A New Mandate: Unifying in a Divisive Time
Democracy thrives on Respect for Others
The 2024 presidential election marked a pivotal moment in the United States, a point at which citizens used their vote to express their concerns on issues such as the economy, crime, illegal immigration, censorship, war-focused foreign policy and "wokeness.” The good news is that democracy worked! A powerful majority of American voted FOR the positive vision expressed by president-elect Donald J. Trump and his allies: Make America Great Again and Make America Healthy Again.
The pendulum of national public opinion has moved right. The election results represent a conservative political mandate, expressing dissatisfaction with progressive policies and ideologies that dominated public discourse since the Obama administration and proceeding through the Biden Administration and the 2024 presidential campaign. With this election, Americans have completely rejected the policies of division, shame, fear-mongering and racism. We choose a bright and powerful future defined by greatness, health and prosperity.
However, beyond policy rejections, there have also been calls for unity, mutual respect, and collective well-being. President Biden himself urged Democratic voters to accept the will of the voters and work with their neighbors to build a positive future. Biden promised a peaceful transfer of power and said: “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.”
Transcending Political Differences
Conservatives are also expressing messages of reconciliation. In the wake of the election, I saw a social media message from a local conservative leader that expressed this sentiment beautifully.
The message stated, “To the left, the nation loudly rejected the policies of wokeness and WAR. But we didn’t reject YOU. You are our countrymen and women, and we want you well, healthy, and happy. Every one of you deserves peace and a profitable future. And I pray and hope you get it. We can all be winners if we come together and make this town better.”
This message captures a desire to transcend political differences, emphasizing the hope that, despite our varied perspectives, Americans can come together to create a better future. It underscores that while policies may shift, the spirit of inclusion and common purpose remains at the heart of the democratic process. We must remember our nation was founded by Christian thinkers who believed in the lesson of Leviticus 19:18: “...Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”
This is an essential feature of democratic discourse, where citizens are encouraged to express their political preferences without vilifying those who hold opposing views. By framing this “rejection” as directed at policies rather than people, the message highlights that while American voters may seek changes, they are not going to abandon their fellow citizens in the process. The speaker clarifies that it was not the people themselves who were rejected, but the policies. This distinction emphasizes a respect for ideological diversity within the country and focuses on policies rather than individuals.
A Call for Unity and Mutual Respect
In emphasizing, “We didn’t reject YOU,” the speaker uses inclusive language, reminding Americans that regardless of political affiliation, they remain "countrymen and women." This urges Americans to remember their shared nationality and love of country above their political differences. By acknowledging ideological diversity and extending a hand of respect, the message fosters a spirit of unity.
This message of unity contrasts sharply with the very divisive language that we have heard from pundits on the left. For much of the presidential campaign, the message from those on the political left was one that vilified conservatives as racist, misogynist, ignorant “garbage” people. After spending so much time demonizing the majority of their fellow citizens, will those on the left be able to shift their perspective of their fellow citizens to be more inclusive, positive and respectful?
The time for vilifying people with differing opinions has past. This speaker sets a powerful example by extending empathy to political opponents, affirming their worth as individuals. This is a positive approach to post-election dialogue, setting a precedent for how we might view those with different opinions not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans.
Hope for a “Well, Healthy, and Happy” Society
The message’s emphasis on health and happiness expresses universally shared values. Every American, regardless of their political affiliation, aspires to be well and to live a fulfilling life. By expressing a wish for every citizen’s well-being, the speaker extends a gesture of goodwill that transcends political ideology. Let us focus on shared aspirations, empathy and mutual support. The country’s progress should be measured by the well-being of its citizens. Political success is empty without a content and healthy populace. Let us make America healthy again.
Hope for “Peace” and a “Profitable Future”
The speaker’s hope for “peace” and a “profitable future” reflects aspirations that, once again, appeal broadly to everyone. Conservatives desire a future where Americans can enjoy both safety and economic prosperity—two foundational aspects of the American Dream. The use of “profitable future” acknowledges the importance of financial well-being for all Americans across the political spectrum. The wish for peace and prosperity transcends political affiliation, reinforcing the idea that a successful future is one where no one is left behind.
Final Plea for Unity in Improving Society
Concluding with, “we can all be winners if we come together and make this town better,” the speaker calls for unity through community improvement. This final plea implies that by focusing on local issues, Americans can find a common purpose.
The speaker encourages an optimistic outlook, urging Americans to see the potential for community success as well as individual success. This final sentiment underscores that society is at its strongest when individuals work together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to progress.
A Positive Vision
This simple social media message provides a positive vision of America that values mutual respect, empathy, and shared goals over divisive rhetoric and ideological purity. It recognizes the 2024 election as a mandate not only for policy change but for a return to mutual respect and collective well-being. While the nation may disagree on certain issues, the desire for a better future—defined by peace, prosperity, and health—remains a unifying force.
By inviting all citizens to join in “making this town better,” this message calls for a renewed spirit of cooperation. In an era of polarization, this vision offers a hopeful reminder that democracy thrives when we prioritize respect for our fellow citizens over division, focusing on the common good that binds us all.
Nancy Churchill is a writer and educator in rural eastern Washington State, and the state committeewoman for the Ferry County Republican Party. She may be reached at DangerousRhetoric@pm.me. The opinions expressed in Dangerous Rhetoric are her own. Dangerous Rhetoric is available on thinkspot, Rumble and Substack.
Sources:
1) 2024 Biden Concession Speech | Cody Lillich on X, https://bit.ly/3UGlDHF
2) Leviticus 19:18 (KJV) - The Holy Bible, https://bit.ly/3ULjQ4k
Nancy, thank you for posting and taking the precious time to do so. First, grammatical observation: ----The time for vilifying people with differing opinions has "passed" --not "past." I understand and agree with the Biblical principle of "...loving thy neighbor as thyself," however love is different than acknowledging that a majority of my neighbors are h*** bent on making sure that my Grandbabies are being raised, growing up, and being subjected to a Totalitarian regime, and Jack-booted thuggery of the WA Left. ...and I do not appreciate it, and am determined to change it. Am I correct that I can pursue this endeavor with "love?" I can try and remove from office, if not imprison our Governor(s) with "love?" What say you?
Great article!