A history lesson worth remembering

The pilgrims were people who had profound religious beliefs. Led by William Bradford, they came to America seeking relief from the repressive Church of England so they might openly profess their faith. The Mayflower Compact was based on lessons learned in the Old and New Testaments. The original contract with the merchants, who sponsored the voyage, was to put goods produced in a common store and each member would be entitled to one share, not unlike a socialist form of government.

William Bradford quickly realized that this form of collectivism led to confusion, injustice and discontentment. What Bradford did next was to assign each family member its own plot of land, free to plant, harvest and market its own crops and products. Families worked hard and produced more food than they could consume. The excesses were traded with the Indians and the proceeds allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants of England. The concept of capitalism and private property was born in America. The success and prosperity of the Plymouth settlement attracted more Europeans and led to the "Great Puritan Migration."

As we reflect this holiday season and give thanks for our freedoms and our bounty, let us not forget the lessons learned by William Bradford and the original pilgrims.

Ray Cziczo

Antioch