It's A New Four Years. - Let's make them count.

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. It's finally over. We have a new president. It was neck and neck until voting day when the people spoke through their votes. Donald Trump is our new President. It certainly appears as if it was a red wave. The mainstream media will analyze the who, what, where, and why for weeks. Yes, the news machine never ends. I only hope, but I doubt, that the news media, talk show hosts, and others will now stop all the bashing and insults and give our new President a chance as it should if Harris had won.

Our country cannot continue undivided. Both sides of the aisles must unite and set an example for the American people. As always, there will be those who are happy with the outcome and those who are not. That is part of the post-election process. It was a historic election cycle. One we have never seen in our country's history. Through it all, there were many political lessons to be learned. Hopefully, our political system and its politicians learned some things through this campaign cycle. that they can take forward into the future, we can only hope. However, as people, we are also responsible for contributing to unity. No matter who won, everyone deserves a chance. Let's give Donald Trump an opportunity in the interest of a better America.

Election campaigns must return to past decade practices when campaigns focused on the issues, not dancing around them and calling each other names. Name-calling doesn't sit well with the public. Yes, it may be funny initially, but it gets old quickly. It is also a dangerous practice. Many people have behavioral issues in our society, and we do not know how seriously they will take what is said. Two assassination attempts on Donald Trump taught us this lesson.

After writing this post, I will be traveling for the holidays and will not have a post on November 18th. I will resume my weekly posts on Monday evening, November 25th. It is now time to take a deep breath and look forward. Many campaign promises were made during this election cycle. Now, it's time to see which ones are kept. However, keep in mind that these things do not happen overnight. Some can be achieved through executive orders; others cannot. Also, it is a matter of priorities. Some are more important than others and need to be addressed sooner. Now, the political process begins.

MOVING FORWARD:

I have stated numerous times that no one is perfect.

Nothing in life is. If it were, we would never need to learn and grow. Why would we? We're perfect. However, we are not. We will make mistakes, and hopefully, we will learn from them. The question is, how do we move on after an election? The first step we need to take is not to be bitter. We do not need to like the outcome. However, we must accept it. Elections have a purpose.

Elections are significant milestones in the political landscape, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and choose their leaders. However, once the votes are counted and the results declared, communities often find themselves at a crossroads. Moving forward after an election can be challenging, ripe with tensions, differing opinions, and the need for collaboration. Whether you are in a supportive or opposing camp, here are several vital steps to consider in the process of moving forward

Acknowledging the results:

The first step in moving forward after an election is acknowledging the results, regardless of personal feelings about the outcome. This can be difficult, especially if the results do not align with one’s beliefs or expectations. However, as a democratic society, respecting the electoral process and the majority's will is crucial.

Accept that the democratic process has concluded.

This means recognizing the legitimacy of the elected officials and their mandate from the voters. Reflect on what the results mean for your community or issue. This step involves understanding why people voted the way they did, which can provide insights into public sentiment and priorities.

Communicate:

After acknowledging the results, fostering open dialogue becomes paramount. Communication is critical to understanding diverse perspectives and finding common ground. Encourage open discussions with others who have different views. Listening actively can foster empathy and reduce friction. Create an atmosphere to share experiences and emotions related to the election. Shift the conversation from personalities to policies. Discuss what issues matter most to your community and how everyone can contribute to addressing them.

Building change:

Whether your preferred candidate won or lost, collaboration remains essential. Engagement can drive progress. Identify Common Goals and embrace individuals from different political backgrounds who share common concerns or goals. This can help bridge ideological divides. We must allow our new leaders to show us what they can get done and if they will keep their campaign promises.

Staying informed:

An election does not end civic engagement; in many ways, it’s just the beginning. Citizens should remain actively involved in politics to ensure their voices remain heard. This means not listening to one mainstream media network; we all know this platform has some bias. Listen to many. Listen to the different perspectives.

Take the time to learn about the policies and positions of elected officials. Sharing this knowledge can empower others to engage meaningfully. Staying informed will help you when you need to vote in the future. Both on a local and federal level.

