Obama uses the occasion to make another political speech, this time promoting his pro-Islamist/Leftist immigration agenda. He starts with the lie that the Pilgrims were refugees. They were not. They were pioneers facing unknown dangers including disease, being killed by Indians, and often on their own dime.
I couldn't find Ted Cruz's audio or vid, so here's the text.
“On this Thanksgiving, as we gather with family and loved
ones, we celebrate the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us and this great
nation. Particularly this year, as we face many uncertainties – from the
threats of terror to economic hardships – let us take time to thank God for all
that He has given us and ask for His provision in our lives and our country.
“When we think back to that first Thanksgiving in 1621, and
all that the Pilgrims endured, only half surviving the first brutal winter, we
remember sacrifice upon which this land was built – and the sacrifice that
continues to keep us free and safe. In the struggle for independence, the brave
motley group of soldiers defeated the greatest military force in the world. In
the battle against slavery, the blood shed to purge this people from our
original sin. In the World Wars, the thousands who fought in the trenches and
scaled the cliffs of Normandy to save the American idea.
“We are grateful for all those who have gone before us and
for those who continue to serve: for the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines
who courageously defend our freedom. For the police officers, firefighters, and
first responders who protect our communities. And for the pastors, teachers,
and parents who guide us to know the truth, and be set free by it.
“And we remember President George Washington’s call in the
first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 226 years ago, to ‘unite in most humbly
offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations,
and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions… to render our
National Government a blessing to all the people… and to promote the knowledge
and practice of true religion and virtue.’
“It is this hope in a Higher Ruler that inspired the
Pilgrims to leave everything in pursuit of freedom, and it is this same
Providence that, if we call upon the name of the Lord, will restore the promise
of America.”
