, but a friend, a neighbor, an American.
The less I care about changing their mind, but explaining my own, the more success I’ve had in doing both. To me, the ultimate compliment isn’t “Ok, I’m dumb, you won” (which never happens) but, “Hmm, I’ve never thought about it like that before.”
Enjoy your day today. We’ll get back to politics on Monday.
— Ken
PS: If you have any good anecdotes from today, write them up in the comments!
Beautifully written and reveals a very appealing, and most likely effective, form of communication with the misinformed. Thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving for all, accept the Turkey, oh he is the guest of honor! Thank you Gary S for your contributions to ALL.
“In God We Trust.”