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It’s time for Americans to come together

We must agree to disagree without hate

Not since the Vietnam War era have we Americans been so divided. Some observers believe the anger — sometimes running to very real hatred — runs even deeper now.

But we have elected a new president, Joe Biden. He will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, less than three months from now.

Many of those who support incumbent President Donald Trump continue to believe the election was unfair, perhaps even “rigged” in some states. But the bottom line is that Biden won and to date there has been no evidence of fraud widespread enough to reverse that.

Americans — all of us — must now adjust to the new political reality.

It is natural for those on the losing side of a battle such as that now ending to be upset and bitter about the outcome. Eventually, that will change to a resolution to get on with life and to pursue positions as effectively as possible.

It also is understandable that Biden’s supporters are in a celebratory mood. As long as it does not turn vindictive, that, too, is fine.

Biden himself understands the imperative for healing. “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again,” he urged.

And the president-elect put his finger on why the divisiveness is so dangerous. “Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end,” Biden pleaded. “Let’s give each other a chance.”

Precisely. It is time to remember that by definition, our differences often mean we are wrong about how to address specific issues — but that being wrong need not mean those with whom we disagree are evil.

We Americans are good people, by and large, on both the left and the right. We want what is best for us, our children — and our neighbors. We want what is best for our nation.

Let’s give each other a chance for a new beginning in which we stick to our principles — but recognize our political foes are acting on principle, too, as they see it.

Let’s agree to disagree — and refuse to hate.

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