Why Thanksgiving?

By John Kass

November 22, 2023

I always read the “comments” section under the column, whether I’ve written the column or whether it was done by one of the fine guest columnist whose work  occasionally appears here.

My last column was rather depressing, about a 23-year-old flight attendant suddenly and savagely attacked by a savage with a log on 633 North Michigan Avenue in front of the Burberry store.

It was called “Can Holiday Shopping Co-Exist with Violent Crime?” And of course, the answer is “No.”

The first letter came from longtime reader John Reedy:

“Oh John what a way to wake up on Sunday morning? A log to the face, just senseless.

I think your next column should go toward how to achieve crispy skin on our smoked turkeys this week.

Excellent column, but right now I just sort of in shock with the violence.

John Reedy.

Crispy skin? John Reedy, you’ve come to the right place, because am I not Mr. Thanksgiving Advice Man? And am I not a river to my people?

Indeed.

I may have suffered a stroke and a massive heart attack in January, requiring a quadruple bypass and a cane and forcing me to lose 65 pounds, but I haven’t forgotten the needs of readers. You don’t want excuses from me. You want answers. You want flavor. You want crispy skin? Don’t ask Martha Stewart, she pulled out her inner snowflake and quit cooking turkey. She quit on Thanksgiving. But I won’t.

If I were you, I’d brine my fresh (not salt enhanced) turkey for at least 12 hours, then rinse and pat dry and put it on a rack uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator for 24 hours. It will dry the skin. That’s how you get it crispy when you roast it, either in the oven or using the indirect method on the grill.

But is that all there is?

Didn’t George Washington himself proclaim in 1789 that we would devote the day of Thanksgiving to something other than praying to a bird. Washington, the greatest American, wanted us to thank God for this wonderful, and beautiful country.

Really, then, it is not a day of turkey, is it?

It is a day of prayer and a feast to commemorate the day, to thank God for His blessings that we came through a terrible and exhausting war to have a country as beautiful and free as this one.

Thank you, Lord. Kyrie Elaison. Have mercy on us.

Thank you for my life.

As some of you may know, this has been a difficult year for me personally. Physically, mentally and emotionally.

We all go through trials and tough times. I’m not holding myself above anyone. You’ve had tough times too. But for me, that stroke in January, the heart attack, and open heart surgery requiring a quadruple bypass–and then the stroke during heart surgery–it was all so, oh, what’s the word? Difficult.

Yeah.

It was all so overwhelming. And I was drowning in it all.

It was all happening so fast that I couldn’t process what was happening.

But I thank God for the world-famous heart surgeon from the University of Chicago, Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam. “Move your hand,” Dr. J ordered me when I was trying to shake off the anesthesia. My right hand would not move.

“I’ll be back in an hour,” he said. “I expect you will tell it to move and that it will listen to you.” I can’t tell you how, but it moved. Whether by some strange internal language or

non-verbal urgency. I suppose I tried some new pathway, to convince it. Perhaps God heard my prayer.

And for Betty, my dear wife, and our twin sons Spiro and Peter, who filled me with strength and kept telling me what I had told them since they were little boys–that in our family there is one rule: We never, ever give up.

And so, to the wonderful therapists at Shirley Ryan Ability Labs, who took a broken patient and refused to let him quit on himself.

And to my friend Thom Serafin, who kept me going when I was so confused and barely able to understand things. I had already faced the leftist mob at “the paper” and started johnkassnews.com

But in January, after the stroke and heart attack, I couldn’t keep it together. Thom did. He organized a valued cadre of fine writers and got them to pitch in to keep johnkassnews.com alive at the most critical, vulnerable time. It is often said that the fictional George Baily is the richest man in town, but I know Thom Serafin is the richest man in real life. He is a good man. He doesn’t talk about the good he’s done. And his wife Ann is an angel.

And my angels are also the writers Steve Huntley, Cory Franklin, Erin Geary, Michael Ledwith, Greg Ganske, Ray Hanania, Robert Napier, Pat Hickey, Mike Houlihan, Terri Sullivan, Jay Levine, John McCormick, David Bittenger, Steve the Pilot, Bill Melonides, Thom Serafin and Ann Serafin, and my brother Nicholas S. Kass, who sent me a real, honest-to-betsy authentic Irish shillelagh, made of a hardened Irish root that was hanged in a chimney for months.

And friends Steve the Pilot and Ross the Baker who give me a goal worth fighting for: to fish again for steelhead and salmon and brown trout in the most wonderful river. That river up north.

