On Thanksgiving Day: No Man Walks Alone

By John Kass

Thursday Nov. 28, 2024

What a great time to be an American in America!!

And I just love that Norman Rockwell painting, “Freedom from Want” with the grandparents and their family and friends together for Thanksgiving Day.

We thank God. And we also thank friends, those we love.

People are just happier now, aren’t they? They’re more optimistic about the future, and they’re curious, rather than fearful, of what the future might bring.

Thanksgiving brings the Christmas season, and that means you might rewatch that great Frank Capra classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The heartwarming Christmas movie ends with the pilot Harry Bailey home from the war, toasting his brother George (Jimmy Stewart) as “the richest man in town.”

And a note of thanks from Clarence the Angel: “Dear George—Remember NO man is a failure who has friends.”

That always gets me, because as a good friend always says, “No man walks alone.”

And I happen to know the richest man in town. It’s not Jimmy Stewart.

It’s my friend Thom Serafin, husband to Ann, father to sons Mathew and Mitchell, and friend to so many.

If you’ve read about those amazing Christmas parties he throws, you know  that he and Ann are always surrounded by people who love the Serafin family.

Some of you know him as the sharp-witted deep voiced TV political analyst with the “good hair.”  Or as the boss of the top Chicago public relations firm Serafin & Associates. He’s a movie star, though a Green Bay Packers fan. And we’ve been blessed with friendship and support from the Serafin family for years.

Just a couple years ago I had a serious crippling health issue and he came through for me.

I was knocked down by a heart attack and required immediate cardiac surgery and a quadruple bypass. I thought my time had come.

On the University of Chicago operating table, it got worse. I suffered a stroke. And I just started johnkassnews.com. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t move my right hand.

I was about to lose my website, my business that Betty and I relied on after those leftist bigots there forced me to leave “the paper.”

That’s when Thom Serafin stepped in. He calmed Betty and me. He called other good friends and organized them into something of a staff. Many people talk about helping. He saw what was needed and did it, really did it, all the while reminding me of God’s love for all mankind. And our common obligation to use kindness whenever possible. He’s a decent man, and I would not be doing this now if it weren’t for my friend Thom Serafin.

They all pitched in and wrote columns for the website. And all of you readers and loyal subscribers pitched in by keeping your subscriptions with johnkassnews.com.

I’ll never forget Thom Serafin, who as in the Frank Capra film, is the richest man in town.

All those I mention here were rocks to me, rocks of support for my broken and weakened body,

pillars who held me up when I couldn’t stand myself.

Betty was there, of course. And our sons and their girlriends. Without their love, well, I don’t want to think of it.

And Jeff Carlin is always there, dear friend, WGN radio executive producer and co-host of our podcast, your favorite podcast: the Chicago Way.

James Banakis was also there too. And the life-long restauranteur found something out about himself: He can really, really write.

Packers fan David Bittinger has placed op-eds at the Los Angeles Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and elsewhere, including here. He also writes commentary on his own website and political poetry on “X.”

Peter V. Bella  is a retired Chicago police officer and photographer, writer, and serious cook. He also writes at his website petervbella.com and knows where to get a good sausage up on the Northwest side.

Dr. Cory Franklin, physician and writer was for 25 years director of medical intensive care at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He was one of the role models for Harrison Ford in the movie “The Fugitive.” He writes at the Chicago Tribune, the Jerusalem Post, johnkassnews.com and many others.

Gene Eydelman, born in Minsk, Belarus and grew up in Skokie IL. He represented the United States in Judo at the Maccabi Games in Israel 3 times.

Greg Ganske,is a retired plastic surgeon from Iowa. He served in the US Congress from 1995-2002.

Erin Geary spent 30 years as a teacher. Her essays on American culture and politics most often found at Commonfolk365.substack.com

Pat Hickey is a prolific Chicago writer and long time teacher of literature and writing at many Catholic High Schools in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. He unleashes his exacting intellect on Virgil’s Aeneid at johnkassnews.com on Friday and explains why our morally weakened culture needs Virgil now.

Mike Houlihan, Shakespearean actor, playwright, newspaper columnist  and host of Hibernian Radio. We call him “Houli.” I was just on his radio show from “the bunker” at a secret undisclosed location.

Steve Huntley writer for over three decades Chicago newsman at the Sun-Times, having served on the editorial board, and senior editor with US News and World Report. His writing is often picked up for national distribution, either on Real Clear Politics or at Powerline blog. A pro’s pro, he always has my respect. Please make sure to read him Sunday on this site, with “Dreaming of a Better Government.”

Ray Hanania is one of our first guest contributors, Ray is a veteran Chicago newsman, for many years political columnist of The Southtown Economist and Chicago Sun-Times. His work can also be found at www.Hanania.com.

