Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I  am thankful I live in a place which guarantees that I may speak my mind, no matter how offensive to the government it is, no matter how offensive to the church it is, no matter how low and vulgar it is. Really. We have all been offended by the looseness of this permission, but still in my heart of hearts, I rejoice. No one is hanged or shot by a firing squad for offending or diminishing the power structure of our nation. 

I am thankful that we all get a chance to participate in government by voting and that we get to have our opinions without fear of sanction.

I am thankful that we live in such a beautiful area of Virginia and have the best lives possible. 

I am personally thankful for my wonderful family of eight my husband, our three daughters and son-in-law, and our grandson and granddaughter and me.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mary Ann Vogel

Hudgins, Va. ...