I read something rather disturbing the other day.

The Associated Press reported earlier this week that a 25-year-old man drove his car from Georgia to New York City where he went to Ground Zero below the fallen World Trade Center Tours and killed himself with a shotgun.

He left no note, no reason for his suicide.  But friends and family insist it was a protest against the reelection of President Bush.

Like the majority of students who voted at UAF, I too was disappointed by the results of this year's election.  But I simply cannot fathom anyone being that upset about America's recent choice of president.

To me, it was not a life or death decision.

But I guess, to other people, it obviously was.

One election night, as we waited for the results to trickle in, I spoke with Alex Grantham, the Arts and Entertainment Editor and an outspoken friend.  He said he would be quite upset if Sen. Kerry didn't win, and I could see in his eyes that he meant it.  As it became clear that Bush was gaining an insurmountable lead, he became (I guess the only word is) discombobulated.

I thought it was just wacky old Alex until I read about the ill-fated Georgia man.

This election was bitter.  It roused in America terribly strong feelings, dividing neighbors, friends and even families.  But it would be a tragedy if those feelings continued to divide us even now after the ballots are cast and counted and concessions speeches made.

We have a very difficult four years ahead of us as a country; it would have been so no matter who occupied the White House.  We need to be strong, as a country and as a people.  A house divided against itself cannot stand.

To those who feel like Alex, I plead with you to use those feelings constructively.  If you do not think that the newly reelected president can make your country a better place, take the challenge upon yourself. 

You've voted--that's a good first step--now get involved.  People can do a lot of good when they put their minds to it.  The Georgia man had things all wrong; he destroyed his chance to improve the world.  He gave up, and we mustn't do that.

Now that the campaign signs are coming down, and we are no longer labeled as Bush or Kerry supporters, let's be Americans--one nation--united.  We used to be the strongest and most respected nation in the world; by actively working together we can be so again, no matter who is at the helm.

Comment on this story...