I was at the store last evening picking up a last minute item needed by someone in the house to make something to put in my mouth today. The place was packed and the cash registers were beeping like crazy.

The young man behind the counter checking me out wished me a “Happy Thanksgiving” and I returned the sentiment. And then I added, “I hope you don’t have to work tomorrow.” His response irritated me, though it was really no fault of his own. 

You see, he has to work today, at a grocery store, on Thanksgiving. That is the totally irritating part! The poor kid will spend at least half of his day working instead of being with family or friends, all because we as a society are too damn selfish to let people stay home.

You know what they used to do if they forgot the olives, or cranberries, or whatever? THEY WENT WITHOUT and made due with what they did have! No stores were open and everyone survived without whatever was missing. Because, really, did they need it that bad?

No one was working (well, except for first responders – and we’ll talk about that in a second). Why have we become a society of consumers and “me first”? It really is all our (me included, though I have made great effort over the years not to be) fault. We have made this mess.

Anyway, there are people working today which I suppose is a necessary evil. First responders (fire, police, hospital, ambulance, etc) are all on the job today keeping people safe or saving people. I am thankful for them. They sacrifice for us and that we should be grateful for.

So, Piss and Moan is sorta thankful today…is it possible to be only partially thankful and still not be an ass? Eh, who cares. Happy Thanksgiving.