Someone Else Who Apparently Has Something to Say About Election Results

Yes, I'm one of those people. This post is not for those who are tired of reading long-winded, introspective thoughts, opinions, or beliefs in reaction to the American presidential election results. It is as much for me as it is for anyone who reads this.

Those who voted for Donald Trump didn't vote for him because of his mean, nasty flaws and words, but in spite of them. Those who voted for Hilary Clinton didn't vote for her because of her corrupt actions, but in spite of them. Can we all agree that we are really more similar than we may realize? Can we be united in our desire for a better America?

On a similar note, if Clinton had won, then half of the country would be just as concerned, upset, and frustrated as Clinton supporters and others now are. Would there be fewer riots in that situation? I don't think so. The only difference would be that riots would take place in Atlanta, Dallas, and Salt Lake City.

It may be hard for some to believe right now, but America has faced worse. For example, it has weathered a civil war, which resulted in part from a polarizing president, Abraham Lincoln, on the hot-button issues of the day: slavery, economics, and state rights.

The experience of campaigning for president is a far cry from actually taking on the tremendous weight of responsibility, trust, hope, skepticism, scrutiny, and historic precedent that comes with the most visible, guarded, checked, and balanced office in American government.

For Mr. Trump to be truly effective, he will need to work with all elected officials, the entire American people. He must earn the respect and trust of the American people, as every president before him needed to. Thus, he must compromise, as we all must. To be sure, it will take a lot for me to truly trust and respect the man, but I have always trusted and respected the office.

I remember when half the country complained that Romney didn't become president in 2012. People are more passionate this time around. Inherent in our democratic republic is the idea that we the people are to win with grace and lose with grace. Civility is a vital part of our civic duty.

All that being said, I am grateful for those of my friends and family who encourage me and others to focus on faith instead of fear, to look up instead of down, to go forward instead of backward.

May God bless America, as well as its citizens, as we work on the future together.