But there is someone else I just have to mention who also got me through this: You, the subscriber. All of you. You’re the ones I write for, the folks who’ve been with me for years and years, the ones who volunteered to stand in my driveway and watch over my family years ago, when those Outfit connected tough guys at City Hall threatened them because they didn’t like my writing.

You’re the people I thought about when writing that Sunday column about the savage attack on North Michigan Avenue. You’re the people I think about who are trying to make it in this world, the people who’ve joined me on this great adventure to find independent journalism. Some of you are private, and don’t ever want your names mentioned, some are public and write public letters. Either way, you’re my friends.

You’re the people I think about when I’m tired and think of just dropping the cane and curling up because it sometimes gets to be too much. I won’t let that happen. I can’t. I won’t quit. Because of you. Without you there is no johnkassnews.com, and I’ll never, ever forget it.

It is why I tell you sometimes that as long as you keep on subscribing, I’ll keep on writing.

So, on this Thanksgiving and so many others of the past, after the prayers are said and we thank God for being born in this amazing and wonderfully exceptional American country, and we clink our glasses, I’ll raise my glass to you.

And I’ll say “thank you friends,” for standing by me in a world where it’s just too easy to cut and run with so many afraid, rightfully so, of the malevolence of the cancel culture that had me in its sights. But you didn’t cut and run. You stayed with me.  You’re solid. I owe you.

And I will never forget.

Thanks,

For Betty and the boys and me, thank you and God bless you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

-30-

 

 

Comments 321

      1. Your columns are always the best when you write about your blessings & family. And what a beautiful family you have. I, too, always turned to page 2 of the Trib to read your wise & right on words. Glad you came through your very bad stroke, heart surgery, etc. this past year. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family & am so happy you started your John Kass Podcast. Keep it going!

      2. Yes john, we do have a lot to be thankful for. I was in Europe in September, I love to travel to europe, rich history. When i was there I visited Dachau, (two days before Hamas terrorists attacked Israel). I was so moved reading about what happened there 80+ years before. I am thankful I live in a country which has never really been attacked. The things we take for granted here. I am thankful you are still with us John, love your writing. Full disclosure, I was hesitant to embrace you when. you took over for a legend. I Am an immigrant, i read Mike’s columns for ten years before he died, I did not think anyone could replace him. You proved yourself a worthy replacement quickly to me/ Sadly the Tribune is no longer a great media place, its just another left wing rag like pretty much all the media houses in the US. The US, as great as it is, is on fire and instead of them helping to put it out, they are pouring gasoline on the flames at worse or at best standing by denying the flames are consuming us (nothing to see) or saying its not fire. Shame on them. Eventually what Martin Niemoller’s poem will come to pass, there wont be anyone to speak for them.

          1. Mark Salmon is correct John. Royko was good but so are you. Both sons of Chicago – the hard working, honest and trusting sons who for decades have kept the lights on, the streets clean and life worth living.
            FRC is gone but not you. You are here to carry on, to keep the heart of the real Chicago beating so that one day all the filth that has come over Chicago can be washed away. And one day it will be. God wants you HERE to do your work so just keep doing it. The pain you have suffered and the doubt that has haunted you were both intended to make you stronger. Never, ever give up.

            Steve

      3. I too have had a very trying year beginning with the loss of my soulmate, the love of my life. Thank you, Mr. Kass, for keeping me going. Love to you and yours.

        Kathy Baker

      4. Thank you for all you provide for the rest of us John. God speed. As always, the boys can play football on my side lot whenever! And thanks for the sip of ouzo in your driveway at Easter years ago. A real blessing and highlight for me. My best to the entire Kass Clan.

      5. My husband and I were talking about your column yesterday and we talked about how if a dog or other feral animal attacked someone, it would be put down. We wondered why the same can’t be true for this feral animal? Thanks John for your continued column. God Bless you and your family. Please keep it up.

    4. Thanks for reminding us of everything we have to be thankful for in our lives. I have the privilege of living across the street from my four grandkids in the Bridger Valley in southwest Wyoming and sometimes I overlook how truly blessed I am. I appreciate your reminder.

  3. Happy Thanksgiving John. I enjoy your personal stories as much if not more than anything else you write. It’s blessing to see the emails with content items every week from you…

      1. Thanks John Kass, thanks for being my Superman! For reminding us all of the importance of Truth, Justice, and the American way; and of never, ever…giving up.

  6. Thank you, John, for all that you do for all of us! Happy Thanksgiving, and hope your next year is so much better than this one was for you. And thanks to your wife and family, and the wonder dog, Zeus, for supporting you and keeping you healthy for us. God bless you John!!!

