Field Law Firm - November 2021

Field Law Firm - November 2021

Notes From The Field

November 2021

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Giving Thanks

In Difficult Times

“In all things give thanks.”

and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

If you are even a casual observer of our society, you know that’s a pretty bold statement. Unless you’re a hermit or a monk who doesn’t know what’s going on in our nation (or the world), your first reaction might be to not “give thanks.” In fact, we could probably make an entire list of reasons to be thankless — some of which may hit particularly close to home. Nevertheless …

So, we seem to have a tradition of giving thanks even under difficult circumstances.

Mental Health Benefits

A History of Thanksgiving

Thankfulness is more than just tradition; it actually improves our mental health. Here are just a few ways that gratitude can be beneficial. Expressing gratitude can improve your mood. People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their lives are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression. Showing gratitude can make you more optimistic. Studies show that those who express gratitude regularly appear to have a more positive outlook on life. Sharing gratitude can improve your social bonds. People have reported feeling more loved and more connected to others in their lives when they routinely practice gratitude (or see those around them practicing gratitude). Gratitude can improve physical health. People who actively express gratitude tend to be more engaged in activities that take care of their physical health, like eating well and exercising. This leads to higher energy levels, better sleep, and a stronger immune system, which helps fight off illnesses and infections.

Many of you may know that the first official Thanksgiving was in 1863. It was a result of a proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 3, 1863, three months to the day after the bloodiest battle in the entire Civil War — Gettysburg, July 1–3, 1863. Over those three days in July, 46,286 men lost their lives! In light of all the lost lives, Lincoln invited the American people in this way: “It has seemed to me fit and proper that the [increase and growth of the country in spite of the horrific battles] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to set apart

With all of that in mind, I am choosing to express thankfulness and gratitude, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I have

much to be thankful for, and I hope you do as well. I pray you’ll have a blessed Thanksgiving this year.

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BRAIN GAMES

C.S. Lewis Quotes: “There are far, far better things ahead, then any you leave behind.” “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” “Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.” “You can make anything by writing.” “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only — and that is to support the ultimate career.”

SOLUT ION

THE 5 BEST FOODS FOR A STRONGER HEART EAT THIS, NOT THAT

Grapefruit Eating just one grapefruit each day can lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by 8%–11%, respectively lowering your risk of heart disease. You’ll also get

If you live to the age of 70, your heart will beat over 2.5 billion times. That’s a lot to ask of an organ that’s just slightly larger than your fist. With American obesity reaching near-epidemic proportions and companies still sneaking artery-clogging transfats into our food, our hearts are in need of some major assistance. Yes, exercise helps — but eating the right food is just as important. Start working these five best foods into your diet, and your reward will be a stronger heart and a longer, healthier life. Cranberries Researchers at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found that men who drank three cups of cranberry juice daily raised their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the good kind — by 10%, which in turn lowered their risk of heart disease by 40%. Cranberry juice is often diluted, so check the label to make sure yours contains at least 27% cranberry juice. Whole Grains In a study at Tulane University, researchers found that people who ate four or more servings of foods like whole grains, nuts, and beans a week had a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease than those who ate the foods once a week or less. (They probably also have 75% fewer camping companions!)

more than 150% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. According to research from England, people with the most vitamin C in their bloodstreams are 40% less likely to die of heart disease. Water Loma Linda University researchers found that drinking five or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day could help lower the risk of heart disease by up to 60% — exactly the same drop a person gets when they quit smoking. You’ll also likely lose some weight. Replace half of what you drink with water, and you’ll save 23 pounds per year! Fish Omega-3 fats in tuna and other fish help strengthen the heart muscles, lower blood pressure, prevent excessive blood clotting, and reduce the level of potentially deadly inflammation in the body. Now that’s a lot of bang for your buck! Of course, with regards to this advice, you have my permission to ignore it all on Thanksgiving!

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TAKE A BREAK

CAN YOU LEGALLY MOVE A STATE’S BORDER?

THESE OREGON COUNTIES HOPE SO

Earlier this year, several counties in Eastern Oregon voted to break away from the Beaver State and join their next-door neighbor, Idaho. Led by a grassroots organization called Citizens for Greater Idaho (or Greater Idaho, for short), this push to move the Oregon-Idaho border further west was fueled by an urban/ rural and liberal/conservative divide within the state. In short, rural Oregonians, who are mostly conservative, don’t feel like their state government, which leans liberal, represents their interests. However, rather than leave their homes and livelihoods behind for a government that better represents their values, they’ve decided they want to bring Idaho’s values and government to them. While the social and political dimensions of this movement are fascinating, the more pragmatic question of whether moving a state border is possible at all is an essential element to explore. What do legal experts say about the possibility of moving Oregon’s state border? Well, proponents of the move shouldn’t hold their breath. While some counties have “voted” to leave Oregon, those votes don’t hold any legal power. They’re more like a poll, gauging interest in an idea before further action is taken. To make Greater Idaho a reality, however, both state legislatures and the United States Congress will have to approve the move. Idaho’s state border is enshrined in its constitution, which means that in order for the borders to change, so would the state’s founding document. It’s a tall bar to clear, but state borders have moved before. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that much of Ellis Island actually belonged to New Jersey rather than New York. The mere legal possibility, plus the affirmation of some representatives in the Idaho state government, including Governor Brad Little, is enough for Greater Idaho to continue hoping that they’ll have a say in the kind of government they want to have.

EASY PUMPKIN BROWNIES

Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com

If you have a hard time choosing between chocolate cake and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, this 2-for-1 treat will knock your socks off.

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix, plus other ingredients listed on box • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1/2 can pumpkin purée • 6 oz cream cheese, softened • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven as directed on the brownie box, then make the brownie mix. Fold in chocolate chips. 2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin purée, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Choose your pan as directed on the brownie box. Grease it if needed. 4. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and spread evenly. 5. Add the pumpkin mixture to the pan, evenly or in a pattern. Cover with the rest of the brownie mix and spread evenly. 6. Bake as directed on the brownie box, adding 10 minutes to account for the pumpkin. Test for doneness, and when your toothpick comes out clean, cool and enjoy!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Despite It All, We Should Give Thanks

Caleb’s Corner For a Stronger Heart, Eat This, Not That

Easy Pumpkin Brownies Can You Legally Move a State’s Border?

How COVID-19 Worsened America’s Opioid Crisis

How COVID-19 Worsened America’s Opioid Crisis Lockdowns Made Things Tough

Since the mid-1990s, over 500,000 deaths have been attributed to opioids. Many factors fueled the problem: corporate greed, economic recession, and changing attitudes toward pain treatments. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which escalated the opioid crisis to untold levels. >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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