Black Friday

Today is November 29, 2013, Black Friday, the day after U.S. Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday I watched a little football.  Okay, more than a little.  Okay, I watched three football games and a period of hockey, but using my forty second advance button on my DVR, it was in record time.  Besides, this isn't my point.

I watched large American crowds clutch their hearts as their national anthem was sung, cheer when images of bombs blowing up people or places were referred to, and basically getting chocked up at being part of the greatest country in the world, allegedly.  Commentators talked about being grateful for so many things, and of course, being American, the military was also honored.  All very touching.

Today, I saw different images on TV.  Crowds jostling each other for the right to be one of the first into a store when it opened, people pushing, shoving, fighting, and trying to steal merchandise from each other as they tried to scoop up the great deals.  Some continued to fight as they were being arrested because they so much wanted that special electronics item. The irony of it really struck a cord with me.  Where is the gratitude and reflection on the things that are important like God, family, yes even military protection?  Gone were the lovey, feel good emotions, replaced by greed, selfishness, and a general worship of consumerism.  Within less than twenty four hours, all that was good about Thanksgiving was wiped out.  It is indeed a very black Friday.