Now Children...

Existential Fact: Our political DNA produces lot's of anger and bitterness in this country. That's always been the case, always will be. To say otherwise is to redact history; just romantic non-sense.

Existential Fact: Americans are competitive. We hate to loose. This is perhaps most intensely experienced in our politics.

Existential Fact: There are haters on the margins of all movements involving people; when we pay too much heed to those margins--the hate tends to bleed back to toward the center.

NOW WHAT?

To my Democrat friends: Buck-up! The world hasn't ended. Stop the whining and stop being sore losers. Don't be fooled by progressive pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful. Eat the meat and spit the bones out.

We, Republicans and Democrats, have some work to do. This election was a repudiation of BOTH progressive and conservative ideology in their current applications.  Let's focus our passion and energy on the process of bringing our different visions in line with what Americans believe is needed to move our Nation forward.  Do this and perhaps both visions might emerge with a better message that more Americans can embrace AND at the same time, make hard lives easier.

Progressives have an obligation as Americans and fellow-citizens with those who see the world differently than they do, to give the Trump Administration a chance...and to actively work to make this administration a success to the degree that your values and principles will allow. That said, I submit that it does not have to be an "all, or nothing at all" proposition.

To my Republican friends: We won the Electoral College.  However, It remains to be seen just what kind of leader President-Elect Trump will be--and what kind of administration he will install; and just where that takes us, we can't say for sure.  You have had time to celebrate and wag your fingers; now, be gracious winners and effective leaders. Don't brand legitimate and passionate disagreement from "the loyal opposition" as "hate speech." Don't be fooled by conservative pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful. Eat the meat and spit the bones out.

Conservatives would be wise to allow progressives to have a seat and the table, they constitute just over half the electorate that turned out on November 8. It will continue to be impossible to get anything done if the only seats left are at the "back of the bus." Find the good in progressivism and embrace it to the degree that your values and principles will allow. That said, I submit that it does not have to be an "all or nothing at all" proposition.

To ALL my friends: We had an election.  Neither conservatives nor progressives won, something different and as yet unnamed won...and carried many conservatives to victory at the bottom of the ticket. Now, let's close ranks, stop sniping at each other and get on with the business of fixing America--our government, our communities, our schools, our families and let's work on growing as individuals.

"Now children...," it's time we grew up and gave the next generation, our children and grandchildren, a cultural/political templet that works...or else.

Live it well...bN tGit