It’s the week after Thanksgiving. A time we are supposed to sit down and enjoy a meal with family and friends and reflect on all the good things in our lives. But after the contentious election, many people will be avoiding some family members and friends. I’m thankful I’m not one of those folks.

I’m thankful that the people in my life that really matter still stay close regardless of our political differences. When or if we talk about politics anymore, we talk about issues and not personalities. We don’t raise our voices or shut the other side down by not listening, but rather agree to disagree and move on to the things we have in common. Like how we feel it’s about time Nebraska is going to a bowl game again. Or how pumpkin pie is the best part of the Thursday afternoon holiday feast.

I’m thankful that I have learned the Serenity Prayer. I’ve been saying it a lot lately. I’ve been asking God to grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

There are a lot of crazy things going on in the world right now. There’s not much I can do about what’s going on in the Middle East, Ukraine, or Washington. I will let my representatives know that I expect them to do what is best for the majority of Americans and not what is best for Donald Trump. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be things that will be good for the president elect that are also good for America, it just means that I pray that Senators Ricketts, Fischer, and Congressmen Bacon, Flood, and Smith have the courage and wisdom to know the difference.

I’m thankful that I don’t get all caught up in bogus culture war issues that are meant to distract us. Yes, I’m thankful that I don’t care what bathroom a person uses. If they gotta go they gotta go. I’m thankful that I’m mature enough not to be concerned if the person standing next to me at the urinal or sitting in the stall next to mine is transgender, gay, a woman, or straight male. And I’m especially thankful when any one of those people in the men’s room keep to themselves and don’t try to start a conversation. Nothing is more awkward than a random conversation from a stranger while doing your business. Regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

I’m thankful that I don’t hate or mistrust a person based on their skin color, nationality, religion, or legal immigration status. I’m thankful when people don’t hate or mistrust me because I’m a straight, white, male. I’m thankful that regardless of what some politicians, social media posts and talk radio hosts might have you believe, most people are that way. Most people peacefully coexist. I’m thankful for that.

And finally on this abbreviated list of things I’m thankful for is I’m thankful that I live in America. I still believe in this country. I’m not looking to become and expat. I’m going to stay and fight for what I believe in. America has dealt with division, chaos, and poor leadership in the past and we have come out of it on top. Trump and his Project 2025 buddies are going to find that talk is cheap. I believe they are going to find the DOJ, the Military, the FDA, CDC, the Department of Education, and most every other government agency they want to dismantle and disrupt will not go away quietly. There is only so much they can do legally or logistically. I have no doubt some changes will be made but they won’t be as easy or as rapid as Trump, Musk, RFK Jr, and the others would like you to believe. Sorry Elon and Vivek, this is not one of your companies where you can do whatever you please.

So take some time this holiday season and relax with family and friends. Maybe rebuild some bridges that were burned during campaign season. You don’t have to change your beliefs, just your attitude towards your friends and famiy that think differently than you.

And remember, when all else fails… recite the Serenity Prayer.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.

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