The Day After
It’s the day after the Election for President. And this has been a contentious election with a lot of partisan sniping and name-calling on both sides. It’s not ‘Both-sides-ism’ to allow that both sides, by the way, will fight fiercely in a partisan battle to the ‘death’ so to speak. And on the day after, it is hard to simply give it up and walk away, particularly when the outcome is one that you didn’t expect and that greatly disappoints or shocks you.
First Things First
Some good advice might be to wait a while and then make an effort to reach out to the other side; and without being snide or snarky , accept that it is a game that is winner-take-all in some respects. And yet, it’s how you PLAY the game that always matters! When one side loses, we should respect the outcome but also not spend time gloating. In some respects, if both sides are soon able to accept there are winners -and you will not always be the one who wins-that’s a victory!
Celebrate with your team yes, But also be aware that there is another side of the coin and not everyone will be happy with your victory day
Next Step
Things that we know we share…common values, common history, love of family, love of our animals and our community, are all things that bind us together. We are all Americans, we are all community members, and we are all in this together.
The Spiritual need for love and the universal ability to help others when they need help doesn’t run through political party lines. With the recent hurricanes, we can see that there is no time for partisan bickering when people are suffering and may have lost everything in a natural disaster.
What my neighbors did for me during the hurricanes that impacted us in Tampa is something I will never forget. And though they are not on the same side of the political divide as I am, I will be forever grateful to them and never allow partisan politics to stand in the way of my gratitude and loyalty to my neighbors.
Remember what John F Kennedy said in the fight in the Pacific during World War II? Nobody asks in the foxhole if you are Republican or Jewish or liberal or Catholic…we are all AMERICANS and we fight together for a ‘more perfect Union’
Step Three
Remember that there is a time and a season in life. If your party is the victor, be mindful that what goes up, will come down. It’s a law of physics and especially a law of political science. Both sides will fight hard to win for the next event!..
So don’t despair. And remember that no matter what, there are millions who believe as you do. You are not alone. And you will be able to make your voice count in your community and in your state and local government every year. Not every four years, but every year you may decide who is in the governing party that surrounds your community. Don’t despair and don’t give up. Vote and be aware and be active in helping to serve others in your community.
Volunteer with state and local organizations that you believe in. If you are passionate about the environment, then you will always be able to help serve and learn more about ways to make your air cleaner and the planet greener…..
Final Thoughts
All of these things count. Here’s the link to Your Civic Guide, which is another reminder that our lives in America don’t rise and fall at the end of each Presidential cycle. And especially in the age of the Internet-the Information Age-we should be aware of the laws that govern all of us and ensure that we remain a democracy!
There are some who would help us by signing on to create another Continental Congress! Perhaps in the 21st Century, that could be a new calling for many of us. If you feel that your government is not working as it should, and may perhaps be in need of major reforms, then the next step might be to organize and become informed about the Constitution and how amendments are created to reform our original founding document!
There are so many possibilities to be aware of. None of them include violence or name-calling. Experiencing sadness, grief or even shock may be part of the let-down some may feel after an intense election. But we as Americans should know that violence forms no part of our history. And this election is no different.
Be informed. Be aware of the power of your vote. Stay in touch with your friends and remember that losing an election is not the end of all things possible in life. It may lead to new beginnings for many…