  8. Thank you John!
    I had some computer issues last week and missed your columns, there was a definite void in my week without you. You are the voice of many who want to hear the truth about what’s going on in this troubled city, country, world.
    I had some serious health issues in the past 29 years starting when I was 41 years old and probably should not be here today except for the grace of God. Thankfully I am able to see the blessings that came through my afflictions, that made me a different, better person. I’ve done things in my life that I never imagined I would do and have had a positive effect on many lives that would not have been possible before my illnesses occurred. It was a tough road for a while but I wouldn’t change a thing because of the blessings I’ve received. Hopefully someday you will feel the same about your struggles.
    God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

  12. Thank God you survived. It’s always a great day when i open my email and there is a new column waiting there from John Kass news. Thank you John and happy thanksgiving.

  15. Happy Thanksgiving, John. May it be a healthy one for you, Betty and the boys.
    You have created not just a column, but a family. From yourself to your fine fill in writers to all those here who make valid and (usually) thoughtful comments, I feel like I have an extended family of brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles. I am so thankful for all, who, quite frankly, keep me semi-sane on a daily basis. The worlds is a tough place full of morons. They have their agendas. Although it’s their right, forcefully imposing it on others is completely wrong. This page and all those associated with it give hope that we’re not alone in our beliefs. At least we have each other !

    Giving thanks to my fellow readers, commenters and writers. You make this feel like family.

    And thank YOU, John

    1. Ken, we’re on this journey together. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Betty read your letter this morning aloud and there wasn’t a dry eye in the kitchen. Thanks Ken. You get us.

  16. Thank you John. Another great column. We need to keep the Thanksgiving before Christmas, some seem to jump straight to Christmas these days. You columns helps us all.

    1. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I am glad you’re doing better because if you stopped writing your column, you would be missed. I started reading your column many years ago in the Chicago Tribune and it came to a point I subscribed to the paper only because of your column and great writing. Keep writing and telling us like it is even when the news isn’t good. You give me hope that there could be a positive impact.

      1. Dear Susan…Happy Thanksgiving. And yes, it’s sad that journalism has killed itself with the woke virus, but as long as we’re alive, we can reach for the good. Thank you Susan Catlin. Happy Thanksgiving

  17. John, you’ve been there for us as much as we have for you. In reading your columns over the decades I feel like we’ve become friends even though we’ve never met. Prayers for your return to good health were answered. I’ll continue to read as long as you continue to write. God bless you and your family.

  18. Happy Thanksgiving, John. I am thankful that you have survived your many trials and tribulations and still write some of the best columns since Royko. I don’t always agree with everything you say, but it is important that you voice your thoughts and opinions on this column for us, your readers and fans, to read and enjoy! 😊

    1. John Squires, I’m glad we don’t agree on everything. That would be so boring. I’m so glad and pleased to have a reader like you, who understands that. Happy Thanksgiving to the Squires family!

  22. Although you have been through a great deal of personal difficulty this year, you have continued to do what you were born to do- speak the truth in a world that often doesn’t want to hear it. Your column on the attack of the young woman by that animal with the log was not only accurate, it was needed.
    People need to hear about how bad the city is becoming, how people get the politicians that they richly deserve, and how you have to be careful what you ask for (“sanctuary city”) as you’re likely to get it. And the “main stream” media, which is a joke, doesn’t have the courage or care enough to write or talk about it.

    But you do, Mr. Kass, and that is why I always tell you that your Greek ancestors are very proud of you, and so is this Irish/Italian retired Cop and dedicated reader. Have a great Thanksgiving- and how is it that your lovely wife doesn’t look old enough to have grown sons, but you…well, you know.

    1. Dan McDevit, thank you. As your Irish ancestors must have told you, it was the Irish that saved civilization.
      Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!! remember, no double dipping in Mr. Grass Onion Soup dip mix, a Chicago South Side delicacy. Thanks Dan

  24. Happy Thanksgiving, John, you and your family and your many fans/friends of whom I am but one. The Holidays for this dismal year begin, with hope but yet again without a Turkey Bowl for my memories, now as arthritic as my shoulders; without brothers, sons, fathers and friends. Playing “touch” in Columbus Park, on the fairway easy of Austin and Van Buren. Later up at the House of Studies off Harlem and Division where lips split and noses bled. Joyously. Heartily. Decades of annual games followed by feasts filled with family, football, fun. Thank YOU, John Kass, for this forum, these columns, your own wondrous words. Whether news of the world or our poor city’s sad squalor or an oregano, garlic and lemon rib recipe that stunned my new Texas neighbors a few years ago, YOU deliver columns that all of us relish, savor, consume. SO Thanksgiving, isn’t it? YES, Bart Myers, a “blessing” in fact!

