Due vigilance

The election is over, and the results are in. It's tempting to see things as settled somehow, whether we believe it's for the good or for the ill. But now is not the time to take anything for granted.

If you voted for Bush, do not assume that his much-praised position on Israel will be enough in and of itself to protect Israel. Some Israeli officials have expressed hope that this second Bush administration will step in to facilitate peace in the Middle East, especially if Arafat's illness creates the possibility of a new, committed Palestinian partner in the process. We must keep our eyes and ears open to new possibilities, and new threats.

If you voted for Kerry, do not relinquish political activity on the assumption that Bush will implement his agenda unchallenged over the next four years. Given the number of Democrats in the Senate, there is the possibility of blocking legislation through a filibuster. And Arlen Specter, of the endangered species known as the moderate Republican, will be leading the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Supreme Court nominees.

Regardless of your political affiliation, don't take for granted that the outcome of the election renders our political differences moot. As is usual after a major election, there's some fence-mending to be done, on both sides. Of course, being that they're the victors, it will be especially gratifying if the Bush administration makes some bipartisan noises. But in the meantime, we can all do our small part.

On the eve of the election, a friend in Florida sent an e-mail to her friends and family, whose numbers included staunch Republicans and diehard Democrats. She wrote, "Now's the time to make our peace. Yes, this has been a divided election. Yes, we disagree. But now's the time to lay down our arms ... Let's hope that whoever is elected cares as much about their children, siblings, parents and friends as you and I, and that all of us roll up our sleeves no matter what to attack the problems that face us.

Remember:

We all hate cancer, diabetes and HIV.
We all hate pollution, hurricanes and drought.
We all hate child molesters.
And we all hate Osama and his fundamentalist woman-beating cronies.

Whatever happens, let's try to remember how much we love our country, and that should mean all of our country."

None of the above means that we can't disagree about government. Indeed, we should disagree. And we should argue, loudly and publicly - but constructively, and with respect for those who oppose us.

The stakes are too high not to.

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