EDITORIAL: Giving thanks: A kinder, gentler online commentary

We regularly publish anonymous opinions that can be critical of everything from the planes in the sky to the sand on the beach, but for its Thanksgiving Day edition The Log wants to pass on the griping and showcase the grateful.

Recently on our Web site at thedestinlog.com, we asked readers why they are still thankful — despite all the problems. In what is being called the toughest times since the Great Depression, we wanted to know what keeps our readers grounded.

Our commenters are regularly accused of being down on Destin, so we asked those netizens what they still love about The World's Luckiest Fishing Village.  

While some still couldn’t resist throwing an elbow or two, here are their responses.

By: bb
I'm thankful I was born and raised here. I enjoy my old shool-mates and childhood friends. I'm still in awe of our beauty and natural resources. I'm very thankful I was taught to keep my back to the condos and enjoy the essence of this area.

By: matt
I am glad that this week they are not publishing more negative comments about Destin. It is getting very old to read all of the negative post mainly from people who either live part time here or just vacation here. Destin: Love it or leave!

By: LAURENB
I am thankful that after many years of struggling with my grandfather to come stay in Destin he is finally here. My grandmother passed away seven years ago this month, and just this past Tuesday my grandfather had a heart attack and is no longer able to care for himself.

He finally realized that Destin is where he needed and wanted to be — surrounded by the family that loves and cares for him everyday and in the town he came to visit once a month. There is nothing more that he would rather do than sit in the warmth of the sun in the car and watch the Destin fishing fleet bring in all the fish from that days outing.

I couldn't ask for anything more than for my grandfather to be in a place he can enjoy for the rest of his time with us. That is what I am, and forever will be, thankful for!

By: Nicole truce
I am thankful that of all the different places I haves lived that I am here in Destin. I am also thankful that even though our home in Destin burned down in 2005 that this community takes care of its own and more. I was blessed by the outpouring of love and support this fishing village had during our time of need as well as today. I have never lived in such a warm and compassionate city. We should all give thanks just to be here. God bless.

By: Maryanne Schneller
I'm grateful for the beautiful "emerald" colored waters and the "peaceful feeling" that sets in when walking along the ocean edge.

By: destinista
I'm grateful for the great locals and the great local businesses. I miss our small town paper though. Real Destin is still here you just have to look past the flashy big city wannabes.

By: Flora Jacobs
I'm thankful for having good health to enjoy my family again this Thanksgiving in Birmingham, Ala. I am also thankful I can read the Destin Log on my computer!

And we at The Log thank you, the readers and our advertisers, for your regular contributions to the newspaper — and our community.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009.