Moving forward

By Patrick J. Wood

Publisher

Dear Reader,

Now that the election is over, we must focus on the peaceful transition of power to a new administration.

One of the defining features of our democracy is that we accept the results of each election as it occurs in this great country of ours.

The peaceful non-dramatic transition of power as confirmed by the majority will of the American people is a part of our foundational values and a legacy that defines who we are as a nation.

This is in marked contrast with many other nations throughout history, where the transition of power was marked by suffering, violence and bloodshed.

Now that the election is over, we must remember who we are.

We must unite as Americans for all the goodness and greatness of these United States of America.

From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, our nation never has been

about one great world-historical person or personality.

Men and women throughout our history have contributed to our nation’s greatness, but our national preeminence

transcends the individual.

Now that the election is over, we must begin the process of healing.

We must learn – or re-learn – to recognize our common humanity, and the many ties that bind us together as one people.

We must embrace each other respectfully and civilly as fellow Americans with all the rights we share as a people, and with the freedoms our forebears fought to defend.

We must keep in mind that though we are many, we are one – the true meaning of E Pluribus Unum – and join together to work for the best interest of the country.