Giving thanks this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a highly anticipated holiday where many of us focus on family, food, friends and football. It is sad that nowadays, Thanksgiving is getting cheapened by Black Friday's consumer plagued shadow - and the very thought of having to work on Thanksgiving should anger us all.  The belief to care for one another - and be there through tough times is an inherent American belief. Just as the Native Americans did for the Pilgrims, and as we do for each other as union members.

We all have much to be thankful for; our families, our neighbors, our union, our work and our country. Even with the nationwide demonstrations and civil strife, you can't help but feel that the American belief to help your neighbor just like the Native Americans did for the starving Pilgrims - is somewhat related to the Wall Street Occupations. Total strangers are helping each other fight in cities across the country. Here in New York strangers from all over the country are walking with us and participating in our union's demonstrations and rallies. It would be easier to only just care about yourself and keep your mouth shut - but none of us are really built that way. It's an American Tradition to care and that's Thanksgiving.

So as we break bread, and gather for a day to share a meal, please take a moment to reflect on all that we have, and be grateful for it. Take a quick second to think of the troops overseas - and the neighbors of yours that are less fortunate. Enjoy Thanksgiving for what it's worth and remember its true meaning. The peace and hope we feel as working Americans on Thanksgiving is a peace and hope that should be felt by all workers - union and non.  And that peace and hope is worth fighting for - in Wall Street, Washington and here on Long Island. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and May God Bless You and our union.