Jeanne Ives, Westpoint graduate, US Army veteran, and Republican conservative  former Illinois gubernatorial candidate. She has a radio show on Sunday evenings on AM560 and is host of breakthrough-ideas.com. Froylan Jimenez a Chicago Public School Civics Teacher, coach and CTU union member. Mickey Horstman, Illinois Policy Institute.  Garry McCarthy is the former Supt. of Police in Chicago.

The great champion of the unborn Mary Hallan FioRito addresses another thorny issue as government works its way into families: Does the child “belong” to the state? Or, to the family.

Michael Ledwith is a frequent contributor. The former U.S. Army officer ran with the bulls in Pamplona and saw Baryshnikov dance ’Giselle’ at the Auditorium Theater.  Surfer. Rock and roller. Bill Marovitz, former Illinois State Senator. Bill Melonides, is a professional photographer and chef. Jay Levine is the former Chief Correspondent for CBS-2 Chicago. His beats ranged from City Hall to Vatican City. Stuart Loren sees the cowardice in politcal Illinois.

John P. McCormick, native of Manchester, Iowa. Among his various news jobs: night copy clerk at the late Chicago Daily News, Midwest bureau chief for Newsweek Magazine and editorial page editor of the Chicago Tribune. We were colleagues at “the paper” and I’d try out columns and he’d work out editorials. That’s what colleagues do. He stood up to the corrupt forces of Illinois that were bent on destroying it.

My brother Nicholas Spyridon Kass served the United States government for more than 30 years at the White House, CIA, U.S. State Department and other posts. He is retired, living in Romania and is a senior fellow for foreign affairs at the Center for National Interest. He has written for The American Conservative, American Greatness, johnkassnews.com and other publications.

Donna More is the former federal prosecutor who should have been elected Cook County States attorney but for Democrat fools and knaves who had campaign cash showered upon them by their rich daddy. Moor was not so favored. And so sinister politicos like Boss Toni got Kim Foxx elected county prosecutor, to the enthusiastic applause of George Soros.

Dan Proft, is my friend, the conservative Chicago talk show host on Chicago’s Morning Answer program on AM 560, and is the unsentimental podcaster on  COUNTERCULTURE: “The intersection of reason and faith, in the great battle against sentimentality, to preserve Western Civilization.” He does not suffer fools.

Steve, the Pilot is the fishing buddy and friend of the famous trout fisherman known as Johnny Two Rods. Juan Rangel is the Chicago school reformer with recent victories against the malevolent CTU.

Matt Rosenberg has walked across half of Europe, it seems, and is deeply interested in Chicago. Political guru Thom Serafin has been blessed with that “good hair.” His friends are thankful that he lopped off his hipster pony-tail. Roy Santoro is a veteran Chicago newsman. Anne Savoy is a Chicago baseball fan whose heart has been broken by the White Sox.

Father Paul Siewers the Orthodox priest has written beautifully about the mysteries of the Lenten season.

Marie T. Sullivan a native of Ohio  Marie T. (Terry) Sullivan has lived in Chicagoland for all of her adult life. Her background is in music. By day she works for a Chicago nonprofit. For two years she was culture editor for the now defunct Chicago Daily Observer. She’s an elegant writer. 

Freelance writer Robert Thomas wrote a gripping story: “One Day in East Berlin, 1984.” And the Illinois Policy Institute’s Brad Weisenstein knows that tax dollars won’t save Chicago newspapers.

The man who should have been elected mayor of Chicago was too white and he wasn’t enough of a leftist to suit Democrats and Chicago’s Marxist newsrooms, but problem-solver Paul Vallas keeps on trying to work out what ails this broken city. He won’t give up.

So there’s a sampling of the friends who’ve pitched in to help me at johnkassnews.com. I wanted to recognize and thank them.

I used to think I was alone, but all of you had my back, and so many of you subscribed, so that told me I was not alone. And as long as you keep subscribing, I’ll keep writing and giving you the best I’ve got.

And, as another good friend of mine says (he’s a shy former Democrat and does not like to read his name in print):

“No man walks alone.”

He’s right. I know God loves us. And I do remember that no man is a failure who has friends.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, from Betty, the boys and me.

God bless you and your families and God bless America.

-30-

 

Comments 53

  1. As usual John, your column hit home for me. What a great thanksgiving share to remind us all about the many many people that keep us going. Happy Thanksgiving to you and especially to all who have filled in for you with their various insights.

  2. Bravo!!! God continue to bless you for years to come!!!

    And all should be inspired to count their blessings, especially those sitting around their tables today.

  3. Mr Kass, you are a rich man! I was surprised how many names I recognized in your list. All great friends. Thank you to them and you for keeping our eyes open in this country. Between your dad and brother you had to be a stand up guy. Meeting Betty was the best thing to have happened in your life too! Thanks from Flyover Land!

