America, like many countries have experienced a wave of high crimes. From suicide bombers to war on the horizon that may include several nations, our world is in turmoil. The beltway sniper had the east coast in a daze for several weeks. When the culprits were apprehended America breathed a sigh of relief. The disappearance of the Sanders sisters had people on edge until they were discovered in a pond near their home. Yet, during their double funeral, witnessing their parents give praise to God brought feelings of joy to those in attendance.

Two young boys were convicted of killing their father, while a mother and father were charged in the death of their children who died from a fire in their home. The Catholic church continues to experience embarrassments in the highest order as a result of sexual crimes committed by church officials.

United Nations weapons inspectors have been deployed to search Saddam Hussein’s compounds for chemical weapons violations which could lead to a major war all around the world. Every time the news comes on television it consists of seemingly nothing but bad news. I remember a song from a Broadway play whose lyrics included, “don’t nobody bring me no bad new.” Every now and again you do not want to hear anything bad. Yet, with all of the things happening in our world it makes you wonder whether we are in our last days.

The rate of unemployment continues to rise and with corporate America involved in so many scandals, relief does not seem to be in sight. The rate of homelessness is still a disgrace in America – a place that is deemed one of the richest countries in the world. The education system continues to be in need of a major overhaul. Teacher pay remains a sin and a disgrace, especially when teachers are some of the most important people in the growth and development of productive citizens in society.

The jail population continues to escalate while historically black colleges and universities face challenges like never before. While it cost taxpayers approximately $30,000.00 per year to incarcerate a young person convicted of a crime, it cost less to educate them in some four year liberal arts colleges and universities.

Nonetheless, the list of woes could be cited until Thanksgiving 2003, however, there is still more to be thankful for than we can possibly imagine. For instance, waking up in the mornings in your right mind. A warm place to lay your head at night. Loving families who show agape love in spite of your shortcomings. Unselfish care givers in an uncaring world. We should be thankful for the briefest moments of peace, joy and happiness.

As you gather during this holiday season, particularly Thanksgiving, for a brief moment forget about all of life’s un-pleasantries and realize that giving thanks is always politically correct in such an un-politically correct society, and that’s a point of view. Happy Thanksgiving.

Point of view is a weekly column. Dr. Holness is a human rights activist and AME Pastor. Please send comments to P. O. Box 8836 Columbia, SC 29203 or e-mail: EGailAndersonHolness@msn.com.