Now for the governing

The die is cast.

While that may seem rather fatalistic to say, it’s really just a statement of fact. The elections are over, and Americans have made their choices.

From this point forward, all who voted must accept the outcomes of the races in which they made their voices heard whether their preferred candidates were victorious or not. And, for the good of the country, it needs to be universally accepted that those who won office will be representing and working for the best interests of all their constituents, not just those who voted for them.

The midterm elections were among the most partisan and polarized in recent memory. But now that the elections are over, whether the victors are going to the state capital or to Washington, D.C., they have their work cut out for them. The problems they are facing, from a hobbled economy resulting in nearly 10 percent unemployment, to escalating budget crises, to overseas conflict, to implementation of somewhat unpopular but vital health care and fiscal legislation, the next legislative session won’t be an easy one for any in government.

Those elected will need all the creative and intellectual skills available to them and will need the support of all who can be of help. Now is the time for Americans of all parties to come together in order to find the best resolutions to the daunting problems facing our state and our nation.

The die is cast, but the outcome is uncertain. That’s up to those who are now in office and the ability they show to unify their fellow citizens behind viable solutions.

United we stand, divided we fall.