ELECTION: Our next step

Dear Fellow Citizens:

The election is over. Now it is time to get over the election.

Numerous letters have been published by people demonizing one side or another. Democrats are evil socialist, crybaby losers. Republicans are self-righteous bigots. Trump supporters are “deplorables” and so on.

We are cultivating hate here, my friends, and that really is dangerously deplorable. Hate is a divisive monster with the capacity to ruin entire societies. It is a dysfunctional state of mind that destroys both inner and outer peace. It accomplishes nothing. If one possesses a functional mind, hate is also elective. With cognitive effort and practice, we can free our minds of this destructive emotion before we reach a state of perpetual conflict.

I admit that it is easier to choose a side and mindlessly hate whomever it recommends. As long as we are happy being part of the problem, we can just allow ourselves to live in the delusional bliss of self-justification, ah yes, Ebola for the soul. On the other hand, we can thoughtfully refuse to hate and become small parts of the solution.

We’re all in the same American boat here. Let’s forgive one another and do what we can to make our sailing together as smooth as possible. Christmas is a good time to seek a better way.

LARRY FREI

Coeur d’Alene