Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, was a day of celebration and exuberance for half of America and a day of stinging disappointment for the other half of our fellow countrymen.
It’s that last phrase that I think we tend to forget.
The “losers” are not losers, nor our enemies; they are our brothers and sisters who, like us, have love, loyalty and dreams for this great country that we share as American citizens.
The race for president of the United States of America has unfortunately helped to further polarize an already divided nation. It is time to listen to the words of both candidates and begin the healing process that was spoken of on Nov. 3.
First, I think that we as Republicans need to acknowledge the judgment and honorable actions of Sen. Kerry when he chose to put the good of the nation ahead of winning an election at all costs like Al Gore attempted to do in 2000.
Regardless of my thoughts on Kerry’s politics, he has my respect and gratitude for taking the moral high road – especially if he believed that there may have been legal options that could have affected the outcome.
Second, I think that all of us who supported George Bush need to remember something about our fellow Americans who voted for Kerry. This wasn’t just a political race. If a person truly believes that the war in Iraq is wrong, and that someday they may have to face military service – and even death in that country – then in that person’s mind the stakes are higher than what we believe them to be.
To die for one’s country is one thing. To die in vain is quite another.
Those of us who believe in Bush’s plan need to remember that others may see the picture differently and have a different idea of how things should be done.
Last, let’s remember the sting of losing. I remember how I loathed the mornings after the elections of 1992 and 1996 when the announcement of Bill Clinton’s victories blared from the television.
It gave me the feeling of someone with a bad hangover.
I saw Clinton as a guy who lived in a fantasy land trying to win an election at the cost of my personal security.
I can understand the Kerry crowds feelings when they say that this election’s outcome is much more than “losing.”
I’m not saying that we have to agree. We never will – but let’s remember that “those” guys are our fellow citizens. Politics is a game to the elected, but usually stands as life and death to the common man.
From feeding a family to feeling safe, what is rhetoric to a politician is much more precious to those of us who cast the vote.
Let’s be civil to – and understanding of – those who lost hope when Kerry lost the race.
After all, they are our fellow Americans.

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