Talking about the election with a neighbor who had just witnessed a parade of 100 trucks with American flags, Trump signs, and passengers honking their horns and shouting, “Four more years,” I was warned, “If Trump loses, there’s gonna be hell to pay.” Another neighbor who was within earshot of our conversation calmly assured us, “Don’t worry. It’s gonna be a big nothing burger!”
It’s one thing to hope for the best. We can pray for, visualize, and have faith in a good outcome as our nation prepares for the presidential election. Or, we can live in fear that the deep divisions that have shattered our families, friendships, communities, government and nation will spill out into the streets next week. We don’t know what’s going to happen. Things may go surprisingly well—or devolve into violence and chaos.
Two alternatives to wishful or catastrophic thinking, and standing on the sidelines, are taking a few moments of quiet reflection and then, taking constructive action. Here are some things American citizens of every persuasion can do in this election season to keep ourselves, our families, our communities, and our nation safe and poised for its best possible future:
1. Take a deep breath and reframe “Election Day” as Election Month.
The election is probably going to play out over a period of weeks. Avoid the emotional roller coaster by pacing yourself and rethinking your expectations about when we’ll know who won.
2. Stay safe.
There will be people protesting in the streets after the election no matter who wins. You may choose to be one of them. And there’s going to be a period of chaos in our nation if the election is contested.
Tensions are running very high. Be mindful of danger by staying distant from people and groups that are looking for trouble. Sadly, there will be bad actors in the streets who will put themselves and others at risk. Report any threats or unlawful behavior to law enforcement and remove yourself from situations that don’t feel safe.
3. Adopt a “Vote for America!” attitude.
As the election is decided, put your country’s well-being above your party’s. Life will go on, and you will have opportunities to stand up and fight for who and what you believe in. Keep the faith! Our democracy is resilient and the large majority of Americans are good people. As the saying goes, “Live to fight another day.”
4. Give voice to how you feel about the election – but do so in constructive, nonviolent ways.
Passions are running inordinately high in our country. Folks either love or hate Donald Trump and almost 60 million of us have already voted. After many long months of stressing about who’s going to win, we’re on the verge of finding out.
Win, lose or draw, most of us are going to need two things: a place to vent in the days leading up to, and following, the election and some time to decompress. By voicing our feelings peacefully, finding constructive outlets for them, and seeking justice through legal recourse when wrongdoing has occurred, we become part of the solution. When we lose control of our fear, anger, sadness, disappointment, or despair, on the other hand, we become part of the problem.
5. Show patience, understanding, respect, and compassion for the other side wherever and whenever possible.
If your side wins . . . be respectful. If your side loses . . . be respectful. Unless you’re planning to move to Canada or Australia, we’re all going to have to learn how to get along with each other despite our differences. Let’s get back on track with our fellow citizens finding common ground and building bridges that strengthen our country.
6. Do not allow tensions to escalate.
We currently live in a nation of political divisions and resentment. And you probably wouldn’t be reading this unless you felt this in your heart, home, community, and/or country. You and others may feel tempted to strike out in a show of force. Trust me, this is only going to make matters worse. Looking at nations torn apart by civil war and violence, we can see the devastation of allowing matters to escalate past the point of no return. Practicing restraint and preventing violence is what’s best for America.
7. Rededicate yourself to being an informed citizen-advocate who is in it for the long run.
Election day is important! But the day after—and the days after—may be even more crucial. Your willingness to fight hard and raise the bar to become the better version of yourself as an American citizen can make all the difference in our country’s future.
No matter how you choose to vote, our country needs us to rise to a new level of patriotism and not fall into the quicksand of tribalism. Cast your vote and take the high road in getting through this election, and reach out to fellow citizens who have been devastated by the pandemic. Do your part in writing America’s next chapter so that it is one you can be proud of.
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Ken, Very important that everyone must keep in mind. Excellent guidance from a man who has been healing and helpful work for many years. I hope the left, the right, and those in between read this and take your comments to mind in support of our country.