A New York State Dad’s Take On Hate

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to teach a very important lesson to our kids.

While many people are flying and driving to see their friends and family this week, there is still a war being fought that affects all of us in one way or another. New York State is taking this opportunity to help teach a lesson about hate.

What are you thankful for this year? When it comes down to what really matters, and the older that you get, that answer will certainly change. Some might say a new career, others a new home. Most of us would agree, that it is our family and our health that we are most thankful for. Deep down, isn't that what the goal should really be? To be happy, healthy and be surrounded by family?

Peace and happiness is the basis for Governor Hochul's message to families in New York State as we gather together for Thanksgiving.

Raising kids is not an easy thing to do. True, that may be the understatement of the year. As a father of four kids, all of which are under 7-years-old, I find that it is not only challenging to be a parent in 2023, it is also a critical job in the fight against hate and prejudice.

You may agree or disagree, with the politics of New York State, or align with the things that our Goverment officials say. But there is a good chance that you want peace and happiness as well.

Is it naive to believe that a world without hate is possible? Perhaps it is and if you are on social media for even thirty seconds you would have even less faith in world peace. But I believe that we can start one family at a time. It all begins under our own roofs. If kids are a product of their environment, it only makes sense that we, as parents and caregivers, make that environment welcoming and understanding to all faiths and beliefs, cultures and walks of life. Living here in the United States gives us the opportunity to do that and that it something that we should all be Thankful for.