TGIF? No, this week it's TGIW. Hopefully, now that the election is over, the nation's blood pressure will start to return to normal today.
Some of the most bitter campaigns in memory have been waged this year.
Social media became anti-social, with "friends" on Facebook and other networks frequently posting outrageous comments and often debunked rumors about their favorite candidate's opponents.
The presidential race saw bitter partisanship sharply divide the nation, pitting friends and sometimes even family members against each other. But local races saw bitter fights, too.
Tom O'Donnell, who ran for state representative in District 15, said this was the first year he has ever run a negative campaign ad, in reaction to mailers that accused him of doing things like approving a $75 million tax increase.
There were many close races this year. Nearly half of the people were guaranteed to be disappointed to find out the candidate they supported so vigorously will not be working on their behalf after all.
The time for partisanship, however, is over.
There are many challenges facing the nation, the state and local government that must be dealt with. Doing so requires a revival of the art of compromise. Bipartisanship must be relearned.
Working together, our elected representatives will be stronger than if they stand apart. The same is true of the citizenry.
To the voters, set aside the hostilities and support your elected representatives, whoever they might be. To those elected Tuesday, now is the time to focus on governing rather than bickering.
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