  25. I purposely subscribed to the Trib several years ago just to read your column. Then you were gone. It was like pulling teeth to cancel the Trib. I don’t remember how I found you again but I’m glad you made the effort.

    I,like yourself, am grateful to be surrounded by family and friends. I’m glad we behaved in such a way to keep them with us.

    Thank you John

  28. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
    John, we appreciate your continued hard work and determination in keeping Johnkassnews up and running. I also appreciated all the guest writers stepping up to the plate in your absence. Glad you pulled through. While I won’t be making your famous baked potato tomorrow, you were correct, it was the best damn baked potato I’ve ever made. As far as the turkey, I’ve been brining my buzzards like you for the last 8 yrs or so. Game changer. Thanks again not only for the great articles and podcasts, but for all the exceptional cooking tips. That’s worth the 50 bucks on its own.

  29. Dang it, John, it is awfully hard to read when the eyes tear up. That was beautiful.

    You are truly blessed to have such a powerful support system of family, friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all!

  30. Glad you never gave up on us or yourself this year John! We look forward to your columns and words of wisdom, and we also need to keep reading about stories like the 23 yr old flight attendant, to keep us alert and remind us that this crime is happening in real time all around us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

  31. Glad you never gave up on us or yourself this year John! We look forward to your columns and words of wisdom, and we also need to keep reading about stories like the 23 yr old flight attendant to keep us alert and remind us that crime is happening in real time. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

  32. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I am thankful for your thoughtful and insightful columns . Sometimes it seems like a voice in the wilderness. Your photos are great!

  34. I’m tech challenged but had to figure out how to leave this comment. I can’t thank you enough for your columns. Your courage and love of the truth is refreshing and hopeful in these dark days. We, too, had a health scare this year so I know well what you speak of. But God still has work for you to do. God bless you and your family John. There’s a lot of us cheering you on! Love, love, love your columns.

  35. A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family, John. Your columns have been a font of honest writing on much bad stuff, much good stuff, and all said so honestly and so well written. You gave me much to think about, many things to smile about and for all you do for us I thank you. I pray God grants you health for many years more. We care for you and we need your voice – in good times and bad. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

  36. Thank you John. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. God Bless you and Betty. Enjoy this holiday. Family is the key to our happy and wondrous Thanksgivings.

  37. With a tip of the hat to that river up north, you’ve had me hooked on your columns since the eighties.
    So happy to hear that late in life you had the good sense finally become a HOOSIER!
    All the best to you and yours John.
    It’s a GREAT THANKSGIVING!

  38. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, John. All the way from New Hampshire. They can’t take the Chicago out of me, and you’re part of that. God bless.

  42. To quote Queen Elizabeth II you’ve been through an “annus horribilus.” I wish you many happy, healthy years to come. Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family.

  44. John, thanks for another wonderful piece of writing, and thanks to all your contributors. We read every piece that hits our inbox. May God continue to bless you, your family and all who make JKNews a breath of truth and fresh air. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

  48. Who knew over 2 years ago the many challenges ahead. You left the Paper, beginning your website, moved and moved again, then shoulder surgeries followed by a stroke, heart surgery and rehab. Major life stresses for you and your Family. Together you all came through it. God is Good!

    Love your columns and those of your guest columnists.
    A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family, God Bless you all, Zeus, too.
    Keep going forward and never give up!

  49. Carol’s grandfather had a favorite saying he always told them when they were kids. “Better days are coming” he would say. People who lived in his time saw plenty of terrible things but somehow remained optimistic even through realistic. Here’s hoping you have “better days coming” in 2024. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Thanks for not giving up.

  52. Fighting through adversity to serve valuable goals is costly, defeatism is cheap. John Kass’ work continues to be invaluable for Chicago and for all of us who still care about Chicago as a we would a struggling parent.

    We readers had some idea of that back in the Page Two era, but we know it better now. So thanks — to John and to fellow subscribers.

  53. A happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family, John. You and all of us truly have so much to be thankful for this and every Thanksgiving. Amidst all of the chaos and evil and sinfulness, sickness and suffering, Christ still triumphs. In the end, we ‘win’! The Cross is always triumphant.

    John: May the LORD bless you and keep you!
    May the LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
    May the LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

    —Deacon John (Roman Catholic, but we are all Christian brothers!)

