Mad dog sent me a series of photos from Afghanistan today.  There were pictures of rugged hillsides, loaded weapons and uncooperative clerics.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  There is so much to be thankful for it is difficult to put my gratitude into words.

Imagine being in a place where the fate of the Pittsburgh Steelers just doesn't matter.  I realize that my obsession with the black & gold borders on ridiculous.  And I do marvel at the fact that life in America allows for such diversions, in fact, celebrates them. 

While I watch the Steelers, people in many areas of the world aren't sure where their next meal is coming from. 

This reality creates a certain amount of guilt for me.  If I think about the harsh realities of the world, I blush with the guilt of the worry the next Steeler game creates for me.  I wonder if I will have to answer for this misplaced enthusiasm when my judgement day comes.  I justify my actions by telling myself that I am a good person and will do whatever I can to help. 

Obviously that's a hollow promise, when you realize that I'm not going to Afghanistan any time soon.  In fact, I wouldn't know what to do if I did get there.  Would it do anyone any good if I suffered like the rest of the world's suffering people?

What a country that provides for me, the abundance of food that exists in America.  Can you imagine what an Afghan freedom fighter might think if he was suddenly transported to Martin's and given a few hundred bucks to get a few things for his family?  How lucky are we?

I thought about thanking the good lord for gifting me with a Stanley Cup final appearance for the Penguins last season.  I have in the past thanked God for allowing me to be a small part of the local sports scene by being the voice of the Mountain Lions.  That is truly a blessing. 

I think it will suffice to thank God that I live in America.  We fight for freedom.  Not so much myself, but those wonderful human beings who consider it their duty to protect our freedom.  We fight amongst ourselves and even though we fundamentally disagree with each other, we don't kill each other for our differences.  Ok, in some places for some reasons, there is more killing than there should be.  I do regret that. 

Our country is being overtaken and overrun by interests other than those that we might have been built on, but for the most part, this is the best country in the world.  If it weren't it wouldn't be possible for me to have so many things to be thankful for. 

I am most thankful for my wonderful family.  They are my miracle.  I try to be a good person, but to be blessed with the people I am closest to, is more than anyone could expect in return. 

I apologize for not being able to turn the hell holes of the world into oases.  I am sorry I can't make my way of thinking prevalent, so that all the pain and suffering could be solved rather than continue on in increasing severity.

I thank God I am an American.  For all the trivialities that my life includes, I do know there is much pain, and turmoil.  I pray that good wins.  And I hope the Steelers win the Super Bowl.