The True Story of Thanksgiving

And the great economic lessons learned at the beginning of our great nation. By Fred E. Fodvary, Senior Editor at Progress.org.

The Thanksgiving Day that millions of Americans celebrate, with turkey and stuffing, is a myth. The true history was forgotten long ago, and even most of the history books have it wrong.

The myth goes like this: The Pilgrims landed in 1620 and founded the Colony of New Plymouth. They had a difficult first winter, but survived with the help of the Indians. In the fall of 1621, the grateful Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving Day and invited the Indians to a big Thanksgiving-Day feast with turkey and pumpkins. There was indeed a big feast in 1621, but it was not a Thanksgiving Day. This three day feast was described in a letter by the colonist Edward Winslow. It was a shooting party with the Indians, but there was no Thanksgiving Day proclamation, nor any mention of a thanksgiving in 1621 in any historical record. The history of the colony was chronicled by Governor William Bradford in his book, Of Plymouth Plantation, available at many libraries. Bradford relates how the Pilgrims set up a communist system in which they owned the land in common and would also share the harvests in common.

By 1623, it became clear this system was not working out well. The men were not eager to work in the fields, since if they worked hard, they would have to share their produce with everyone else. The colonists faced another year of poor harvests. They held a meeting to decide what to do. As Governor Bradford describes it, At last after much debate of things, the governor gave way that they should set corn everyman for his own particular... That had very good success for it made all hands very industrious, so much [more] corn was planted than otherwise would have been. The Pilgrims changed their economic system from communism to geoism; the land was still owned in common and could not be sold or inherited, but each family was allotted a portion, and they could keep whatever they grew. The governor assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number for that end.

Bradford wrote that their experience taught them that communism, meaning sharing all the production, was vain and a failure: “The experience that has had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years, and that amongst Godly and sober men, may well evince the Vanities of the conceit of Plato's and other ancients, applauded by some of later times; that the taking away of property, and bringing into common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing, as if they were wiser than God.”

Their new geoist economic system was a great success. It looked like they would have an abundant harvest this time. But then, during the summer, the rains stopped, threatening the crops. The Pilgrims held a Day of Humiliation and prayer. The rains came and the harvest was saved. It is logical to surmise that the Pilgrims saw this as a was a sign that God blessed their new economic system, because Governor Bradford proclaimed November 29, 1623, as a Day of Thanksgiving.

This was the first proclamation of thanksgiving found in Bradford's chronicles or any other historical record. The first Thanksgiving Day was therefore in November 1623. Much later, this first Thanksgiving Day became confused and mixed up with the shooting party with the Indians of 1621. And in the mix-up, the great economics lesson was forgotten and then discarded by the time the Plymouth Colony merged with the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.

The Pilgrims recognized that the land itself was and should be their common community property, but that it is proper for the fruits of the labor of each person and family to belong to those who produced them. This was the great economics lesson the Pilgrims learned, a lesson that so impressed them that they commemorated it every year thereafter. This should have been a day to remember their vital economics lesson, but this lesson was later forgotten in the mix-up with the shooting party with the Indians!

This bitter lesson would be learned all over again by the people of the Soviet Union, where socialism and communalism of production failed again. Fortunately the Pilgrims, a smaller community in simpler times, were able to switch quickly and realize the great prosperity that comes from applying the geoist principle of the common ownership of land and the individual ownership of labor.

Thanksgiving Day should be remembered not just as a day when we give thanks for our abundance, but more deeply and historically when we recall why we have this abundance. In our Thanksgiving Day celebrations, let us therefore tell one another the true origins of the thanksgiving and the great economic lesson that it rightfully should remember.



Be sure to take a few moments away from the food, family, and football (Three of the greatest things in the world :) and say a little prayer for our troops. They are far away from home on a day that is all about families. They are far away from theirs to do a job that doesn't pay very well and is very dangerous. I can remember Thanksgivings away from my family and I know exactly how hard it can be. God bless you all, and Happy Thanksgiving.

That Time of Year

And I love it...

The smell of fresh baked cookies that my wife, Mother Goose, so lovingly prepares, the lights, the presents, the food, my God, I love all the food. For as long as I can remember the Holidays have always been happy for me. My mom, regardless of how broke we were, always found a way for us to have a good Christmas. Sure we always got some things that we needed but she always made sure we got a lot of things we wanted. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas were a huge deal in our home when I was a kid. That has continued into my adult life.

We're coming up on Thanksgiving and I'm really looking forward to the time with my in-laws. We eat a huge meal that everyone always enjoy. A quick word of advice. When you get married, make sure the person you're marrying has a mother that can cook. That always helps. Anyway, we eat, we laugh and of course we watch football. But it's just a pleasant day with people that I love. It always reminds me of how blessed I truly am. I have a great wife, great kids and I am part of a great family that doesn't just tolerate each other during the Holidays, but truly enjoys being together. Indeed, I am truly blessed and I am thankful for it every day, but I am especially grateful this time of year.

