As the polls are shuffling out their votes to be tallied and folks wait on edge to hear about each state's electoral outcome, just thought I'd pass along a little nonpartisan food for thought:
Consider casting aside political zeal and itchiness to call the other team a bunch of morons in favor of mutual respect and earnest, civil discussion.
Hey -- it's okay to be friends with people that have differing viewpoints. It's darn good for you, I think. Yes, there's an intrinsic value in being among friends that share your ideas (it provides some social affirmation, for starters), but don't let that warm and fuzzy group turn you into an ignorant, hyper-exclusive sort that can't hear the other folks out.
This presidential race is neck-and-neck enough that half of this country will be pretty disappointed come morning (or, y'know, whenever the final counts are made). Half. That's not a small number. Those people have souls. They might be on your "team" or they might not be, but don't be so quick to slander them if you're on the winning side of this election.
And if you're among the losing side, think before you condemn the nation to hell in a handbasket just because your guy didn't win (or re-gain) the presidency. Grumble a little, get it out of your system, then build a bridge. Life will go on. The sun will still rise and set. It will be okay. God's still in control, and God is still far more almighty than any jasper in a power suit.
Look, I know I'm a little all over the place. But just the same, I really wish that we the people would see ourselves as people. Not demographics, not neat and tidy categories, not wing-nuts. Just... people.
Give your political enemies a hug today. Deep down, you've got to agree on something. Maybe it's ice cream. Hey, it's a start.
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