Each year at this time, I write a column about the many things that Americans have to be thankful for as they gather together on Thursday for the holiday meal. Perhaps these pieces have become somewhat repetitive, but I think it is very important that we take a moment to reflect upon the many blessing we have received.

Giving thanks at this time is no less appropriate this year, despite an uncertain economy just emerging from a recession and continuing high unemployment. And it is fitting even with American troops stationed abroad and fighting two conflicts in an effort to maintain our freedom. America has always overcome its challenges and it will do so again.

Despite the recent downturn, the American economy remains the strongest in the world, providing a very high standard of living to a huge spectrum of our people. We are leaders in very important areas like computer technology, financial services,, entertainment and media and even agriculture, where a very small number of farmer very easily feed our people. And America still remains the land of opportunity as evidenced by the very large numbers of immigrants who flock to our shores.

Our civil and constitutional liberties remain very much intact. We have freedom of speech and of the press. As evidenced by the Tea Party movement, among many other manifestations (of both the left and right), freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government is very much alive. We have the right to worship as we please and criminal defendants enjoy a great number of protections, including the rights to counsel and trial by jury and the prohibition against self incrimination. Free elections, and the orderly transfer of power, are very much the norm.

Our social order also remains in good condition. Our crime rate remains relatively low in comparison to a decade ago and the teen birth rate is well below what it was in the 1980’s. Welfare rolls continue to be smaller than they were in the 1990’s. Life expectancy, now over 78 years, continues to rise.

Not all of us give thanks for our political leaders, but it is also well to reflect on their good points during this holiday week. The story of President Barack Obama is an inspiring one, as his rise from a not very privileged background and great eloquence won over a nation in 2008. Governor David Paterson has overcome considerable personal adversity and, whether you agree with him or not, has shown considerable courage in recent weeks in tackling New York’s budget issues. And national Republican leaders like Mitch McConnell and John Boehner (and yes, Sarah Palin) have presented a coherent alternative vision to that of Mr. Obama’s.

And beyond the public sphere, almost all of us can give great thanks for blessings of a more personal nature - for our families and friends and communities. For my part, I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful son, now 15, who is a mature young man, a good companion and a successful member of his high school debate team. I am also lucky to enjoy good health and a reasonable measure of financial security. My extended family, and our family’s successful newspaper business, is also a source of great satisfaction.

And to our readers, who like me truly have much to be thankful for, all the best at Thanksgiving 2009.