    PS One 18# turkey goes on the smoker this morning at 3am for our parish Thanksgiving dinner for our parish neighbors , the next 17# goes on around noon for family evening dinner (with ham too). Smoke a turkey you will NEVER have turkey another way.

    The hardest part about smoking a turkey is figuring out which end to light. …. lol.

  55. God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving.
    We all have much to give thanks for,

    You have been my bright spot many mornings when I opened up my dead tree edition of that once great paper. Now you are my bright spot when I open up my email every morning.

    I’ve enjoy those few times I got to meet you and shake your hand. When you roasted that pig at Cantigny, the kabobs at College of DuPage, at the wonderful Greek restaurant in Naperville and the restaurant at the hotel in Countryside
    You probably don’t remember the time I ran into you in front of the Tribune tower when you were outside for a smoke break but I do. I remember them all.

    God bless John.

    1. My friend Lou Berardi. thanks Happy Thanksgiving, years ago I’d be out there puffing like an idiot, not knowing what to write, deadline pressure,…I think I’m getting the hang of it

  56. John,
    You are my favorite writer by far, You have a unique ability to get your points across with a touch of humor. With your health this last year, every day is a Thanksgiving. Stay strong, we need you to keep writing and bringing the truth. Thank you for sharing your family pictures, God Bless you all.
    Robert B.

    1. Robert Burns I don’t look like i did in those photos. but that’s what not eating bread will do. new photos coming on the website. thanks. Happy Thanksgiving !!!!

  57. All the events that have taken place in your life thus far have made you who you are today.
    Our higher power watches over us and guides us and for you he has given the gift of writing and communicating for which all of us are thankful.
    You do good for others and isn’t that what life is about?
    Happy Thanksgiving John .

  60. John,
    I’ve been a fan of your writing since you started at that paper. Your voice was needed then and is needed even more so now. Thankfully the Good Lord decided you are needed here more than with Him. There is a reason and you fulfill it daily. Bless you and your family as you truly have more than ever to be thankful for.

  61. Thank you Mr Kass for continuing to provide great reading, be it political, historical, state of our nation, state or City of Chicago. God bless you, your family, guest columnists and subscribers. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Keep on keeping on.

  62. Good morning. As someone, who, in May walked around Dubrovnik for 8 days with a burst appendix and came home for emergency surgery I am grateful, as you are, for being here for Thanksgiving.

    I love your columns and all of the writers here on this site.

    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here.

  64. John, Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your tenacity and dedication to your family, friends and readers! Each day I awake, I give thanks to our Father in heaven for the gift of another day to live and love and do His will. And He still has things for you to do yet! Your and your friends writing and commentary is a gift to us, your readers! I pray you have a joyful Thanksgiving with your family! P.S. there’s some great snook and sea trout fishing down here on the Florida Gulf Coast too!

  65. I am reading and writing this from the other side of the world. (102deg E). I am thankful particularly for JKN that is a beacon of sanity and real journalism in this world. When the Trib (who’s dues I’d paid for a while just to read your commentary ) decided to give you the boot after moving you to the back of the bus for starters, I was happy to see JKN start. You are right, many friends stepped up and in to cover the necessary recuperation and rehab for you and loyal readers prayed to the Lord above to spare you. We are all jointly THANKFUL for that. May you and the family have a warm family day together.
    Keep on keeping on.
    JK

    1. John Kenny, it wasn’t just stabbing me in the back, by caving to the news guild Bolsheviks in the newsroom, weakling editor Colin McMahon killed a great newspaper. I started johnkassnews.com to have a place where no one had to bend the knee. We don’t take the soup. We don’t bend the knee. We’re Americans. Thanks John Kenny.

  67. Happy Thanksgiving. And God bless you and your family, John Kass. Not that it’s important, but I enjoy reading your columns and most of the time we agree. More importantly, your writing helps people think and to sort through important issues in our messy corner of the world. Alla vostra Salute!

  68. You are the only writer that I subscribe to and I happily have renewed each year. Your columns just continue to get better and this column brings tears to my eyes when I think that you have been through almost more than one person can endure and you are still cranking out something interesting to read and listen to with regularity.

  69. Happy Thanksgiving!

    While you and your family have much to be thankful for, we, you readers, receive a special gift that we are thankful for each time you write a column. Your gift to us is making the words you use tell a story that comes to life. Only great writers have that skill…and you are one of them!!

    Thank you for your special gift that you share with us!

