Americans need to be thankful for what we have

It is human nature to take things for granted. When you’ve always had something, when it’s been around your entire life, it’s only natural to overlook it, to think it will always be here.

But that’s not the case, and this time of year reminds us to be appreciative of what we have. I’m not talking about creature comforts like plentiful electricity, clean water, electronic gadgets or the family car. I’m talking about the freedom and opportunity we Americans take for granted.

My epiphany came during the Cold War when my military unit was sent to the Czech border. Czechoslovakia was then part of t...