As families across the nation gather for Thanksgiving, many will engage in the ritual of having everyone at the table say two or three things for which they are thankful. First on everyone’s list, usually, is good health — personally and nationally — followed by family, friends, bountiful food, clothing, shelter, vacations, the dog, etc.

This year, I plan to say I am thankful we live in a country where we can have robust political debates, disagree vigorously on a lot of issues, but remain respectful and civil to one another.