Thanksgiving will be here next week. 

            It is usually a time for gathering with family and friends to enjoy good company and, perhaps, a good meal, and football.

            While that's certainly not a guarantee in 2025, it may be your own fault.

            Family and friends have taken their hatred for the United States and/or the government from the portals of social media.  In the past, it seems like family and friend arguments were verbal and most often ended with an agreement to disagree.

            But, now that one's words can be sent to the accounts and screens of thousands of people by depressing the enter or send key, your offensive screed can be enjoyed, or despised by all, perhaps even stolen to be directed to persons they hate.

            Many Thanksgiving visits have been cancelled.  Some folks are afraid they'll be dissed for their actions over the year.  Some may fear a confrontation at the dinner table.  Others may have just found a new way to hate a special person and shared it on social media, and now think it's too late to reconcile, or maybe they have no desire to reconcile.

            Stop it – we have to be better, and we can be better. Stop following so-called social media influencers, local and others, who enjoy spreading hate.  They only embarrass themselves.

            It's never too late for friends and family to be friends and family.

            Stay civil and air your conversations in a positive manner.  Or, you can just ignore the controversial subjects for one day.  You don't have to agree, but you are still friends and/or family.  Even if it's just one day.

            Maybe that one day will lead to more; here is hoping it will.

            Happy Thanksgiving.