The Thanksgiving Message

by Kevin Ganster

Bloomberg's Caroline Baum recounts the true story of Thanksgiving and suggests what the pilgrims learned centuries ago still hold lessons for us today. Baum recalls the harsh winters and low crop yields in the Plymouth Bay Colony in Massachusetts during the settlers' first few years. Half the Pilgrims died or returned to England in the first year. Those who remained went hungry. In spite of their deep religious convictions, the Pilgrims took to stealing from one another. The settlers initially tried collective farming to turn things around. The results were disastrous. Productivity fell and young men resented the fact that the fruits of their labor were going to others who weren't pulling their weight. Finally, in 1623, it was decided to give each family its own plot of land and let them farm it and reap what they sowed. The results were miraculous. Writes Baum:

With proper incentives in place, the Pilgrims produced and enjoyed a bountiful harvest in the fall of 1623 and set aside ‘a day of thanksgiving' to thank God for their good fortune. We now know the Pilgrims' good fortune had nothing to do with luck. In 1623, they were responding to the same incentives that, almost four centuries later, are recognized as necessary for a free, productive, and prosperous society. Just how necessary, we're about to find out.

And more thanks from our members:

"I am thankful that I have the opportunity to participate in carrying out the mission of Creative Associates International, Inc., a values based and well managed women owned and minority owned company that is of service to our clients, communities, families, and children around the world through support for education and democratic transition. I am also thankful for our membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an organization that provides leadership in key issues such as education reform, workforce development and comprehensive immigration reform." -- Stephen Horblitt, Creative Associates International, Inc.

"We are thankful for our founder Bob McNichols and the McNichols Family who instilled core Christian values  and a culture of family, integrity, trust, customer service, and positive attitude that not only has helped us grow but gives us hope for the future in these uncertain times." -- Herb Goetschius, McNichols Company

"Faith, Family and Friends!" -- Mel Haas, Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP