by Alex Wagner

In his weekly address to the country on Thursday, President Obama said, “I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most.”

But, he continued, “If we look out for each other and remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we, too, will overcome the challenges of our time.”

In response, some conservative critics have been outraged. Wrote one, “His remarks were void of any religious references although Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally steeped in giving thanks and praise to God.”

Said another, “Obama is a militant atheist.”

Calling the president a militant atheist ranks high among the list of specious attacks that President Obama has weathered, though not the worst.

And while we could argue over whether Thanksgiving is a religious holiday, perhaps that’s missing the point that our society remains open to debate – no matter how ludicrous – and that our leaders don’t necessarily have to placate a rabid minority for political purposes, that they are instead, sometimes, free to deliver a message invoking partnership, community and belief in one another.

For that, we should all be thankful.