How’d you sleep last night?
Some people woke up today elated at the prospect of the coming administration. And some woke up scared, angry and/or heartbroken.
We’re in for some rocky times.
As an older person, I’ve been through dozens of election cycles. And people have always chosen sides. But I have never seen the sort of division I’ve seen the last few years, or the angry, uncivil behaviors and verbiage so publicly on display.
In the end, the average American voted for the president they thought would keep them safe. Whether economically or medically, from terrorists within or without, from bigotry or persecution. Each honestly believed their candidate was the one to do it. Some people voted on single issues deeply important to them, disregarding other concerns they might have had.
And we now have half of the country feeling the new administration will cause harm. For some, such as gay and gender-non-conforming persons or women in certain states with life-or-health endangering pregnancies, legislature passed by Trump or his supporters has already caused harm.
If we are going to regain a sense of safety for the majority of Americans, it’s important we learn how to talk to each other, civilly, about our values and fears. Without the name-calling, manipulation, bullying and all-or-nothing thinking that has marked this election.
If your party or candidate won, celebrate that with those who are also happy. Be mindful, though, of others who are feeling sad, scared, or hopeless.
If your party or candidate lost, grieve or take solace how best you can. Continue to promote the values you believe in, in ways that are compassionate, open-minded, civil and legal.
For all of us: Let’s try to show each other the people we want in the world. Be open minded, loving and kind. Demonstrate we can be good citizens. Strive for country’s ideals of justice, opportunity and equal rights with right speech and right actions. Call out injustice as calmly as you can, and model civility.
We have work to do if we want America to live up to its promise. Let’s keep at it.
For information about listening well and speaking well to opposing viewpoints, attend a Civil Discourse club meeting or debate.
