I woke up early this past Election Day and attempted to put my thoughts into words. In the end, I shared the following Facebook post:
“It has finally arrived. It is Election Day 2016, and the polls have just opened. In truth, today seems to have a much more somber tone to it than previous election days.
I believe our nation is at a critical point in its existence. We have witnessed one of the most bitter, frustrating, childish, disappointing, and embarrassing presidential campaigns ever in my lifetime. I am worried about how we got to this point, and I am worried about how we will recover.
While I am fearful for the path our country is taking, I believe we can be better. We have to remember who we are. We need to stop focusing on our differences, and work to repair the divide that arises in so many different places and forms in this country.
No matter who you vote for, and no matter who wins the presidency, I believe we must come together, and work towards a better future. We are standing at a crossroads, and we can choose to further divide ourselves or work to find common ground. I choose to find common ground. I know it exists. I know it can be done.
So on this historic Election Day, let's look to the future. Let's stop focusing on what divides us. Let's work together toward a solution. Let's all do our part to make our country stronger, more united, and a better place to live. I believe in us. I believe in the people of this country. I believe in the United States of America.”
It wouldn’t be until almost 21 hours later that we would learn that President-elect Donald Trump was to be our nation’s 45th president. Honestly, like many of you I was surprised. Since that time we have seen gracious winners and losers, and true leaders from both sides step up to move onto the next phases. Unfortunately we have also seen hatred, threats and disrespect as a result of this surprise victory.
I join the many who have pledged their well wishes and support to our new President-Elect. I truly hope that we can all work towards healing our fractured country. The campaigns are over, the polls are closed and the results are in. It is time we move forward together as one. I have no doubt that there are difficult times ahead, but I believe we must all respect one another and our new President. With the transition already underway, let us be better, stronger, and more unified.