EDITORIAL: The battle is over; the work begins

The election is over, and though as of the writing of this editorial, the winners have not yet been determined, we do know this: There will be winners and losers.

Politics in our country has gotten to a point where, for many people, a win from the opposition party means they feel shut out, disenfranchised and silenced.

During the presidency of Republican George W. Bush, especially after his 2004 win, many Democrats felt the world was coming to an end. They simply could not tolerate four more years of the person
they considered the worst president in history.

So, too, after the 2008 elections, many Republicans felt that Democrat Barack Obama’s election was the death knell for the United States of America. Republicans have spent every ounce of effort they
can muster to oppose Obama and just about every move he makes.

No longer do we live in a country where American citizens rally behind the president, be he Democrat or Republican, simply for the fact that he is the president.

Now, if the president is not of one’s party, it is as though he is not your president.

And the same holds true at many levels, from governor’s races to state House of Delegates and state Senate. Many people only feel safe with a representative of their political persuasion.

Ordinarily we would call on the citizenry to acquire a more level perception, but that is not what we will do today.

Rather we ask all the winning candidates to bear in mind the views of their constituents and make an extra effort to show them, be they of one party or another, that you will do your best to hear their
concerns and represent them.

Do not make reality the fears that an opponent’s win means being locked out of the political process. Do not let your term be one of partisan fervor, but rather one of careful consideration and constituent
service.

Whoever you are, representatives of Virginia, remember that now you serve us all, no matter our political leanings, no matter if we voted for you or not.

Help us build faith in our leaders.