If you must talk politics, do so kindly and gently
There is a template that editorial writers use to commemorate Thanksgiving Day.
First, we reflect on the blessings and bounties bestowed by the Creator upon this great nation.
Then, there’s the recollection of the very first Thanksgiving Day gathering in 1621 in Plymouth Colony.
Finally, the annual editorial acknowledges the reality that while America is, indeed, the land of plenty, not everyone is able to give thanks.
But, as we note year after year, family and friends gather today around the dinner table to eat, drink and be merry.
It is a time of joy and fellowship, but this year, Thanksgiving Day could also be a time of tension if we allow the emotions of the presidential election get the better of us.
That’s why the headline of this editorial urges Americans to discuss politics – if the issue is raised – in a kinder and gentler manner.
To be sure, the presidential contest that culminated on Nov. 8 with Republican Donald Trump winning the electoral vote and Democrat Hillary Clinton capturing the popular vote has left this country divided and bitter.
The campaign leading up to Election Day was so divisive and nasty that it even split family and friends.
The personal attacks by Trump, a political novice, and Clinton, a veteran politico, against each other, coupled with the verbal and, at times, physical altercations by their supporters, have set the stage for a disunified nation for years to come.
Despite appeals from Clinton, a former secretary of state, U.S. senator and first lady, and Democratic President Barack Obama for Americans to come together for the common good, the anger shared by those who oppose Trump persists. Demonstrations around the country since the New York City billionaire businessman was declared the winner carries this message: We will not accept Trump as the president of the United States.
Retaliation
Likewise, a disturbingly large number of the president-elect’s supporters view the outcome of the election as an invitation to turn on Muslims, including those born in this country; immigrants, both legal and illegal; blacks; women; the press and the LGBT community.
Trump set the stage for this disturbing state of affairs with his inflammatory rhetoric during the campaign. His us-against-them strategy resonated with millions of Americans who blame others for their economic hardships or personal difficulties.
Today’s Thanksgiving observance occurs against the backdrop of a country divided along racial, ethnic, religious and cultural lines.
But this could be the time for a new beginning.
As we’ve noted in previous editorials, the first Thanksgiving in 1621 brought together Pilgrims and the indigenous Native American Wampanoag tribe. They sat down together in a spirit of peace and acceptance of diversity to celebrate their collective bountiful harvest and good fortune.
The words “acceptance of diversity” have long defined America and have served as a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people all over the world.
But today, with the deep political divide and the personal animosities, American democracy is displaying troubling cracks.
What is needed is a rededication to the ideal that all men and women are, indeed, created equal.
As President Barack Obama said Wednesday in his final Thanksgiving Day message from the White House:
“On this holiday, we count our blessings and renew our commitment to giving back. We give thanks for our troops and our veterans – and their families – who give of themselves to protect the values we cherish; for the first responders, teachers, and engaged Americans who serve their communities; and for the chance to live in a country founded on the belief that all of us are created equal. But on this day of gratitude, we are also reminded that securing these freedoms and opportunities for all our people is an unfinished task. We must reflect on all we have been afforded while continuing the work of ensuring no one is left out or left behind because of who they are or where they come from.
“For generations, our Nation’s progress has been carried forward by those who act on the obligations we have to one another.”