SAD BUT HOPEFUL

I am sad today. My sorrow is not about who will win or lose this election. I have written this blog before the results are known intentionally.

My sadness is also not about the fact that we disagree. Disagreement and debate can be good signs of a healthy democracy. But that is only true if the debate is respectful. When the debate turns to hatred and an unwillingness to listen and consider the other side, then it becomes toxic.

We have seemed to be moving in the direction of toxicity. That is what makes me sad. I will not think any less of anyone regardless of how they voted or who wins the election. I refuse to hate. I refuse to make politics a reason for personal attacks.

But I am also hopeful. I believe that it is still possible for us to come together as a nation. That does not mean that we will agree with the government on all things. It means that we will not lose respect for one another. It means that we will not hate those with whom we disagree.

I may be naïve to believe in this possibility. But I know so many good people on both sides of this election. I have to believe that most of them will join me in striving for “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” I am still hopeful that we can heed Abraham Lincoln’s words at the end of the Civil War. “With malice toward none and charity toward all, let us bind up the nation’s wounds.” That is my hope and that is my prayer.