Give thanks, but not for our politics

The celebration of Thanksgiving is as old as this nation itself. George Washington proclaimed the first official Thanksgiving, declaring that it was an opportunity to “unite in rendering unto [God] our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the people of this country…the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty…and for the civil and religious liberty with which we are all blessed.”

From that first proclamation onward, our political leaders have used Thanksgiving as an opportunity to pause from politics and take the opportunity to remember the blessings and advantages that we have as a people and as a country, even in times of great conflict. Abraham Lincoln was the first to set aside a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, encouraging the American people to give thanks for the “blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies” and the progress the nation continued to make despite the tragedy of the Civil War.

{mosads}In 1944, as victory in World War II appeared close, yet with many hard days ahead, Franklin Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving was an opportunity give thanks “for the preservation of our way of life from the threat of destruction, for the unity of spirit which has kept our nation strong, for our abiding faith in freedom, and for the promise of an enduring peace.”

Even in moments of great national challenge, Thanksgiving is a reminder that this country has enjoyed an exceptional history in the bounty and resources of our lands, the heroism and creativity of our people, and an ability to maintain our core tenets while also renewing and adapting to a constantly changing world. However, of late, our politics has failed to rise to the standard of the greatness of our country, and the pall of partisanship and incivility that pervades politics now extends to the Thanksgiving dinner table.

A recent study indicated that Americans were shortening the time they spent with family at Thanksgiving, with political differences being a likely cause. As politicization creeps into family life, it seemingly reinforces the divides that we see between Republicans and Democrats, rural and urban Americans, and levels of education. Even when Americans take a break from the kitchen and dinner table to watch football, they cannot escape the political controversy of pregame ceremonies.

The issue is not whether we are political partisans. Inevitably we all have our political viewpoints, and they will likely differ from those of family and friends. But when we allow politics to build barriers between those closest to us, how can we hope to bridge the divides that challenge our nation?

Perhaps the answer is not to hide our politics, but rather challenge ourselves to be better partisans. Harkening back to the statements of our great presidents giving thanks, we can understand that we all share in the greatness and bounty of our nation, and that our political differences don’t give us a greater claim to love of country than those across the aisle.

Take the opportunity to learn the nuances of political viewpoints of others. Focus on the shared experiences of family and kin and remember that we have shared experiences and values as Americans that transcend political party. These conversations and understandings can stand as a contrast to those who benefit from our divisions, which politicians harness for votes and the media fosters for profits.

Finally, we can remember those in our families and communities who are not celebrating Thanksgiving at home, as they instead celebrate it in mess halls and chow tents in remote outposts. Their Thanksgiving is not divided by politics, but united by the flag on their uniform. George Washington’s first Thanksgiving proclamation contained a unique exhortation to the American people. They are wise words that are equally applicable today.

Unique among the nations of the time, the American people were sovereign, and Washington’s proclamation reflected the inherent responsibility of a democracy when he said, “We may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and ruler of nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people…to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations…and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord.”

Dan Mahaffee is senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C.