Opinion - This is not the Jerry Springer show

The most expensive mid-term election in history has come to an end. Republicans gained control of the House and picked up seats in the Senate as well as many state offices. Overall, it is the most dramatic turnaround for one political party in decades.

Aside from being historically expensive, this election cycle was historically rancorous and negative. Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader, declared that the Republican’s first priority is to make President Obama a one-term president. Obama called opponents “enemies.”

If such partisanship continues, the prospects for America are not good. The animosity between the vying political camps makes cooperation and conciliation nearly impossible.

So, now what? The ballots are in. The voters have spoken.

Now, it is time to reject shouting, name calling and short-term political agendas. These only interfere with the long-term welfare and growth of the country. It is time to eschew emotions and rigid ideologies. The country must realize that there is a greater good in the country winning than in individual parties winning. Americans must insist that their elected officials hold the nation above the party.

The nation is faced with daunting problems. Screaming and shouting will not help. It is too hard to hear and think in such a din. This is a time to listen and think. Citizens must demand that the nation’s leaders do just that.

Differences of opinion will always exist. Partisanship is inescapable, but differences need to be worked out. Whether or not this is possible in the atmosphere of such partisan hate and distrust will be the test of the country’s strength and will.

It also will be the test of the citizenry. Americans must present a unified front on how these problems and how this animosity will be worked out. Not everyone will be pleased with the outcome, but if the process is intelligent, so may be the outcome.

The country cannot long survive if the electorate and the leaders continue to act as if they are on the Jerry Springer show.

It is too important for that.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher