Happy National Pantsonfire Day

Every cultural meme we think we know about Thanksgiving is apparently untrue, according to an article by Rick Shenkman, editor of History News Network,

The Pilgrims did not land at Plymouth Rock and the first Thanksgiving was not held in New England, but in -- take your pick -- Texas or Virginia, Shenkman reports in "Ten Myths about Thanksgiving."

It wasn't about religion or family. Quite the contrary. It was a harvest fiesta centered on piles of food (most likely venison rather than turkey) and what passed for partying in those ancient times.

When Thanksgiving did reach the Massachusetts Bay Colony the Pilgrims who celebrated were closed minded all right, but not about sex, and neither did the separate sect with which they are often conflated in modern myth-making.

The did not wear the stereotypical steeple hats and somber clothes with big buckles on their shoes and belts.

None of that pumped up pious and patriotic propaganda was true, serious historians say.

From all this, it appears that the only other American event that could rival Thanksgiving Day for overall deceit, manufactured misconception and holier than thou hypocrisizing would be Bush & Co.'s enthusiastic fabrication of evidence and urgency for Iraq II.

In view of that, perhaps it would be more fitting to rechristen Thanksgiving Day to recognize Dubya and the neocons for their achievement. It ought to contain allusions to Texas and Virginia, as well, to be fair.

How about: National Pantsonfire Day? The menu could start with a snack of pretzels to choke on followed by a main meal of southern fried chickenhawk, four alarm chili, a half-baked Dan Quail "potatoe" and a heaping helping of humble pie for everyone when all is said and done and later revised.

22 out of 23 ain't bad
Artist and essayist Edmond Dalpe of Online Journal presents offers 23 suggested steps for repairing the damage done to American over the last 40 years by extreme right wing capitalists.

All are excellent, thoughtful and doable, if the spirit is there -- except maybe for the 22nd proviso> Banning actors and CEOs from public office.

It's commendable, but probably unconstitutional.