I read Mr. Nevins’ letter on Thanksgiving morning while enjoying my coffee and feeling life is pretty good. I don’t really believe things are all that bad.

Unemployment is low, interest rates are low, the stock market is up and I bought gas yesterday for under $2 a gallon. That’s good management after a disaster like Katrina. I feel safe, thanks to our men and women in the U.S. armed forces. I shake their hands and thank them every time I see them. They are making this world a safer place.

I remember the Carter days when the economy really was in trouble, Iran held our people hostage and our communist enemies were in Central America. I know what Reagan did and I know what Bush is doing today. I don’t sit on the middle of the fence waiting to fall off, and I don’t think Bush lied. Vice President Cheney and even those lovable rascals, the Clintons, said the same thing. When you believe something and tell it for the truth, that’s not lying.

A simple example: My daughter told me Santa is going to bring her some toys for Christmas. I bet Santa is on his way. This country is the best in the world. I remembered that and all our blessings on Thanksgiving Day.

Bobby R. Hall Jr.