Among the many things Americans as free citizens have to be thankful for is the right to speak our minds without fear of retribution from authorities.
That does not mean words and deeds are not without ramifications; it simply means that citizens can make statements or protests or endorsements freely.
With that in mind, let's explore opposite ends of the spectrum that devalue each side of the debate about free speech.
First, there is the story of University of Ottawa students who joined the growing number of young adults to join the protest bandwagon. Yes, the soft-pedaled world of higher academia is shaping minds and dulling the mental toughness of those this country will count on to lead the next generation.
The reasons behind the growing number of college protests have ranged from perceived racism to cultural sensitivity about Halloween costumes to a building named in honor of a former U.S. president whom the New York Times called an "unapologetic racist."
Defend or deplore those exercises as freedom acts or folly. The sit-in at Ottawa, though, hinged on the issues of cultural appropriation and its manifestation by Western civilization in the form of yoga. Yes, the "ohhhhmmmm" relaxation exercise is the latest way meanie-pants white people have corrupted and capitalized on others.
Buckets.
Here's the rub. When you protest everything, then you are actually upset at nothing because at that point you are simply the boy who cried wolf. Unless of course PETA gets wind of that and that boy will be put into social timeout for teasing that poor defenseless animal.
Protect, Serve and volley
At the other end of the spectrum, Harris County (Ga.) sheriff Mike Jolley is proud of his political incorrectness.
Jolley posted a sign in front of his office that read, "Warning: Harris County is politically incorrect. We say Merry Christmas, God Bless America and In God We Trust. We salute our troops and our flag. If this offends you - leave!"
Jolley is overwhelmingly popular in Harris County; he is starting his 24th year in office and has won six consecutive elections.
He spent $550 of his own money on the sign that put into words the feelings of the silent majority who are growing more and more frustrated with each passing protest or blame bandwagon.
His passion is undeniable, but not unlike the Ottawa students bent out of shape by the social cultural crimes of yoga, Jolley is flat-out wrong. I completely agree with the bulk of his message - on each point, and if you say or write "Merry X-Mas," then here's hoping you get coal in your stocking.
However, by accepting his office, he realizes that personal feelings are not county business, especially when you very much have the power to force people to leave and our society emphasizes following a law officer's orders.
For a law enforcement official to put forth his beliefs as the statement of the county and to tell those who disagree to take a hike is an awful precedent.
We elect officials because of their beliefs - and Jolley's long run as as sheriff means he's popular there - but we do not vote them in to allow them to threaten others who disagree with them.
More protesting silliness
During the Lions-Eagles NFL football game on Thanksgiving, there were animal protestors who ran onto the field to protest the biggest turkey-eating day in the world. In fact almost 25 percent of the 200-million-plus turkeys used for food each year are consumed on Thanksgiving.
And if you are like me, the turkey sandwiches on white bread (can I say white bread or is that insensitive?) with mayo and pepper over the next week will be greatly appreciated.
Thursday's protest was the work of Animal Liberation Now, so there you go.
"It's not food; it's violence," the sign held by the women running onto the field read. (Is anyone else surprised they didn't have a message about the hurt feelings of eagles everywhere since the Lions carved up the wingless Eagles 45-14?)
In truth though, our love for turkeys actually checks the box of the social movement about making sure everyone is comfortable with their appearance.
Where other than offensive lineman and box-office openings are we more certain to embrace the bigger is better approach than with a good turkey?
(What did the turkey who got pardoned for Thanksgiving say? We're all dressinged up with no place to go. Thanks, and remember to tip the staff.)
Calendar soup
OK, it was Black Friday to be followed by Cyber Monday.
Is it Shopping Saturday and Shoving Sunday this weekend?
Side note: The fact that Black Friday starts now at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving is sad. Shouldn't the retail tomfoolery be left to one day and folks enjoy a day of thanks with their families?
OK, here's another day to take note of: After Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday in the greater Chattanooga area and around the country.
It's a social-media micro-funding campaign to get people to donate to nonprofits on a national day of giving.
It is being led by Causeway and the United Way. Local organizers are hoping to give last year's champion city of Baltimore, which raised $5.6 million on Giving Tuesday, a run for its donated money. And we all know how much pride Chattanooga takes in our online/hashtag dominance. We're the Cyber Saban by golly.
I'm in for Giving Tuesday. Learn more at www.partnershipfca.com, and the giving stream can be followed on Twitter with the hashtags #CHAgives, #givingtuesday, and #partnershipfca.
Until next time.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.