There was a great deal of negative sentiment about the presidential election. Regardless of whom the winner was to be, many aspects of the campaign and the antics used by both parties left Americans with a bad taste in our mouths.

The good thing about this country is that we have forums to express ourselves and the freedom to do so without repercussions or adverse consequences.

The separateness of our nation that is perpetuated by way of party lines and interest groups causes a deeper unrest than the actual issues that we face. As a united people, we have become the shareholders of a responsibility borne of our Founding Fathers’ efforts, which created this free nation.

We stand as an example to the world, for better or for worse. This nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, must look forward, with compassion and understanding that we may prove to ourselves as well as to our grandchildren that the fight is not one of color, creed, class or party.

The fight is with the division that prevents Americans from embracing the place we have taken for ourselves amidst the world of nations, a position that would be more esteemed if we had been elected or chosen, not self-appointed.

I am grateful to live in a land that is as diverse as ours. I believe that we can make not only our own country, but also the world a better and safer place to live. Not by government control, not by implementing more laws, but by collectively accepting responsibility for the well being of our fellow man, with a willingness to befriend our brothers and sisters of every cultural origin, America may be the unifying force that ushers forward an evolving consciousness of peace and prosperity.

Mathew Ayotte

Madison