Citing the Smithsonian in this morning’s Pioneer Press,
Reuben Rosario described the first Thanksgiving dinner: “it was venison, corn,
porridge, lobster and other shellfish. Goose, duck, now long-extinct passenger
pigeons, and possibly wild turkey were reportedly on the menu in 1621 when 53
pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians broke bread together over a span of three
days.”
Much has occurred on this North American continent during
the four centuries since the first Thanksgiving. One can hope and imagine that
the good meal which Rosario described included sensitivity, understanding, and
companionship across races and cultures. A vision we should strive for our
modern world to embody.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for the opportunity
to put my talents to use for the benefit of the community – in partnership with
skilled colleagues at Wilder Research, partners in other organizations, public
officials, and residents.
I appreciate the opportunity to work throughout the U.S. and
in other countries, expanding my understanding and learning from others who
hold very different perspectives. I appreciate living in a country where
research can supply an independent voice, helping us all to determine the usefulness
of a policy, a program, a medical treatment, or whatever.
In looking at the projects undertaken by my colleagues at
Wilder Research, my reflections move quickly to gratitude for their efforts. Because
of the studies they completed, we know that children will get a better start in
life; older people will live in settings better attuned to their needs; communities
who have experienced trauma or inequities will take positive steps forward; agencies addressing the toughest social issues will do so more
effectively through our research. Many more people, communities, and
organizations will do better because of our efforts with them and for them.
In some respects, we wish we did not need to do portions of
the research that we carry out. Our recent survey of Minnesota’s homeless population
offers a good example. We pray that someday we will tackle issues of poverty,
affordable housing, and mental health care to the extent that nobody finds themselves
without an adequate place to live.
Nevertheless, as long as needs exist, we give thanks that we
can do this work and that we can organize efforts to make the world a better
place.