  6. Happy Thanksgiving , John. As subscribers we give you support. As a writer you give us hope, that those of us without a Voice can hear our beliefs trumpeted across the nation through your insightful columns. Keep it up and thanks.

  9. Thanks for being persistent John. Despite your health issues, your family and friends were there for you. It says a lot about you. To see what kind of man he is, one has only to check out his circle of friends. Your circle is strong indeed! May God bless you and Betty, the boys, and your ever expanding circle of talented friends.

  10. What a wonderful tribute to all of your close friends. John, you are truly a gem to all of your readers with most of us reading your columns from when you were with the paper. You are certainly on my list of what I’m thankful for. I wish for you, your family and all of your friends a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!!

  11. A blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    We are thankful for your words, your truth and your family and friends.
    God has surrounded you with folks of great talent. We appreciate every one.
    I enjoy seeing their comments in JohnKassNews.com.
    To your health and future success

  14. Through all of this God was your best friend. He provided you with all these other friends to do his work in your life. They heard the call no matter how they heard it. Today, and every day, is the day to thank him and his faithful servants. Godspeed John.

  17. Beautiful column of heartfelt thanks.
    The darkest days of your illnesses are hopefully passed.
    I rejoice in your recovery and spirit. Never give up!
    Through that time we were able to read columns from many remarkable people, thank you for that gift. I also give thanks for your Mother who prayed many years ago when you in the Merchant Marines that you would come home safe. I know because I worked with her at that time, she is truly a great person.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family, God Bless you all.

  21. We readers and those who add additional thoughts via their comments are grateful too for the wisdom and common sense written by you and so many good friends. You are a good man John. And we appreciate all you do for our spirit. During the last election cycle there were times when I and many others had but hope that the republic would be given a course correction at the polls. Thank God the USA came thru as it always will. It is darkest before the dawn. Now we need to see where Donald leads us and hope he can overcome the roadblocks that will be dumped in his path. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

  22. You’ve earned a lot of love and loyalty in your life, John. God has blessed you!

    No man is an island
    No man stands alone
    Each man’s joy is joy to me
    Each man’s grief is my own

    We need one another
    So, I will defend
    Each man as my brother
    Each man as my friend

    [Bridge]
    I saw the people gather
    I heard the music start
    The song that they were singing
    Is ringing in my heart

    [Verse 1]
    No man is an island
    No man stands alone
    Each man’s joy is joy to me
    Each man’s grief is my own

    [Verse 2]
    We need one another
    So, I will defend
    Each man as my brother
    Each man as my friend

    John Donne

  23. We are nothing without friends and family. I have enjoyed every column written here and the comments that follow. I had a Healthcare scare in 2023. Every day since has been a gift. I am very optimistic about the coming years.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

  24. Happy Thanksgiving, John! Thanks for all you do. And thanks to all of your friends who’ve pitched in when you needed them. I’ve enjoyed their perspectives and am better off for being a member. I’ll keep subscribing as long as you and your friends keep writing 😉

  25. Yianni,
    We’re all so blessed and thankful to have you as our collective voice for truth and “the American Way!” Those of us who have recently endured life altering surgeries are truly grateful for the gift of being able to spend more time with family and friends. With the prospect of a new administration just around the corner, we’re all hopeful and anxious to right the ship of state, and take it back from such evil people and their minions.
    Kalo Thanksgiving to you, and your entire extended family, and to all your friends who’ve had a hand in your journalistic career – especially the doctors!!! We all have so much for which to be thankful!!! Thanks God!

  27. Great story John, Thom really is a blessing to you and others. Soem people thinks a person have to do great things to be a great person, no a great person sometimes is someone who is ALWAYS there even with small things. God Bless you John, your family and everyone on this Thanksgiving day. I have much to be grateful for (I dont have a friend even one who is there with small things, but I am still grateful).

  28. Mr. Kass- I wish for you and your Family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Great column as always, and you continue to make your Greek ancestors proud.

    My Dad once told me that if I had one or two “real Friends” in my life I’d be fortunate. I asked what a “real Friend” was, and he said that it is someone who you call at 3am and say “I need you to meet me right away, and bring $300 with you”. An acquaintance will come up with excuses, “can’t it wait until tomorrow, what is the money for”, etc. A real Friend says “I’ll be there in 20 minutes”. Both you and I are very fortunate to have some real Friends (I always capitalize the important words).

  29. Happy Thanksgiving! Beautiful statement of gratitude shared by many of us today. Providence delivered you as well as President Trump. And by extension, all of the rest of us aggrieved by the decay of America over the last four years. I pray to God we never again suffer such a lengthy Valley Forge of despair.

  30. Thanks John. As an ex Roselander, I remember on Christmas Eve, our dad would take us to look at the stainless steel trees on South Park Ave. We’d come back and lo and behold Santa had come.