  71. Just read Sunday and today’s columns. Next time you feel overwhelmed or why should you go on, please reread them. There’s a reason the good Lord put you through such a trial, but didn’t see fit to take you away. You are helping so many others by your wise words and insights. Thank you and blessings to you and your lovely family. Aren’t they great??!!

  74. John, Happy Thanksgiving. Always look forward to your column. It’s a comfort to know that there are still rational minded people in this world who are not afraid to speak the truth. May this holiday season be a blessed one for you and your family.

  77. Yianni,
    You’re our hero, our voice in the darkness that cannot, and will not, be silenced. It must be our Greek genes that won’t let us give up on ourselves, and impels us forward, regardless of the trials that befall us in our lives. I’ve been there, and thanks to the intercessions of St. Andrew, I’m still around – and pray you will be as well, for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family, and I sincerely wish you XRONIA POLLA! Na se kala! Keep on – keeping on….

  78. John-I look forward to every column you and your band of contributors write. And we know you won’t quit-there is still too much work to be done. I especially look forward to your commentary as we enter a critical election year. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family. Enjoy the day!

  80. Wishing you and your family good health and happiness. Always thankful for your insights, words of wisdom and monthly recongition of the absurd, to which I occasionally contribute. 🙂

  82. Through the pools of tears and the warm ache in my heart as I finish reading your column, am I able to see the keys of my PC to wish you and your family a Blessed Thanksgiving? Yes!!
    “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers6:24-26
    Thanking you and your family and Zeus(!) for your courage and love of your fellow man.

  83. John, I am so grateful that you are still with us, that you have the tenacity and faith to keep going. Over the years, my admiration for you continues to grow. Don’t always agree (which is a good thing!), but I always admire your honesty, your integrity, and your loyalty.

    God placed you on the earth for such a time as this, and for that, I am thankful.

  84. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the entire Kass family. We all have something to be thankful for in life. Family and friends on this wonderful day is just one. God Bless You!

  86. You’re a good guy “Two Rods.” When you write about going to the river again I’ll know all is good again. The river heals the soul. When you get there remember to keep your elbow down and your rod tip up. Wait for it to load and let the rod do the work.

  87. John, your column today really touched my heart. I hope I can speak for all your loyal readers when I tell you that we were all devastated at learning of the cascade of health issues you faced. We were with you, silently cheering you on, knowing that you would not only pull through, but be back stronger than ever. To you, Betty, the boys and all your family, have the happiest of Thanksgivings!

    1. Mike. Thanks man. (arm punch) You guys are needed too, by your families, and friends. there wouldn’t be a johnkassnews.com without you. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

  91. John, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you, Betty and your sons from Flyover land in down state ILL(dying state). Enjoy podcast and articles. Looking forward to purchasing some JK Merchandise!
    Keep working on your health.
    PS- Enjoy what your brother does with the show too!

    1. Thanks Tilson James. Hope offering merch on top of subscription isn’t too big headed. but I have a nagging habit about wanting to pay my bills. Hope you get your No Chumbolone (TM) cap.

  94. Happy Kansas City Thanksgiving from a former native Hoosier (born in Gary, grew up in Crown Point).
    We’ll be having our annual KC Thanksgiving of burnt ends, smoked turkey, and ham.
    I’m thankful you’re back. God is good.

  96. Lovely stuff Kasso, perfect Thanksgiving column from a guy with gratitude in his soul. God bless you and your family from me and my family, we’re thankful for your friendship, sense of humor, and love of Chicago. Thanks pal.
    Houli

  98. John – very touching and necessary column; we all need each other and our friends and family make life so worthwhile. It’s why we work so hard to preserve our way of life. Keep up the good work!

    Happy Thanksgiving! Hard to believe it’s been 50 years since high school….

  99. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family John. I’ll be joining the Illinois exodus next year sometime as we found property on an inland lake in Michigan. After the new home is built we’ll say bye to Tinley Park. Thanks for your writing and all the guests whilst you were recuperating.

  100. It was such an honor to meet you a few months ago! Thank you for all you give to us & for fighting for all of us with your voice. You are a blessing to us! Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours, John!

  101. Hi John,

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I think of you often as I drive by your former residence as I drive to the bank, post office, the bakery and hardware store. The village misses you, but your spirit still lives here.

    So glad I cancelled the once great Chicago Tribune and subscribed to your site.

    1. Harry Kannry, the village is so beautiful. We visited the other day meeting photographer Bill Melonides for a photo shoot for merch for johnkassnews.com It’s so nice there. Miss it.

