Week of November 23, 2010

The last time I taught this class, many of my students were more geographically mobile. One of them had actually lived in Alpharetta Georgia, on of the "Relovilles" populated mainly by upper middle class persons like the Link Family. As you read, and as you think and write in your journal, you might do two things: First think about what you might like or dislike as a member of this group. What would be the advantages and disadvantages? Under what conditions would you be willing to relocate in the fashion described. Second, remember what Shipler wrote abou the importance of "kin"--the social network. Are there some dangers attached to being a member of the "Reloville" society. Make sure you look at the interactive resources here.

As far as the "Hyper-Rich" as the New York Times calls the subjects of Chapter 12, "The people at the top of America's money pyramid have so prospered in recent years that they have pulled far ahead of the rest of the population, an analysis of tax records and other government data by The New York Times shows. They have even left behind people making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year".

Try to get your heads around the figures provided, and reflect on the implications of this for the American culture generally. I was hoping to show the HBO documentary, Born Rich, but we're running out of time. I have a personal copy if you'd like to borrow it. Make sure that you look at the multimedia materials on the New York Times Website.The graphs tell an interesting story.

On Thursday, November 25, Americans of many races, classes, and ethnicities will join in the most nearly universal meal served in the United States. From mansion to cottage to homeless shelter, turkey and all the trimmings will form the centerpiece of the nation's communal meal. Vegetarians, should they wish to do so, can substitute a Tofu Turkey for the tradidional Tom. I will be gathering with old friends, with whom I've shared this feast at least thirty-five times in thirty-nine years. I won't ask you do do any reading, but if you have some time, you might watch ahead to perpare for Tuesday's class.

I wish to you, your family and friends, a glorious holiday, as much football as you can stand, and whatever else proves relaxing and beneficial to mind and spirit. Teaching my course on New England several years ago, I ran across this little Thanksgiving meditation. The illustration is by Norman Rockwell, from his "Four Freedoms" series, illustrating "Freedom from Want".

As I was Musing on my Bed being awake as Usual before Daylight; recollecting the Many Mercies and good things I enjoy for which I ought to be thankful this Day; some of which I have Noted after rising as follows viz:

The Life & health of myself and family, and also of so many of my Children, grand Children and great grand-children' also of my other Relations and friends & Neighbors, for Health peace and plenty amongst us

For my Bible and Many other good and

Useful Books, Civil & Religious Priviledges,

For the ordinances of the gospel; and for my Minister.

For my Land, House and Barn and other

Buildings, & that they are preserv'd from fire & other accidents.

For my wearing Clothes to keep me warm, my Bed and Beding to rest upon.

For my Cattle, Sheep, and Swine & other

Creatures, for my support.

For my Corn, Wheat, Rye Grass and Hay; Wool, Flax, Syder, Apples. Pumpkins, Potatoes, Cabages, tirnips, Carrots, Beets, peaches and other fruits.

For my Clock and Watch to measure my passing time by Day and by Night.

Wood, Water, Butter, Cheese, Milk, Pork, Beefe, & fish, &c.

For Tea, Sugar, Rum, Wine, Gin, Molasses, peper, Spice and Money for to bye other Necessaries and to pay my Depts & Taxes &c.

For my Lether, Lamp oyl & Candles, Husbandry Utensils, & other tools of very sort &c &c &c.

Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me Bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget not all his benefits, who Satisfieth thy mouth with good things, &c.

Samuel Lane, 1793