• by Michael Kubin , November 21, 2001

Keep in mind that this column is being released on the Wednesday afternoon prior to Thanksgiving, by which time most of the hard-working media community will have scrammed. So instead of the usual millions, only a hardy few dozen will read these words.

2001 -- truly annus horribilis in so many ways: In our little world - the dot-com implosion. Nationally - the recession. And September 11. Tests that have served to underline Americans' strength and resiliency.

A few observations:

We cheer the underdog because we are not bullies.

We appreciate spunk, gumption, and fair play.

We have a sense of humor, and always a commitment to bounce back. It didn't take long after the World Trade Center attacks for television, magazines, and the Web to fill with very funny topical jokes. That might have been heresy in some countries, but not here. Our humor doesn't come at the expense of those who died, but rather celebrates the peculiar ways in which we live.

We are committed to doing what is right. On September 11 we were wronged, and 4,600 people needlessly lost their lives. And now we are doing what is necessary to set matters straight. I would not want to be in the terrorists' place. Nor in the place of their life insurance company.

We really do see America as THE standard. We believe our way, our freedom, is the right way. And we really do want the rest of the world to be free -- generally so they can spend a buck on our products, but so what?

And we argue among ourselves so that others can be free to argue among themselves.

Finally, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, and to reward those few of you who made it all the way down here: there's a mailbox on the northeast corner of 46th and Madison in New York City. Taped underneath it is a manila envelope containing a few dollars in small bills. First come - first served.

Just one more thing to be thankful for.

- Michael Kubin is co-CEO of Evaliant, one of the web's leading sources for online ad data.