Divided we fall

The legacy of Barack Obama’s victory in 2008, thus far, has been one of division.
Even more so than in the Bush years, the country seems to be sharply divided between ideologies. Common ground seems hard to find, open ears are scarce and a civil war of thought is percolating.
A lot of nasty things were said during the 2008 campaign, and the hope was that the political grandstanding would give way to some degree of common unity once the election results were in — after all, we all have to live here under the same leader once the people have voted. Unity is further away now than it was a year ago.
Despite a gubernatorial race that oftentimes dips into the lake of negativity, dividing people by ideology, we hope for a united state after Nov. 3.
Whether it is Creigh Deeds or Bob McDonnell who wins the election and becomes governor, we will all have to live with one another and under the winner’s leadership.
We can respond to the outcome with more sharp divisions, or we can make the best of the situation, whatever it is, and work together to keep Virginia the great place it is to live.
Though our thoughts sometimes stand between us, our location unites us. We are Virginians, first; Democrats or Republicans, second.
Let’s remember that after all the ballots are counted.

adapted from the Woodbridge-Manassas News & Messenger