The election is over

Shannon Bohrer

(12/2020) For many, the election results did not align with what they believed would happen, and therefore they have trouble accepting the results. Not accepting the results reflects the political and social environment that we have experienced for four years. Have the political disagreements and divisions become so entrenched that they reflect new norms? While our divisiveness already existed, the current tribalism seems extreme.

The consternation on the losing side, along with the pronouncements, accusations, and allegations of voter fraud and suppression, continues. If anything, the allegations are becoming the new norm in some circles. Being a graceful loser in our current environment might not be possible. Because one side pre-planted the seeds for a "rigged election," when that side lost, the leaders were expected to continue to claim fraud with the intent to discredit the election. Maybe it is another "deep state" conspiracy theory. I wonder what Q thinks. Of course, I wonder who Q is and why anyone would believe the absurd beliefs they tout.

The discourse before the election was not normal in that for someone to accept or not accept the outcome of an election was dependent upon their position in the outcome. When I say it is not normal, I am referring to normal behaviors in Democracies. Not accepting a loss is normal in autocracies, where the leader always wins, and the elections are held in a one-party state. One-party governments include communist regimes, fascist states, and or the plain Jane dictator models. Many say and believe we were heading in that direction.

We have a history of teaching sportsmanship in athletic competitions, meaning if you lose square and fair, you congratulate your opponent. Historically, in politics, that culture of being a good sport usually meant that the loser would acknowledge the loss and congratulate the winner. If that does not happen, in which direction does the country move? If the followers and believers of the losing party do not accept the results, how will that affect the governance for the next four years?

If we expect our democracy not just to continue but to progress, we need to heal the divisions between us. Many on both sides believe the other side is the enemy and that we should not talk to the enemy. While our differences exist, we also have a lot in common, more than we normally think about. We like to be safe, live in a nice home, have a secure job with good pay and health insurance at a reasonable cost, and have good schools. When we look in that direction, we find our similarities. I believe that everyone has a right to their opinions, and we should encourage meaningful interactions and discussions. It is all right to disagree.

Even if the election did not turn out as you expected, we still have several reasons to celebrate. The first being that the election is over. Your telephone will not be going to voice mail 30 to 40 times a day for political purposes. While the pollsters and campaigns will stop calling for your opinion and your money, the other markets will still be there. The numerous, please give will still be calling; after all, it is time to take care of the poor. We also have the cheaper insurance calls, the warranty extension offers, and lest we forget, your social security number has been hacked and call us right away about someone using your credit card. Oh, and please have your cards handy when you call.

Probably, the best reason for optimism and good spirits is the Christmas season has arrived. The really nice thing about the holidays is that we get to see and enjoy our family. Conversely, the bad part is that we get to see our family. This year is a little different; with the Covid19 virus, we have an excuse not to see some family members, especially those who voted for the wrong candidate. Don’t get me wrong, I don't mind people with different opinions, but sometimes they can be obnoxious. For those people, we can have meaningful interactions after the holidays. The limits on gatherings also include our neighbors and friends, which is truly unfortunate, since many of whom we would like to see, sometimes more than some family members.

Another desirable aspect of the season is the gift-giving traditions. Everyone likes receiving gifts unless we are talking about neckties or talking tree ornaments. I should include the Clapper and other items sold on television commercials in the group of poor ideas for gifts. In some circles, not seeing someone over the holidays means you are not required to purchase the holiday gifts. I find that theory unkind and would not entertain any such abhorrent behavior. Some people do not have any sense of politeness and decency, especially during the holidays.

It is the Season for giving to others.

I have already purchased most of my gifts. For several years I purchase most of my gifts at a fine chocolate shop. If I do not see the intended recipient, I can mail the gift. Everyone likes receiving editable gifts, especially older persons, not unlike myself.

Since I will not be seeing some family members and friends, I decided to write letters and send them with my Christmas cards and gifts. I think it adds a personal touch and tells the recipient that I really care.

My first letter,

Dear, brother Earl,

I hope this Christmas note finds you well and in good spirits. I understand these are difficult times, but the election is over, and we can feel hope and optimism with the holiday spirit.

We hope to see you after the pandemic, but we are unsure how long that will be. Please stay safe and tell everyone we are thinking of them.

We purchased you a nice box of chocolates and intended to mail them to you. However, with the mail being awfully slow and ever-changing weather, we were worried that the chocolates might melt. We did not want you to receive a box with a melted glob, so we indulged. You can take heart; they were delicious, and we were thinking of you while enjoying them.

P.S., we are sorry that your candidate lost in the election; hopefully, the enclosed Chia Pet will you cheer up. The lettuce it grows is edible.

Merry Christmas.