Sunday, November 9, 2008 12:43 AM CST
OUR VIEW: Spit at each other, then shake hands
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
It's the American way: Get in the national political ring, fight it out with blood, sweat and tears, then take off the gloves and shake hands. One competitor wins, and the other gives a gracious concession speech and leaves the ring.
Now that the long, grueling presidential campaign for 2008 is over, this is what Americans will do again. It's part of the beauty of this system that is the foundation of the United States.
But many Republicans and other John McCain backers feel the pain as they consider reaching out to shake hands with Democrats and other Barack Obama supporters. Their knuckles remain bruised and tender from a tough campaign in which their candidate was battered by his opponent. McCain winced under ridiculous claims such as accusations that he would tinker with Social Security, or derisions aimed at his running mate, whom some claimed was inexperienced, a "diva," or worse.
The nonsense goes both ways. Although soothed by the decision in Obama's favor by most American voters, Democrats and their allies still are stung by silly claims that Obama "pals around with terrorists," or wants to bring socialism to this country.
There were plenty of dirty tricks on both sides. Discouragingly, that seems to be how American politics always plays out.
Yet — again, as is the American way — we recognize that there remains common ground. Surely all can acknowledge the moment in history we have just witnessed: the first black president selected to lead this nation. Obama broke barriers that had existed for all of this country's past, and his ascent to the White House brings a unique hope to blacks and other minorities across this land.
This was a historic election for women, too. Never have women in both parties come so close to winning an unprecedented role in the White House. There is progress yet to be made, but it will continue to be built on the foundation of past strides that have strengthened the foundation for equal rights, and equal opportunity.
Let McCain supporters ease their disappointment by finding portions of Obama's agenda that they can support. Let Obama's proponents resist the temptation for gloating or smugness and humbly reach out for help from the other side.
As has been said many times, we Americans have much more that unites us than should divide us. The challenges of our time — including economic crises, national security issues, and the goal of energy independence — affect us all, and take all of us to help forge a path to a solution.
We may not forget the tough campaign leading up to the next presidential administration, but we can allow ourselves to heal and look forward. As in most things in life, it's a two-way street.
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NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:55 PM:
Let's all just sing "qoom ba YAH" and forget about all the vitriol spewed by the left, democrats and liberals about President Bush and perpetuated by biased "JOURNALISTS" in this country.
How about Obama insinuating that our troops are "just air raiding villages and killing civilians"?
Ridiculous claims...what about the "Bush Knew" Headlines by the New York Times after 9/11?
My personal favorite vitriol, as of late, San Francisco wanting to name their sewage plant after President Bush. Now that was class....
How about all the nasty comments by so called analysts like Olberman, Maddow, and who ever else "professional journalists"?
Now there's an oxymoron....
How about some truly "un-biased" reporting from "journalists" for say...the next millennium....?
And maybe try to be conscience of their own political bias?
Funny, I don't recall the local newspaper "all up in arms" during the last 8 years over comments about President Bush....at all.
It seems to me maybe "journalists" ought to apologize to the nation for inflaming peoples political passions might go a long way. Why don't you try giving the NYT, LA Times, all the other media spewers a call and tell them to apologize to the nation?
"Heal thyselves physicians....." "