Thank you to fellow Michiganders who make our great state thrive

Michigan Capitol Confidential would like to wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to improve our great state, but there is much to be thankful for on this day.

First, we would like to tell our readers how thankful we are for you and your continued support.

Our readers not only digest the news we report but use it to work toward a freer state. Our readers are engaged and team with us to get the word out on important issues. This often results in our collective voices being heard and represented in Lansing.

We are also thankful for the freedom of speech protected by the U.S. Constitution. Many people in other countries risk imprisonment or even death for speaking their convictions, so we must not take freedom of speech for granted.

We have heard of draconian laws restricting speech even in well-established democracies such as the United Kingdom. Reports from there say citizens have been jailed for nonthreatening social media posts.

It is important to the integrity of our free nation that all voices are heard to be heard. That’s one reason why we continue to celebrate and be thankful for this most precious freedom.

In the hustle and bustle of life’s responsibilities, it is important to take a day to reflect on how thankful we are for the bountiful natural beauty our state offers — those places we run off to when we need a break from life.

Michigan provides plenty of natural escapes.

The mitten is surrounded by the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Thousands of lakes and rivers provide organic stress relief. You can relax while listening to the rushing waters of a river or to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

Or you can interact with our abundance of natural resources through skiing, fishing and boating.

If you traverse the longest freshwater shoreline in the United States, you will find diverse attractions and activities. Northern Michigan provides the landscaped beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Porcupine Mountains. Or you may travel back in time to Mackinac Island and visit quaint fishing villages such as Leland.

Those who love city life can visit the heart and history of the automotive industry at Greenfield Village. Or attend a Red Wings, Tigers or Lions event.

Michigan has a lot to offer, which is why it is important to not only protect our natural resources, but our economy.

CapCon is thankful for the workers who make our state thrive and drive our economy. Without a diverse workforce, many of the things that make Michigan great would cease to exist.

Thank you to all of the workers, especially our farmers, who get up every day to help feed the world.

Without everyone’s efforts, we would not be able to enjoy all that our state has to offer.

We may not always agree on how to make our great state thrive, but we all agree we want to that happen. And today we can all be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!