Happy New Year! A new year with the promise and hope of better things to come. Resolutions we’ve made to
improve our lives. (Some, maybe most will be broken by Groundhog’s Day, but at least we tried.) A new
year, a new beginning, a new — a better (we hope) attitude.
A new year, with a new president, offering solutions to our country’s problems. Yet, even before he takes
office, there are people calling for his impeachment, refusing to accept him as the winner of the
election. There have been demonstrations and protests by “professional” protesters, (and some not so
“professional” protesters). In many, maybe most elections, there have been those who were disappointed
in the results, especially in close elections, but nothing to the extent as this one. Our election
system, the popular vote and the Electoral College vote, is set in Article Two of the Constitution,
therefore it must be followed.
While protesting is a constitutional right, there are people who have taken this to the extreme. Peaceful
demonstrations have often developed into violent confrontations. (Not my president!) The terms
“cry-babies” and “sore losers” have been used to describe participants in these confrontations. What
part of the United States of America don’t they understand? We are a country of numerous opinions, ideas
and agendas. Hence the term diversity that we hear so often. Diversity is good, but we can — and should
be — UNITED, as one people. United in our love of freedom we all enjoy. United in the concept of
liberty. United in the fact people from all over the world risk their lives to come here to live. Our
country is most desirable to these legal immigrants, despite all the problems we face daily. Both the
real and perceived problems.
It’s time to face reality, recounts have given Mr. Trump the election. The Electoral College has given
Mr. Trump the election. The reality is this: Donald Trump will be our president on Jan. 20. Like him or
not, support him, unite behind him. He is our leader. Just as Barack Obama was and George W. Bush was
and all the others who were elected. This is the UNITED States of America. Key word here — UNITED. After
every election for president there has been disappointment, frustration, concern and yes, joy, but we
the people … have united behind the elected (or re-elected) president.
We united behind Barack Obama, even though many were doubtful he could lead us. We united behind George
Bush, even though Mr. Gore received more votes, (just like this election). Then we really united behind
Mr. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001. Remember, “United We Stand?” We did, we stood tall, together as one nation,
with one goal in mind. But divided we will certainly fall and fall hard.
Let’s start acting like reasonably mature adults, unite behind our new president and work with our new
president to solve the problems we face every day.
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Herb Dettmer is a retired BG resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the
viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is a freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book.
Comments? Call or text “Joe” at 419-494-4641.