Now, for the hard part. Black Friday. That's right, shopping. We all hate it. The crowds, the rudeness of strangers trying desperately to get the things they're shopping for. I try to keep a good attitude because I do believe attitude is everything. But sometimes, it's just hard because some people get so wrapped up in their own little world, they forget we are living in the greatest country in the world. We are living in a society that will only benefit from our generosity and our kindness.

With that in mind, I'm going to ask each of you to take a little different approach to the madness that is Black Friday. Watch this and then I'll explain afterwords:


I'd like to ask you to do something different this year. When you go shopping this Friday, make it a priority to pick up a gift for a child that is less fortunate than your own. The Untited States Marine Corps Reserve has a program I'm sure you've heard of, Toys for Tots. You can read all about the program at that link. You buy a toy, and drop it off at a location near you. Click here to find your nearest location.

When you go out shopping this Friday, if you focus on doing something nice for a child that is among the less fortunate in your community, I can guarantee you a great feeling. And that great feeling will help you get through the madness that is Black Friday. A selfless act of giving always makes you feel great and in turn will improve your attitude while shopping. And it will give a child something to be grateful for this Christmas.

Thank you for all your donations.

Religion of Peace?

Maybe if we all convert to Islam...

I know, I know. More fear mongering from the conservative bloggers. We really should be ashamed of ourselves for trying to get this message out. I mean, should we really be condemning an entire religion because of the acts of just a few misguided individuals that decide to strap bombs to their chests and run into a crowded restaurant? Well, maybe not. But after watching the trailer below, I just can't help myself. This is a long trailer for the documentary Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West.




This is what we're dealing with people. This is the type of insanity that we're facing. And what words of wisdom come from Rosie O'Donnell, one of the most celebrated liberals on television?

"Don't fear the terrorists. They’re mothers and fathers."

Well, isn't that such a pleasant thought when you consider the trailer you watched a minute ago? I wonder if she's seen this picture of a terrorist mother?

On the show she co-hosts, The View, where Rosie once told her viewers that "radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America," she decided to take the stance that we shouldn't live in fear by telling co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck not to fear the terrorists.

"Faith or fear, that's your choice. You can walk through life believing in the goodness of the world, or walk through life afraid of anyone who thinks different than you and trying to convert them to your way of thinking."

So, we shouldn't live in fear, but Rosie can? She must have been living in fear when she hired an armed body guard to take her kid to school. Hiring an armed body guard sure sounds like the act of a person that is very afraid.

The idiocy of this woman never ceases to amaze me. What amazes me most is she, being a lesbian, should be more afraid of the terrorists than anyone else. I wonder if she's aware that in Muslim countries such as Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and pre-war Afghanistan, homosexuality is punishable by death...

The obsurdity of a homosexual woman defending terrorists as "mothers and fathers" could only come from a leftist. That's because, as I've told you before, Liberalism is the act of standing on your head and telling the rest of the world they are upside down.

Look, do I live in fear? No. Absolutely not. Do I worry about terrorist attacks on our country? Yes I do. I recognize that there are people in this world that want us dead. They want us all dead and for no other reason than we don't believe in what they believe. Perhaps it's because I realize the chances of me coming face to face with a terrorist or being killed in a terrorist attack are slim to none. But that doesn't take away my concern for other Americans. And it would appear to me, by defending terrorists as "mothers and fathers" Rosie O'Donnell neither recognizes the threat to some Americans, or she just doesn't care about some Americans.

My hunch is, it's both.

Happy Birthday Marines

231 Years, and still kickin' ass...

231 Years ago today, a few good men got together in a bar, Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, and formed the greatest band of brothers to ever defend a nation. They decided to set the standard for others to follow. To celebrate and to say thank you, I put together a Power Point slide show that I think you'll enjoy. Turn up your speakers and click the Eagle Globe and Anchor below. When it asks you to open or save, you can open it in your browser or save it to your hard drive and send it to every Jarhead you know.

I encourage you to raise a glass, say a little prayer, and drink to those that have served, those that are serving now, and those that will serve in our Beloved Corps. Semper Fi, and thank you to all who bleed Scarlet and Gold.

Will We See a Real Political Nightmare in Washington?

I really have no idea...

It would be easy for me to jump to conclusions about what yesterday's elections mean to America. I could go on and on about higher taxes, increased security risks, more government bureaucracy, etc, etc... But I don't think that serves much purpose. What's done is done. We've made our choice.

What I have to wonder is will the Dems screw things up enough in the next 2 years to ensure a return us to a Republican controlled House and Senate. Somehow, I doubt it. I don't think 2 years is enough time to screw things up more than they are already screwed. But then again, who knows.

When you listen to some Democrats, you have to wonder how seriouisly you can take them. Presumed new Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said last night in her victory speech and in previous speeches that the Democrats will provide opportunities for "all American's to share in America's prosperity." That's interesting because when President Bush proposed allowing Americans to share in America's prosperity with partial privatization of Social Security, she fought it tooth and nail. So, what will be her plan? More redistribution of wealth by taking from the rich and giving to the poor? That's a nice sentiment if you're Kevin Costner playing Robin Hood in some movie, but in real life, that plan simply doesn't work. Just take an honest look at the Great Society programs and their lack of success will show you that.

