Please Pass the Pumpkin Pie

We have just endured the nastiest and most mean-spirited presidential campaign of my lifetime. As a result, there are hurt feelings on both sides of the political aisle.

Some people are taking out their frustrations by marching in the streets and others by posting political rants on social media. Still others are mocking the winners (or losers) and sharply criticizing the opposition's every move.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to propose something radical. It is not unique nor is it fool-proof. However, it is sorely needed, at least in my humble opinion.

I would like to propose a political cease-fire of sorts, one that begins with being civil towards one another.

Honest political discourse - and honest political disagreements - are a necessary part of living in a democratic republic. In fact, back-and-forth bantering can be healthy if not taken to the extreme.

Where it crosses the line is when debating turns to demonizing and personal opinions give way to personal attacks.

So here is my proposal...

Treat others like you would have them treat you. Talk to them with civility, not rancor. Seek common ground. Celebrate the times when you see eye to eye - even on a relatively minor point - and agree to respectfully disagree when you don't.

If you are in the majority, try to remember what it was like to be in the minority... because sooner or later, you will be again.

If you won, don't gloat. And if you lost, don't whine.

Follow the example of the first Thanksgiving. If the Pilgrims and the Indians could sit down together over a delicious meal and give thanks, so can we.

Now please pass the pumpkin pie!