As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, we’re also preparing for an overload of turkey, pumpkin pie, and relatives.
Thanksgiving is about more than getting a food coma. It’s about getting together with your loved ones and giving thanks for all that we are thankful for in life.
One of my favorite annual traditions is having a select group of lucky friends over to the house for “Friendsgiving” and hearing the different things that they are thankful for that year. I’ve been hosting a Friendsgiving for nearly 20 years – long before the term even existed.
This year, I’m doing things a little different. Instead of a dinner at my house, I’m hosting a virtual Friendsgiving right here with all of you – the great readers of the Right by the Bay blog.
As we grasp hands virtually, let me share with you a few of the political things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:
- PRI’s California Reform Ideas – I’m thankful for the many California reform ideas put forward this year by PRI – from Kerry Jackson’s issue brief outlining several free-market proposals to address the state’s housing crisis to Lance Izumi’s ongoing work promoting blended learning and school choice. My colleagues will be putting forward many more California reform ideas in the months ahead on issues ranging from poverty to education reform to the economy. Now if only our elected officials would listen!
- The Demise of This Year’s Legislative Turkeys – I’m also thankful that despite long odds, some of this year’s “legislative turkeys” did not make it through the Legislature. From the single-payer food fight to a costly and unworkable proposal for 100 percent renewable energy and a dangerous bill to put Dog the Bounty Hunter out of business and threaten our public safety, there were many turkeys that were blocked this year.
- California’s gubernatorial candidates – Finally, a surprising thing that I’m thankful for – the interesting cast of characters running to be California’s next governor. Next year’s election will feature an important debate about the role of government and the future of the state’s economy and way of life.We’ve got it all, from a movie star handsome Lt. Governor (and Santa Clara grad!) who fits in with Hollywood, to a reform-minded former mayor of Los Angeles who isn’t exactly Mr. Clean, to a very competent statewide office holder who isn’t exactly Mr. Excitement, and even a couple of GOP candidates – plus a former school superintendent – who struggling to do anything (even get arrested) to get some attention.
Hopefully California’s next Governor will seize upon PRI’s California reform agenda as their platform for the state’s future!
I wish all my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Tim Anaya is communications director for Pacific Research Institute.