  102. Happy Thanksgiving, John. I started reading the Tribune right before you left. I soon realized I only read it for your column. As soon as you started this adventure, I signed right up. I have enjoyed every column, and especially enjoyed seeing your guest columnists step up and take over while you began your journey to wellness. What a great group of friends! Almost 25 years ago, my beloved husband died right in front of me from an aortic aneurysm. Nothing could have saved him. No warning. Gone. I am so grateful you were able to be helped with all that has happened to you. I know the journey has been a tough one, but remember,“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. Keep taking those steps. The world needs more people like you! Happy Thanksgiving to your entire family!

  103. Thank you John for all that you do and write. So glad you’re back, and so sorry you dealt with all of these health issues. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family, and God bless!

  104. John,

    Being recently retired, I have to admit that there are very few papers, magazines, etc., that I subscribe to these days. However, your column is one of the few that I do subscribe to and look forward to reading each day. You are a talented writer that I think is underappreciated by many folks. I recently started reading a book, “Royko – the Tribune Years,” which contains all of Mike Royko’s columns written during his stint at the Tribune, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that you wrote the preface to this great book. Keep up the good work!

    1. I was honored to write the forward to the Royko book. I saw what the newsroom did to him. I should have paid attention, but I didn’t put 2 and 2 together. Thanks Craig Stroh. Happy Thanksgiving.

  106. Have a blessed Thanksgiving John, you and your dear family!! We are blessed that you are still here, and it is obvious, your work, your assignment that God has given you is not over. I can still hear my Greek YiaYia saying “Themoo Voitha”!

  108. The photo with your two sons standing in the ocean. Kills me. Despite your latest plight, you are a blessed man. I have only one son, about the age of yours. But he and his sister are my life and my legacy. Only fathers can understand as you and I do.
    Fight on, never quit.

  109. Wonderful column, John. I’m proud to add my name to your column. I stand with you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. God’s blessings for you all.

  111. I’m proud to add my name to your column. I stand with you. Wonderful column, John. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. God’s blessings for you all.

  114. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
    Thank you for all you do.
    You weren’t alone in your battles. I along with many here bowed our heads and prayed for you and your family.
    I have learned in my life to appreciate the good times and things due to having faced bad times and came out stronger.
    God bless you and your family.

  115. After the Trib collapsed, you looked forward – innovated a mightier platform – a stronger and sturdier stage, connecting you to the world of free expression. Yes, your health hurdles were significant yet,
    your senses remain acute – you see nuance, your ears hear the secrets, you recognize the stench of foul play, you taste the sweetness and sourness of life, and most importantly you feel deeply. Thanksgiving Blessings to you and to your family.

  116. I am thankful you even post what I write, particularly about the South and our history that extends back over 400 years. JFK recognized the first Thanksgiving as having taken place in 1619 on the James River near present day Berkeley farm. Those were two pretty tough decades, 1607 – 1619.
    Helped the Pilgrims know that they could do it as well! Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for this amazing column!

  117. One data point, for what it’s worth. Dr. Jeevanandam did my quad bypass a little over 22 years ago, and it’s held up beautifully. Every time I get some serious exercise I think of what he and his team did for me. To say you were in good hands would be a gross understatement.

  119. I’m happy to say I am sticking with you, John, even through disagreements. You and your family have made it through a gauntlet of suffering in ’23; may ’24 be kind to your entire family.

    1. You are so kind Geraldine. What Kim Foxx and I understood at Thom Serafin’s party–to the horror of people on the left and right–is that civility is a good thing, even though we disagree. Happy Thanksgiving

  120. I can’t thank you and your guest writers for filling so many pages with wonderful stories – the sad and the hopeful. I pray for God’s eternal blessings on you, your family and all those who read and support JKN. I am so glad I found you again!!
    Happy Thanksgiving – for we all have SO much to be thankful for. Blessings on you Christmas also.

    1. Gale, the only day an American can choose to be on their knees–Thanksgiving Day when we thank God for all our blessings. Thanks for subscribing to johnkassnews.com You’re no Chumbolone!!!

  121. Damn you, Kasso! You got this dago tearing up, and I’m at work reading this at the courthouse where I’m supposed to be professional! I love you, man! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! I hope to catch a coffee one day soon with you at Juicy-O! You’re the best!!!

    1. James, thank you.
      If you see Jimmy B at Juicy-O say hi to him for me!!! Best spicy shrimp and grits around !!! I’d drive an hour for his shrimp and grits..come to think of it, I do drive an hour for it, it’s that good.
      Happy Thanksgiving

  122. God bless you and your family John. Your writing brings people great joy. As Jim Valvano said, “Never give up. Never give up. Never ever ever give up.”

