Family gatherings, turkey with all the trimmings, and a tax bill that could bring economic growth, the likes of which haven’t been seen in over 30 years, inspired me to reflect on the things in my life for which I am most thankful.  

Being born and raised a southerner, my family prides itself on how many pounds of butter are used in preparing Thanksgiving dinner, so I am very grateful for a somewhat speedy metabolism.  But on a larger scale, I am thankful for many of the blessings that the American people and the students of the University of Alabama will enjoy due to the events of the past year. 

First of all, I am thankful that the Republicans now control both houses of Congress and the White House.  This majority will allow for the positive change that is needed to put our country on a corrective path after eight years under the abysmal Obama administration. 

Already we are seeing a drastic drop in unemployment, the potential to end the ridiculous practice of blue slips in judicial appointments, and a tax plan put together by the congressional GOP that will give businesses more freedom in addition to giving more breathing room to the American people suffocating under the vast web of government regulation.  

While the Republicans have not been as unified in their fight against government-controlled health insurance as I would like, it certainly beats the push for a disastrous form of socialized medicine that would’ve been inevitable under a Clinton administration.   

Another direct result of this blessing is the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.  Of all the decisions President Trump has made during his time in office, this one has by far been the one with which I am most pleased.  Justice Gorsuch has proved time and time again in his rulings as a circuit court judge that he is a dedicated originalist and faithful to the intentions of our founders in creating the longest serving constitution ever put in place. 

 Not many judges could consider themselves worthy of succeeding the late Justice Scalia, but Justice Gorsuch was the best candidate for his place on the bench.  His judicial philosophy will have a far reaching impact well beyond the presidency of Donald Trump.  

Speaking of the presidency of Mr. Trump, I am thankful for his support and appreciation of our nation’s military and its veterans.  As discussed in my previous columns, the sacrifices these brave men and women made and continue to make so that we may continue to sleep soundly under their watch must be revered from the top down.  

Yes, even within the government, this vital respect has not been seen of late.  Obama’s VA Secretary, Robert McDonald, used a Disneyland analogy when pressed on why veterans were having to wait so long for basic medical services.  His clumsy parallel was emblematic of what happens when you politicize the needs of our veterans.  A leader with a genuine admiration for our men and women in uniform is needed in order to set the example and culture that will guide our attitudes towards the military in the right direction.  Judging by what I have seen so far, I have the utmost confidence in President Trump’s ability to do just that. 

In October of 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation designating Thursday, November 26th as a national day of giving thanks.  He believed that the Almighty had taken care to assist Americans before the Revolution so that we would achieve independence and establish a constitution. 

Many years later, Abraham Lincoln made it official by proclaiming it a national holiday.  Lincoln declared, “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise.” 

And so all across our nation last Thursday, many of us sat down and did just that.  We broke bread with those who agree with us and with those who do not.  The man who wanted so desperately to heal a divided nation knew even then that we would always need something to bring us together and for that, I am truly thankful.

Jack Kitchin is a sophomore majoring in political science. His column runs biweekly.