Weekly Address — November 27, 2019

From the festive hallways of the most beautiful state Capitol in our great nation, this is Senator Keith Ingram wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.

As Americans, we have so much to be thankful for, it’s easy to lose sight of how blessed we truly are.

A lot of people are upset over the state of affairs in Washington. In fact, they’re as mad as they can be, but we can be thankful that they have the freedom to voice their unhappiness.

We get tired of all the political ads that bombard the air waves during election years, but we can also be thankful that every group is free to sponsor those ads.

You can vote for anyone you please, and you can support any political party you choose. You can gripe about elected officials on talk radio and in letters to the editor.

No government body will ever even consider punishing you for expressing your political opinions. That’s not the case in many parts of the world.

Here’s another example: at local school board meetings, the state Board of Education and in legislative committees, there is constant debate over education policy and school standards.

We are blessed that we can be a part of our children’s education. In so many places, classwork is limited to a strict agenda that never deviates from the accepted party line.

If you want to start your own business, you are free to do so. Of course you have to pay taxes, but you don’t have to bribe a corrupt government official.

You are free to worship wherever you please, and with whomever you choose. That is truly a blessing.

So this Thanksgiving, let’s all take the time to remember how fortunate we truly are. Our list of blessings is a long one.

From the Capitol, it is always my greatest honor and most sincere privilege to serve you as your state Senator. This is Keith Ingram.