Accountability:

Accountability is a cornerstone of democracy. Citizens have the right—and responsibility—to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. Keep an eye on the legislation being proposed or enacted by your representatives. An informed constituency is a powerful check on government authority. Advocate for transparency in governance, including open records and budget allocations, to foster trust between officials and citizens. Ensure that there are platforms for community feedback on policies and actions elected officials take.

IT'S A NEW FOUR YEARS - MAKE THEM COUNT:

We are embarking on the next four years. The new four years. Different ideas, plans, and visions. Our country is at a turning point. The world is at a turning point. Things are not good at present but can get better or worse. Our leaders must make the next four years count. We all know the issues globally and domestically. We also all know what is at stake. In any situation, the only way to get results is to take action. Positive action. At times, times might get worse before they get better. Nothing can get better unless there is a solid plan and plans are set in motion. Politicians must stop trying to fit things into bills that have nothing to do with what the original bill is about to get some things they want included. Those should be separate bills.

The problem with this concept, which we saw through the pandemic, is that very little gets done to fix the problem, and much money is wasted. However, we all understand that these negotiations aim for one side or the other to gain leverage. However, less leverage comes at a significant cost to the American people. These types of politics must change. People can no longer afford the personal debt they are carrying, and the country cannot continue on the scale of national debt we are experiencing. As I stated in a previous blog post, there is a price to pay for everything.

We must look forward to the future and do the right things. That is why we elect the leaders we elect. We chose them because they convinced us they would make things better. However, that is not always true. As in all elections, the candidates will tell us what they think we want to hear to gain our confidence and vote. Once elected, that is when we will see how much of their campaign was a line of crap and how much was truth. Now, we must sit back and watch what our new President will do. The significant part about our democratic system is we can change it in four years.

This comes with a certain degree of responsibility on the part of the voters. We all know we cannot trust the mainstream news media because of their bias, which we have experienced through many past elections; therefore, we must watch for ourselves and do some homework. Voting is a big responsibility. One that no one should take lightly. We are an intelligent society. People are NOT stupid or ignorant. However, they can be lazy. Remember what you have been taught over the years. Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see. Let their actions and records stand for who and what they are.

I watched recent statements from many state governors stating they would not allow anyone to come for their citizens. This was referring to deportations. No one is coming for your citizens. Need you to be reminded that migrants that illegally cross our borders, cause crime, deal drugs, and injure others are NOT citizens of your state, let alone this country? You all need to STOP feeding the problem with statements that make no sense. Especially when you are complaining that you do not have the funds to support these immigrants and you are constantly seeking money from the federal government, which I remind you, Joe Biden has declined. You opted to be a sanctuary city or state. You made that choice, so suck it up, butter cup.

I can't get on a plane and fly anywhere I want for free at any time. I cannot get free food or lodging. I don't get a debit card like some states give with money on it, and I don't get free medical care. It is not fair at any level for this country's hard-working taxpayers to pay the price for your choices. I submit to you and agree that our system to a path to citizenship is broken and in need of repair, but entering this country MUST be done following the rule of law. These proven criminals and gangs that crossed our borders should be deported. I also believe those good immigrants should be allowed to stay and start the citizenship process. Every immigrant is not a bad person. But letting people cross our borders without checks and balances MUST stop. I can say this because most citizens, including immigrants who came here legally, agree. This pivotal point next to the economy made Donald Trump win the election. It is what our citizens want. It is the will of the people.

IN CLOSING:

Every election brings lessons that can inform future efforts. Engaging in the political process should be seen as a continuous effort rather than an occasional engagement. The aftermath of an election can be a time of division, but it also presents an opportunity for renewal and growth and a time to reunite. By acknowledging the results, fostering open dialogue, and engaging in civic activities, communities can move forward in a cohesive manner. The essence of democracy lies not just in voting but in continual engagement, understanding, and collective action. By embracing these principles, we can build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered society, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

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Thank you.

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