An Ode to Thanksgiving | Eastern NC Now

    'Twas the week before Thanksgiving
    And all through the state.
    The turkeys were frightened
    They'd end up on your plate.

    We look back at the record
    of 2019.
    No budget or great victories
    Just lackluster's what we've seen.

    The economy was good
    most were working and spending.
    We welcomed new neighbors
    and we weren't just pretending.

    Lawmakers came and went
    To everyone's delight.
    In the longest of sessions
    Throughout 'twas a fight.

    Not a lot was accomplished
    they just couldn't agree.
    Working behind their closed doors
    where we couldn't see.

    Cooper's veto got a workout
    and can finally rest.
    Despite a little trickery
    most vetoes passed the test.

    Voter fraud was uncovered
    We felt quite appalled.
    Voting rights are important
    So a new election was called.

    The courts were quite active
    the stars of this year.
    Judges don't like gerrymandering
    They've made that quite clear.

    The buzz 'bout politics
    You heard on the street.
    Opened heated divisions
    And brought speedy retreat.

    Most of tried our very best
    To ignore the uncivil tone we saw grow.
    This just isn't the North Carolina
    We all want to know.

    Whether over the river and through the woods
    Just loosen your belt and get ready to feast.
    Be it grandma's or with family or friends
    Whatever you do, please share with the least.

    So we gather at table
    Passing turkey and dressing.
    Among those near and dear
    Giving thanks for our blessings.

    Raise a glass to the land of the longleaf pine
    Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.
    We are thankful to live
    Down home in The Old North State.


    Publisher's note: Tom Campbell is former assistant North Carolina State Treasurer and is creator/host of NC SPIN, a weekly statewide television discussion of NC issues that airs on UNC-TV main channel Fridays at 7:30pm, Sundays 12:30pm and UNC North Carolina Channel Fridays at 10:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and Sundays at 10:00am. Contact Tom at NC Spin.