America needs calm, thankfulness

America is so unthankful. Millions of people around the world who live in squalor would love to live the life that some complain about here. One who is ungrateful in America will be disgruntled anywhere.

We have no appreciation for the non-violent approach of Gandhi and MLK; hatred, burning cities, anarchy, civil war are self-defeating.

We should be thankful for the wonderful advantages our Constitution, with its rule of law, have provided.

Our hurting, divided nation needs relief. This is the time for big hearts and gracious words. The consequences are too profound to allow rancor to reign.

Yes, there are problems, but the solution is not pulling down our institutions. Flesh rages; God’s Spirit gently uplifts. As the Dalai Lama explained, “When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.”