  123. Oh, and for crispy skin, no need to wet brine…..just dry brine with salt (and maybe a little garlic) in the refrigerator for a couple of days…..then when you are cooking it, coat it with some butter…..though in our home we do not make turkey anymore….no one likes it.

  124. John, on this Thanksgiving I give thanks to you and all the grand people who fought for you. Your family, doctors, rehab specialists, nurses and your shillelagh.
    Your awesome friends who have helped with your column, I have enjoyed each of them.
    Your wife, sons and your brother never, ever quit on you.
    You are truly blessed.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

  125. Thank YOU, John, for hanging in there for us. And thanks to all your friends for helping you keep this beacon of liberty alive while you were going through your battles this past year.

    And I thank God for people like you who serve as examples for the rest of us.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all.

  126. God bless you and your family.
    I thought I could skip a column because “JK is just writing about old Greek Thanksgiving traditions.”
    Wrong!
    This 80 year old lawyer recovering from cardiac arrest got choked up and must of been cutting onions.
    I had some career intersections with Eddie Burke and looking forward to that column when the smoke clears

  128. John-
    Great column, thanks for all you do, the inspiration and hope it gives us.
    Don’t drink much anymore, but will raise a symbolic single malt to you tomorrow on my birthday.
    Jim Zach

  131. John you’re so right it’s all about family and friends. “Never give up” was my mantra from Catholic grammar school through Lane Tech and onwards and upwards throughout my life.
    We only have temporary setbacks be it health or otherwise. You’re a fighter John your family, friends and faith is getting you through it all.
    You’re the reason I subscribed to the Tribune and when you left so did I.
    I wish and your family the best for this Thanksgiving and beyond.
    God Bless

  133. Hi John and the Kass family–

    Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Glad you made it through this incredible year! Enjoy your columns and happy you’re able to get back to a more regular pace. Also have enjoyed the guest writers.

    God bless!

    Melody
    (retired CT Ed)

  134. Happy Thanksgiving to you John, and to Betty, your sons, and to the talented principled team that kept us all reading and enjoying independent news. We wish special blessings on your medical team, and the Shirley Ryan team that guided your recovery. They are amazing. (We know first hand!) We look forward to your next column. God bless!

  135. Dear John, it was a pleasure to meet you so many years ago. Your columns have so many times been able to express thoughts that I have, but cannot put into words.
    I do have one problem however. The picture at the top of the column has people drinking out of plastic cups. There was no clinking of glasses for those people. Kindly give glasses to all the people that you love tomorrow so they can have a decent toast.
    Cheers

  137. This is the day that Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

    Thankful for you, John, and all your friends and family that provide the close support you need to keep you going and writing. Onward!

  141. John, from a fellow former newspaper reporter (in NW suburbs) who also once shook your hand outside Trib Tower–also recuperating from atrial fibrillation/heart failure symptoms (for 2nd time in 2 years, and 24 years after having an artificial heart valve installed, and 66 years after surviving open-heart surgery as an infant in Detroit to repair a birth defect). Thankful to you and proud to be a subscriber to JohnKassNews. You not only bring us badly-needed truth, you are one of those who inspire me to keep going, too! I’d be honored to meet you again, and perhaps even become an occasional contributor as well. P.S. Remember that letter I sent you 20-some years ago, asking you to comment on Michigan State’s “insult” to Greeks by nicknaming their teams the Spartans?

  142. Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your Family, John!

    Been a subscriber since you made the leap and I dropped the Trib at the same time. First delivered and then subscribed to the Trib since 1961.

    I’m glad you moved here to Indiana. I’m next door to you in Schererville.

    I will be making some home-made fudge soon-interested?

  143. John,

    First off, happy thanksgiving to you and yours! I apologize if my comments on violence coexisting with holiday shopping rubbed you the wrong way.

    Maybe the column was just so well written it just moved me to the point of revulsion. I was already to spend the day preparing the best meal my wife and I could put together for our family thanksgiving, then here comes Kasso with with his heart wrenching tale of this poor 23 year old women. It shocked my senses. Maybe, and I hate to use a second maybe, we are getting closer changing our politics to control the violence that plagues American society.

  145. God Bless you and yours John. God listens to the faithful. May God continue to look over us all though we often don’t deserve it. I will pray for a wonderful 20204 for you all

  148. Just catching up — I do read each one, and am thankful to you for helping to keep prospective in this truly upside time. And to your friends and fellow writers who stood with you. (I have noted your turkey hint for next year.) I think I really like Betty. Happy Thanksgiving – now to get on to that beef stock!

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