  32. John, you are truly blessed by God. When you thought it was over, God had other plans for you. The road & recovery was rough & now you can look back & see how far he has brought you. Now you see who your friends are, and a terrific bunch they are. They come from all walks of life & professions. I enjoy each one & their writings. I feel like I know them all & am thankful to read each of their writings. No John, you are the richest man in town & possibly the tri-state area. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

  35. JK. You’re the perfect example of why life happens. Good people, sharing a common thread which is you Mr. Kass.

    When we almost lost you to death, many prayers were said, hearing on the police grapevine, that you were seriously ill.

    A miracle occurred and God saved you. My Our Fathers were answered.

    What is ironic that crew Tom Serafin put together made John Kass news even better.

    I look forward to your guest columnist s just as much as I wait for your column, it’s a great benefit for me the subscriber.

    We have to Thank God for the miracle that you’re with us and recovering, and JK had you not gotten ill, we would have never been exposed to these great people who carried the ball for you as you recovered. Life is a circle, life isn’t perfect, but you’re a stand up guy, surrounded by stand up people.

    Happy Thanksgiving JK, and family, thank you to those medical people that kept you with us, the unsung heroes doing the Lord work every minute of every day for complete strangers.

  36. Thank you John. Keep writing. One point of information. The Four Freedoms as articulated by FDR paved the way for modern liberalism. “Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Want”. The first two were already enshrined in our Bill of Rights. They are objective.
    Not hard. But the last two….how do you measure? How are they accountable? The simple fact is there is no way to measure because freedom from want/fear are subjective, not objective. Tell me, during Covid, locking us up and doing all the other things, “freedom from fear”? The Great Society programs that started in 1965 and spent trillions of dollars, “freedom from want”? Where are we? This is why I don’t put FDR in a top 5 of all-time Presidents. Sure, during WW2 he offered inspiration, but what choice did he have (and I say this as a former Board of Trustee at the National WW2 Museum, many of my fellow trustees would disagree with me)? FDR’s and Woodrow Wilson’s policies are the root of many government problems and debt that we have to tackle today.

  37. John, Happy Thanksgiving to you, Betty and the family.

    I’m thankful to be part of your John Kass news.com family.

    Thank you for the little retrospective and giving credit to those who keep this page moving. I did not realize that Thom Serafin was the key cog in keeping this page alive when you were sick and recovering. A big thank you to him as well as all of your contributors.

    One side note. I noted you mentioned Erin Geary in your accolades. I know she stepped away from here as well as Substack for personal reasons. I have seen no updates, but have had her on my mind for a couple of weeks now. I only hope she is ok and doing well.

  39. A very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you John and all of your family; and that family includes all of the wonderful friends that have written for you and prayed for you.
    I have enjoyed every column and I also look forward to the future with great curiosity.
    Thank you for every great column and for introducing me to so many brilliant writers.

  40. “Packers fan”? “Packers fan”???

    No, no, I’m — still, somebody stop me — a Bears fan who’s lived in Cheeseland for many painful years. But I’m thankful to have irreplaceable John Kass and JKN providing access to my healthy old Chicagoland values. And savvy readers.

    On this day of many blessings and few mixed ones, I’ve even composed a cheer for our sad-sacked guys:

    Blocked kick, Hail Mary, ill-fitting shoes!
    C’mon, Bears, find a DIFFERENT way to lose!

  41. Today I am grateful to all those American People Who got Donald Trump elected for the 47th President to save our nation and the world. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

  42. Thank you for this column, John. You are blessed with so many good friends and we are blessed to have your wonderful writing. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Betty and the boys.

  43. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all those who were there when it counted and who still stand with you.
    With your words, we made it through the tough times. When things were darkest for us, you kept a light burning.

  44. John, there is nothing I can add to what has already been said. You keep on writing and we will keep on subscribing. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Betty and the boys. And may you always be well.

  46. Beautiful, John! As someone who does not know Thom Serafin personally (only through mentions in media like Sneedlings in Michael’s column in years past), and of course on your podcast, I am so glad you highlighted his phenomenal friendship rarely seen by blood relatives let alone friends! Some day I’d like to thank him personally for being your rock and in the process saving a Chicago institution! God bless.

  47. Wonderful column John, and a great reminder to enumerate those who have made a difference in our lives in a deliberate way. I am grateful that you have this column and I even kept my subscription during a long bout of unemployment this past year (grateful that for 6 months I’ve had a great job though too). With the recent election, voices like yours will hopefully be more present in the media as the unwarranted stigma wanes. I still get “the paper” on Sundays only, frankly for the comics and puzzle page, and my husband for Rides, Real Estate and Sports. It still annoys me that my local paper is now “Chicago Tribune lite” and I have to pay twice for the same slanted articles, even one day a week. Keep healthy, we need you for a long time to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

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