In spite of 'darkness,' we do have a lot to be thankful for in our country

During the Thanksgiving holiday season, we pause to give thanks for our many blessings, which include being able to live in what is considered to be the most progressive country in the universe.

We are the envy of others. I mention this not only because of the season but also because the recent presidential election has cast a dark shadow over our efforts to unite our populace.

I firmly believe there are at least four established norms or principles, if you wish, within our American culture that separate us from other countries and should drive our mindsets to be thankful rather than apprehensive.

We must never forget we have had wars and rumors of wars, but we have still maintained one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Examples are the Civil War and the saber-rattling by our antagonists. Our recovery from difficult times is nothing short of amazing. We should be thankful.

We have had elections that may not have placed our preferred candidate in office, however, we know the election process was democratic, fair, peaceful and without fraud. We know that in authoritarian countries, elections are rigged and controlled. We should be filled with gratitude.

We should be thankful our economy is one of the strongest when compared to other countries.

We have an Economic Freedom Score of 70.1%. It means that, in general, we are doing a good job of meeting the needs of our populace across several quality-of- life measures.

Last but not least, we should be thankful we have the privilege within the law to worship and live a life based upon our personal beliefs without the interference of big government.

These norms are a part of our DNA. They have been in place since our first presidential election in 1789. These guardrails have survived the test of time. Perhaps, more importantly, these norms have survived the politics of those who may have earned the right to sit behind the Resolute Desk.

During this holiday season and beyond, we should be thankful, not apprehensive.

George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana

The bar has been lowered for elected officials

I would agree "a major part of holding public office ..." used to be to maintain some level of professionalism and integrity as referenced in the recent editorial about Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele's DUI stop.

I don’t believe a majority of Americans agree anymore, however. It seems that burning down the U.S. Capitol is OK, not to mention rape, fraud, lying and stealing.

MJ McGuire, Elmhurst

Court of flaw

Special Counsel Jack Smith just agreed to pause prosecuting Donald Trump. Previously, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed to delay asking for Trump to be sentenced for the 34 felonies for which he was convicted.

British Prime Minister William E. Gladstone’s legal axiom, "Justice delayed is justice denied," has now been "trumped" by the newly elected U.S. president’s own axiom, "Justice delayed is justice."

Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Pennsylvania