Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really had something to be thankful for — annually, not oftener — if they had succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was all on the white man’s side, consequently on the Lord’s side; hence it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual compliments. — Mark Twain
6 Responses
Samuel could be a bit of a killjoy couldn't he?
Thud!
I hope you and all the Thudlettes and min-Thuds are doing great.
Twain could never figure out why people didn't like him after he carved them up in print. He always figured everyone shouldn't take things personally if he kidded around. People on the receiving end had other ideas.
So, me glad we won. Samuel Clemens, in your sober sad moments you know the bloodshed was inevitable and that the White Man would win. So why cry for the Native? Inevitability.
Your great humor and wit and insight couldn't take in the extermination of one culture for another. I suspect that makes you better than we later 20th and 21st Century men that accept the fact with a shrug.
BTW ordered your book on Amazon yesterday…can't wait for it to get here and I can begin reading more of your awesome prose.
Karen
Hello Karen- Thanks for reading, commenting, and for buying a copy of my book. I hope you enjoy it.
All the best from your friend in Maine,
Sippican
White guilt is indeed a cancer on modern society. White i.e. Western civilization is indeed superior to pretty much all that proceeded it. Property rights, right to self and self protection, protection from predation, right to self-governance, etc. I do not believe the pilgrims came here with the intent to kill off the "native"(some would suggest Europeans were here first) population. They came here to live in peace. Trade as required and to learn to love their new brethren.
To believe otherwise would be incongruent and antithetical to western thought.
For what it is worth. I bought and greatly enjoyed "Cows in the Corn" and love your furniture though I have yet to buy some. As I like people who create with their hands. I am a sometimes mechanic and meat cutter who appreciates a well made product.