By Bob Morgan, Jr.

Each year at this time I do a column celebrating the many things for which we can be thankful. In some ways, I guess, the column can be a little repetitive, but I do believe that we too often forget to count our blessings.

We are at the end of another year of prosperity, even with some hiccups from mortgage backed securities, the price of oil and the weak dollar. Economic growth remains strong, unemployment rates are low and core inflation rates are under control. The wave of prosperity has increased federal revenues and the annual budget deficit has slowly declined. Our free market economy continues to provide tremendous opportunities for upward mobility.

America remains divided about the war in Iraq, but even opponents concede that there has been some progress recently. Violent attacks against both Iraqis and Americans have declined sharply, most Iraqis have turned against al Qaeda in Iraq and there has been a measure of local reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites. This is not to say that there are not serious problems (the lethargic central government is one) but there are at least glimmers of hope.

Despite occasional protestations to the contrary, our civil liberties remain very much intact. We have freedom of speech and the press and a very vigorous political debate, which in recent years has been strengthened by the rise of the internet and other electronic media. We are free to worship as we choose (or not worship at all) and to petition the government. Those accused of crimes continue to enjoy a wide range of procedural protections, including trial by jury and the right to counsel.

A number of social indicators remain good. Crime rates are generally much lower than they were fifteen years ago and drug use is socially unacceptable in most circles. Dependency on welfare is much lower than it was prior to the enactment of national welfare reform.

Not everyone is thankful for our national leadership, but President Bush has doggedly waged what he believes to be the right war on terror. Tellingly, no significant attack has occurred on United States soil for over six years. As for the leaders of the new Democratic Congress, they have given voice to the large number of Americans who believe that the nation needs a new direction.

But at Thanksgiving, much of our thought goes to our family and personal lives and I can only report on my own. Young Robert, now a lad of thirteen and in eighth grade, is an active and intelligent young man (not to mention a good soccer player) who has been great companion on our many trips together, this year to Morocco. The lad and I both remain in good health, as does the rest of my extended family and our family's newspaper business continues to be successful. If my personal life had a bump or two this year and I still miss Maureen, in the last analysis I am blessed with a good family, good friends and excellent colleagues at work.

And to all our readers, best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving. Just please take a moment to reflect on the many things we all have to be thankful for.