This week, the American people have been liberated from the nearly eternal political campaigns and pundits that have invaded our lives for the past 20 months or more.  Regardless of who we supported we can now sit back and take a deep breath and relax.  Regardless of who won, we know that we are all Americans and we must go on with the notion that we are one country and one people.  But, will it be that simple?

    This political campaign has been unique in many ways.  The candidates are no longer the traditional white males of yesteryear.  Technology has invaded the manner of campaigning and money has been “invested” with gigantic proportion.  Perhaps the most surprising as well as the most alarming difference of this campaign is the comprehensive participation of the electorate.  Never before has there been such an overwhelming desire of the people to “do their share” for their candidates.

    The campaign of 2008 has raised some very important questions for us as Christians.  The need to participate in this campaign is a good sign in some respects.  It tells us that that the American people are not as jaded as previously perceived.  People see that the country needs a new direction and they are willing to do their part to help it regain its footing. 

    It is true that the country needs a resetting of sorts.  Nearly every aspect of our government needs “fixing”, including our foreign policy, our financial status and, not the least of which is the moral or ethical character.  The situation is dire to say the least but is it impossible?  Perhaps not.  If we put our minds to it, nothing is impossible. 

    Even more serious is the problem of our personal or individual situation.  As the campaign agonized on, thousands, if not millions of people had arguments with their spouses,  their friends, their coworkers or anyone else that came into view.  Often, the arguments and disagreements over the candidates and their views became so bitter that prolonged anger and frustration entailed.  Disagreements over finances, moral issues, gender, and race issues, all took precedence over personal relationships, peace, respect of other’s opinions, and, a respect for the fundamental right to our political freedom to vote privately and without judgment.

Today we must look back at all the nasty things we have said to one another.  We must seriously consider apologizing for the lack of gross disrespect we have shown for others.  Now that the campaign is over, the candidates will become friends again.  They will work together to mend the country.  Can we say as much for ourselves?  Will it be possible for us to mend the bridges we have destroyed during this very heated campaign?  Television and the rest of the media will provide peace from their end but can we attain it in our personal lives?

The politicians need to go to work “fixing” the country’s problems but we must go to work fixing the relationships to which we may have done serious damage.  If we cannot accomplish this task, is it fair to ask our politicians to fix the entire country?  Maybe not!
                               
                                    Lorette P. Nault