Thanksgiving for me is an every day occurrence because you can always find something for which to be thankful. I used to post those things for which I was thankful on social media every day in November. I decided we should be thankful every day. Yes, even in today’s wacky, upside down world we live in. We should take a page from the Pilgrim’s book on Thanksgiving.
They arrived in New England during late December, a few days before Christmas. The men went to work immediately building houses. Women, children and those who were ill, remained on the Mayflower for another two weeks.
That first winter, starvation, lack of shelter and scurvy took 45 of the 102 immigrants. There were 18 adult women and 13 of them died that winter and one more that May. That meant for the first Thanksgiving the following fall, there were only four adult women living. Yet, they were thankful. The next two years were still lean and starving days for the Pilgrims even though they celebrated that year with Thanksgiving for having made it through. Had they continued in the same way, the whole colony most likely would have starved to death.
You see they had decided to remain as one and to abide to common consent in determining what was best for the community. This was a new concept, a democracy as you will, which was the first step for what would eventually become a republic. This was established by the Mayflower Compact with everyone having a common voice and all obeying the decision of the majority. If they did not agree they could not go their own way.
The result of that was the end of the free market system. It gave them no reason to excel because everyone shared in everything, no matter if some had put more effort into it. This is the heart of socialism. Collective will (mandated share the wealth) corrupts into socialism, which destroys incentive to produce or excel. This in turn leads to shortages and the masses demanding an equal share of what is produced. Since production was lessened, there was not enough to share. This leads to a bankrupt society.
We have talked ourselves into and history has lead us to thinking the Pilgrims enjoyed an abundance of food that Thanksgiving. It was not their truth or reality.
Harvests were not bountiful for at least three years and nearly half of those arriving died. Plymouth also became besieged by laziness and thievery. To alleviate the hunger they were experiencing, many resorted to stealing food.
They did fill their bellies that first Thanksgiving, and though they were grateful, it was briefly lived.
It wasn’t until 1623 that the crops became bountiful, along with those that followed. Governor William Bradford stated that God had given them plenty and that changed the face of things. Their hearts rejoiced for which they blessed God.
What had made a difference for them? They deserted the notion of government owning the means and production and distribution of goods. Instead they chose for the individual to have property and being responsible for taking care of themselves.
Those who chose not to work were choosing to be poor and the government no longer confiscated from those who produced to give to those who did not.
In short, government handouts ended and you worked for what you had and became responsible for your own self. Had they not changed their philosophy, we might have never heard about the Pilgrims because all would have perished.
There’s a lesson in there for us today as well. I still firmly believe those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. Our country is edging closer and closer to socialism and if you don’t believe that, look no further than the recent midterm elections. Florida and Georgia both almost lost to socialists who have invaded and taken over the democratic party. They sell their wares under the guise of progress and it is bought by many who refuse to think for themselves or do any research into what is happening. This generation, including the media, doesn’t realize that these ideas are not new at all and are actually socialist notions.
There used to be a Socialist Party, but they knew that most Americans understood what socialism meant and would keep them out of our government. Therefore to further their cause, they decided to infiltrate one of the parties and the Democrats were the most likely candidates. They snuck quietly in over the past 30 or so years and no one was the wiser.
You see they understand that who controls the information, controls the world. So, they also infiltrated the media, the already liberal Hollywood and our universities. By taking over the media, they are taking over America and many in the media don’t even realize it so they don’t report it. Sadly, it is also infiltrating some churches.
Many in the older generation do recognize it but with each passing generation, our country falls deeper and deeper to socialism. These tactics have transformed society’s consciousness.
I am convinced there will eventually be a One World Order as the older generation dies out and the progress chant grows louder and louder with its hidden agenda.
But not now, and hopefully not on my watch. Those who know better must stand up and be counted. We must fight against the socialist takeover. My favorite form of warfare is on my knees as the results are endless. Let’s join together in prayer.

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com