Editorial: There is a lot to be thankful for

It has been one heck of a year. The city is scrambling o fill a $5 billion budget gap, unemployment is rising and we are living in fear of terrorist attacks.

However, with all of the anxiety we live with, we still have a lot to be thankful for.

We have seen an increase pride in the community. Neighbors are taking an active role. They are sweeping sidewalks, removing graffiti and even erecting sculptures in memoriam for Sept. 11. Highbridge is a community working together as one. For that we are thankful.

Parents, fed up with the poor quality of education their children are getting have formed a collaborative. They are taking action. They want a greater say in what and how their children are learning. They have come to the realization that sitting back and letting policy makers set the rules no longer works.

They have made great headway this year. Parents in the Community Collaborative to Improve District 9 Schools have the ear of the teachers, superintendent of District 9, and the Schools Chancellor. Education officials have agreed to meet with them and collectively come up with a plan to ensure that children in the district achieve academic success.

For that, we are thankful. We have banded together in times of great sorrow. New Yorkers have had a reputation as being rude and obnoxious. After the events on and after September 11, we have proven that we do have heart. We stand proud as Americans. There is a greater sense of patriotism. We are stronger as a nation.

For that we are thankful.

This Thanksgiving, we urge everyone to take a moment and give thanks. There is any number of things to be thankful for. We may not have included every one here, but rest assured, we give our thanks. For our health, for our family and friends and for you, we are thankful.