The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1943-11-25
SD
Editor dI
TRULY THANKFUL

According to an incident III floly
Writ. the naughty Pharisee was
condemned for giving thanks that
he was not like other men, But we
are confident there will be no blame
lodged against the fortunate people
of this land if on this Thanksgiving
day they give warm thanks to a.
kindly Providence for having given
them the high privilege of being
Americans.
This is not said in any feeling of
arrogance or superiority but rather
IN a spirit of humility; reverence
and thankfulness fpr the many
priceless blessings that are the lot
of those fortunate enough to be
citizens of thus great nation.
In a world that is torn and
wracked by all the tears. bloodshed.
agony and heartaches of horrible
war, we rest secure in the peace
and comforts of our homes, with
life moving along much as it always
has. To be sure there are heavy
hearts among US Dear ones-fath-
ers, sons and sWeethearts-are on
the battlefronts of the world and
in extreme danger. Many have al
ready paid the supreme sacrifice.
Others have been manned for life.
Hearts are heavy with fear for the
future. Despite all this. the human
slaughter and the horror that have
and still are visiting other lands
are far from our shores. Our cities
are not being blasted from the skies
Neither are our women and little
children being slaughtered like an
imals For all of this we are deeply
and reverently thankful.
But we feel our thanks might be
somewhat similar to those of the
condemned pharisee If back of
them there was not a willingness
help the oppressed peoples of the
world out of this time of horror into
more blessed and more just way
of life. The thing that engenders
thanks within us should steel our
hearts to fight with all our strength
for world of justice and righteous
ness, a world of liberty and peace
for all the children of men
Someone has said that many are
thankful for what they have but
few for having more than they de-
serve.
A Japanese repatriate last week
told a Tokyo mass meeting that
the American fighting spirit should
never be underestimated He
pointed out what he said were
American weaknesses such as lack
of unified relationships among
government departments, freedom
of speech, and "the festive mood Of
the people" who do not know what
war is. War workers. he said, seek
to make more money rather thar
increase the fighting strength of the
nation. He continued.
They have no plan for certain
victory. They have no determine
ton that they must carry through
this war or that this war must b,
won; but instead, the desire TO
luxury is more dominant in thei
lives.
However, he did say the Ameri
can fighting spirit is higher thar
at the outbreak of the war ant
cited as an illustration American
students volunteering in the al
forces, high school students adm
in farming and women working il
war factories.
Ihe japanese was wise IN tellln
his countrymen they had bette
not underestimated the American
fighting spirit. If there has been al
apparent ievity i'll our national life
a tendency to consider the war onl,
a passing thing, it is because Their
has never been the slightest doub
but that eventually America woul,
win this war. When it comes tim
to put on the pressure necessary 70
victory, Americans will be Their
with plenty Of push
But it might be well to conside
this Jap's view Of US. The festiv
snood, the desire for luxury, tn