For me, it's the differences in philosophy between Liberals and Conservatives that worry me. Yes, I've written about what I believe are communist ties to the Democratic party. It's pretty clear to me that there are communist leanings in today's democratic party. This is not the Democratic party of John Kennedy. They are far left of anything John Kennedy proposed or did.

But, Nancy Pelosi is not why the Democrats won yesterday. From what I can tell, the majority of key races won by Democrats were won by Democrats that moved to the right. Democrat Bob Casey in Pennsylvania is against abortion. Heath Shuler is another Democrat that is very moderate and he won. And in contrast to that, the Republicans that lost are Republicans that moved to the left. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and Mike DeWine of Ohio are two examples of that side of it. I think the Dems will be smart enough to know, they can't hang that sharp left turn that perhaps the leadership would like. This move to the right in key areas was well planned and executed. The Democratic leadership should recognize that and govern accordingly.

Knowing this, I seriously doubt that the Democrats will screw things up bad enough in the next 2 years to return the House and the Senate to the Republicans. And from my perspective, what's best for the country is more important than who is in power. I hope they stay to the center and avoid that sharp left turn at all costs. And honestly, I don't even want to think about the 08 Presidential race. I think our leading contender was George Allen of Virginia and it looks like he won't even win in the Senate.

Yes boys and girls, it looks like we're going to be under Democratic rule for many years to come. And that's a bad position for us because now Conservatism is in the position of things having to go bad for America for us to regain control. That's not a good political position to be in.

Election 06, It's Finally Here

Thank God...

I don't know about you, but I'm so sick and tired of hearing "I'm so and so, and I approved this message." That has to be one of the most annoying and idiotic election laws in the history of this Republic.

I headed straight to my polling place on my way to work this morning and I was the first voter there. No surprise in the small town I live in. I cast my vote, and feel great having done it.

If you'll recall, I have expressed some discontent with my current Congressman, Phil English, in previous posts because he is what I call the Stealth Congressman. He's nowhere to be found and I follow politics pretty close. From everything I've read on him, he just seems like another Washington fat cat that will do what ever somebody tells him to do. His political stance for the most part is inline with mine, but there's just something about him that irritates me. It's a pretty safe bet he's a shoe in to win the Pennsylvania 3rd, but I decided to take a chance.

So I didn't vote for Mr. English. Don't worry, I didn't vote for the Democratic Candidate Steven Porter either. He's a leftist that believes in Universal Healthcare. None for me thanks.

No, I voted for Tim Hagberg of the Constitutional Party. He's a plant manager at a manufacturing facility in Northwest PA and from what I've read, he's more inline with where this country needs to be headed.

I know, I know, people will say I wasted my vote. For some reason, people like to vote for the person they think will win. I don't really get that. If the projected winner doesn't fall in line with what you believe, then why would you vote for him? I am the first to recognize that politics usually comes down to voting for the lesser of two evils. Call me an idealist, but that's what we need to change. We need real people in government. Real people that know how to get things done. I'm thinking a plant manager is someone that fits that category better than some Bush-Bot fat cat that just promotes the party line. And on many issues, I don't care for the Republican party line.

So, I did what I thought was right and I voted for someone that believes in the Constitution and not the party line. And I'll tell you this, I have a clear conscience. I feel better about voting for this guy than I've ever felt about voting against some other guy. Sure, my guy doesn't have a snow balls chance in hell of winning. But we have to start somewhere. Our country is in deep shit and I truly believe if we can get back to basic American thinking, we'll be fine. But we won't get back to basic American thinking if we don't do what we can to make a change. And what I can do today, is vote.

Have a great day and don't forget to vote.

What a Moroon

Senator Kerry, our troops heard you...

Click the pic to enlarge

As they so often do, the troops heard Senator Kerry's message of stupidity and have responded appropriately. This pic was all over the internet within 24 hours of Kerry's comments. So Senator Durbin, Congressman Murtha, our troops hear your words loud and clear as demonstrated by the picture above. So you may want to consider that the next time you compare them to Nazis or call them cold blooded murderers.

How big an idiot do you have to be to badmouth the troops one week out of an election? Let's be honest. The military is a direct reflection of the society it protects. And if you think there are no stupid people in this society, you've obviously never been to Wal-Mart. So yes, there are some less than intelligent people in the military, as with any organization. But what Senator Kerry did was paint a very bad picture a very broad brush.

Honestly, I never realized how intelligent I was until I got into the Marine Corps. But to paint the entire military as uneducated and less than intelligent in a post Reagan / post 9/11 era, one week away from an election is a pefect demonstration of a lack of intelligence.

And he was the best the Dems had to offer in 04. That should tell you all something.