Here are a Few of My Thankful Things

The City's Pulse Issue #33 Nov. 23, 2007 by Mary Souza
Here are a Few of My Thankful Things Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It helps us refocus our priorities and puts all the silly stuff to shame. I love the way this simple celebration highlights family, food and gratitude for the bounty we have been given. So today, as our turkey dinners are tucked into our memories, and our waistlines, let’s continue the giving of thanks. Elections, politics and backroom maneuvering aside, we live in a wonderful place. Our efforts as citizens to improve and protect what we have is a big part of what makes us great. And it is your support and determination that make me genuinely grateful. Thank you. Please take a moment as you hurry out the door to the bonanza of shopping, to give thanks for our town. Here are some of my hopes and thanks for the terrific community we are privileged to call home: Freedom: In our country, we are guaranteed the freedom to speak up, to question, to expect our government to be honest, without the worry of reprisal. We should be able to run for public office without fearing for our job, our business or our family. We must fight for this right, this freedom above all others, for it is the lifeblood of our democracy at every level. Natural beauty: No way around it, this is why we’ve all stayed in or moved to Coeur d’Alene. The lakes, the mountains, the forests; clean air and water. These gifts are worth the effort to manage carefully; they are worth fighting for. They are even worth going to public hearings, sitting for hours and speaking up for. Parks: We have a fabulous system of parks in CdA and the connections between these parks, as well as with nearby communities, are getting better all the time. Let’s be vigilant, watch the all important details of the process and protect the taxpayers as we go. Schools: Our schools have some terrific teachers and some wonderful resources. With a motivated child and an involved parent, a student can go anywhere from here. The administration of our schools and their allocated public funds need our constant oversight and participation. Idaho Spirit: The strong, independent spirit, characteristic of Idaho, drives our community to its best behavior. Idahoans admire courage and honesty, and disdain backroom manipulations. Let’s continue our “call ‘em as we see ’em” attitude and demand honesty and accountability from our leaders. Integrity: In this tumultuous, post-election season, it helps to remember the best reward is being happy with the person you meet each day in the mirror. Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all of you and your precious families. We are incredibly blessed.

Here are a Few of My Thankful Things

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It helps us refocus our priorities and puts all the silly stuff to shame. I love the way this simple celebration highlights family, food and gratitude for the bounty we have been given. So today, as our turkey dinners are tucked into our memories, and our waistlines, let’s continue the giving of thanks.

Elections, politics and backroom maneuvering aside, we live in a wonderful place. Our efforts as citizens to improve and protect what we have is a big part of what makes us great. And it is your support and determination that make me genuinely grateful. Thank you.

Please take a moment as you hurry out the door to the bonanza of shopping, to give thanks for our town. Here are some of my hopes and thanks for the terrific community we are privileged to call home:

Freedom: In our country, we are guaranteed the freedom to speak up, to question, to expect our government to be honest, without the worry of reprisal. We should be able to run for public office without fearing for our job, our business or our family. We must fight for this right, this freedom above all others, for it is the lifeblood of our democracy at every level.

Natural beauty: No way around it, this is why we’ve all stayed in or moved to Coeur d’Alene. The lakes, the mountains, the forests; clean air and water. These gifts are worth the effort to manage carefully; they are worth fighting for. They are even worth going to public hearings, sitting for hours and speaking up for.

Parks: We have a fabulous system of parks in CdA and the connections between these parks, as well as with nearby communities, are getting better all the time. Let’s be vigilant, watch the all important details of the process and protect the taxpayers as we go.

Schools: Our schools have some terrific teachers and some wonderful resources. With a motivated child and an involved parent, a student can go anywhere from here. The administration of our schools and their allocated public funds need our constant oversight and participation.

Idaho Spirit: The strong, independent spirit, characteristic of Idaho, drives our community to its best behavior. Idahoans admire courage and honesty, and disdain backroom manipulations. Let’s continue our “call ‘em as we see ’em” attitude and demand honesty and accountability from our leaders.

Integrity: In this tumultuous, post-election season, it helps to remember the best reward is being happy with the person you meet each day in the mirror.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all of you and your precious families. We are incredibly blessed.