Red White and Blue- it is a great country

I have my politics, and I am quite passionate about them- but they are MINE, and I do not wish to assault or bore you with them. But on a beautiful, Midwestern, autumn day, 100,000 people crowded together to take part in the process. It was quite a sight, one for all Americans to savor. During this season of ramped up anger and partisan energy, we should stop to just give thanks that this great nation allows us to take part in the process without fear of reprisal. The drafters of the Constitution could never have seen the future, but they provided us with the framework to protect and enjoy our democracy. Franklin Roosevelt later articulated Four Freedoms- blessings that we too often take for granted.  Participation in the electoral process is a right in this country, and yet still a privilege. We must treat it with gratitude and respect.

On November 5, we will be the same people, living in the same country. Those we differed from at the polls will still be our friends and family. To that end, I will hope that the words become less inflammatory and polarizing- in the campaign rhetoric, in the media and in the conversations taking place among ordinary people. That way, the gap we will cross after we vote will be smaller. Perhaps it is too much to expect, but the average American has begged for it. We are tired of fighting for the right or the left. Let's bring back the points of light, or the kinder gentler America. It might just be contagious.

In the meantime, whomever your candidate is- demand truth and respect. When they make a claim, check its veracity. Try factcheck.org,  politifact.com- or for the rancid e-mail nonsense- snopes.com.  The truth is out there.  These candidates  represent YOU.

 William Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true" and this still resonates. On November 5, both of these men will have to take stock of the things they sacrificed to get to the White House. By extension, we will too.