November 22 “Trilogy of hate”

I have three examples of unjust events in the world that happened on this day in history.

November 22nd, 1307, Pope Clement V issued the papal bull Pastoralis Praeeminentiae which instructed all Christian monarchs in Europe to arrest all Templars and seize their assets. Distrust with Knights Templars began with King Philip IV of France. Then the Pope. The Templars were becoming very powerful, religiously. England finally captured and tried Templars. Thousands of Templars disappeared or were killed. Vast fortunes of money also disappeared. Great areas of land also went to the Pope or to various kings.

I first start with the book “The Crusades” by Anthony West, 1965. You may notice that is is a Landmark Books selection.

This book goes into some details of the religious crusades to the Holy Lands. Many of the leaders in fighting were the Knights Templar. They took vows to aid the poor and sick, fight infidels that attacked Christianity, fight for truth and Justice, and also vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They were a powerful lot, and their power and armies scared the rulers of Europe.

Beginning with King Philip IV of France, he had the Templars of France rounded up, tortured, and killed. Some say that King Philip IV disbanded and killed the Templars because of the fortune of money he owed them. The king then helped pressure Pope Clement V to have the rest of Europe’s leaders do the same. England was one of the last leaders to do so, though the French were the most vicious in destroying the Templar Order.

I have the book “The History of the Temple, London” by J. Bruce Williamson, published 1924. This book goes into the history of the Knight Templers (interesting in its own) and the church and bank they built in London.

For a very long time, it was their national bank, as well as a chapel. The Templars were involved with great amounts of money. The church is an unusual round church. After King Edward took over the Templars possessions for England, he leased the Temple to two Colleges of lawyers. It is still leased today. This was a very interesting and detailed book about the building, and the uses it has had.

Another horrible event happened on this date. On November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Texas. Those born in “The Greatest Generation” and us “Baby Boomers” remember the influence that death had. It was the first time people talked about where they were, when they heard the news of his shooting.

I have “The Day Kennedy Was Shot” by Jim Bishop, 1968.

This book is a very detailed and researched book about what happened, and the people involved. As well as the many facts inside, the book is interesting to read. Anyone who wants to study Kennedy, would best read this book first.

My third story of intolerable revolt has to do with Thanksgiving…and the hatred of Cranberry Sauce (Relish). November 22nd is National Cranberry Relish Day, and November 23th is National Cranberry Day. Having TWO official days still cannot seem to stem the growing dislike for cranberries. As of last year, 29% of people hate cranberry sauce, and 50% of the population think that cranberry sauce is disgusting.

I have the book “Cranberries” by William Jaspersohn, 1991.

This book goes into the history of cranberries, and has many great pictures that show the growing stages, and harvesting of cranberries. It is cool to see the cranberry bogs. This is a true Native American fruit, and I for one like them.

My mother had a hand grinder, (my sister now owns and uses,) that would clamp to the table. She would make her own relish, with us cranking, adding nuts and orange to the mix. My Thanksgiving would not be a feast without cranberry relish. I am not the big fan of those cans of cranberry sauce. They are just overly sugared jello. I want the real stuff, even though the red would bleed into my mashed potatos; and never, I mean never, eat a forkful of cranberry sauce and then take a big swig of milk. (shudder.)

Cranberries are often considered a superfood because of their high nutrient and antioxidant content. And for health, cranberries are good for: the immune system, cardiovascular health, urinary tract infections, blood pressure, anti-aging, and eye health.

In college, I even had a cranberry liqueur. It was part of my after dinner and nightcap selection of booze in the dorm. There are a bunch of stories of friends with dates, stopping by my room for one last little nightcap, usually to get that last jolt of alcohol. I was popular at last call.

The Cranberries were a great band as well, from Ireland. ( they’re “in my head, in my head…”)

So why all the hate? These Cran-spiracy theories are bogging me down.

Thanks for reading about, listening to, and hopefully, for tasting a little cranberries, this Thanksgiving.