Thumper the rabbit from Disney’s “Bambi” | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

Leading up to our nation’s selection of presidential hopefuls on Nov. 5, voters listened to speeches, watched debates and attempted to select the candidate, which best represents the type of leadership they believe America needs. As results were tabulated and electoral votes accumulated in the democratic process, voters may experience a downturn in confidence — especially toward voters who selected a different candidate.

Amidst these woes is the fear of what will happen during these next four years— will taxes go up or down? What will change regarding those “hot button” topics of illegal immigration and abortion? In general, change is inevitable and not everyone will like or agree as decisions affecting our government are made.

In the two-party system that governs our country ( just being honest that Libertarian, Green Party and other candidates have yet to gain any foothold) there’s a consistent see-saw of power— sometimes every four years — from Democrat to Republican and back again.

And not every American is going to be happy about the choice.

Think back to when you were a child and learning to play games — a sport, a card or board game — it wasn’t always fun, especially if you or your team lost. The point was to play fair and understand there would only be one winner— and sometimes it wouldn’t be you. And if you pouted or got upset about losing, an adult would look you in the eye and recite The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you have them do unto you.

In other words, don’t say something mean to the other players because you lost.

Following an election, American citizens need to follow those same ideals. Your candidate lost and maybe you feel you need to say something to express your anger or disappointment. That comes down to Freedom of Speech, guaranteed in our First Amendment — but to blame other voters for making a choice you don’t agree with is practically telling them they should have voted as you did.

Our Founding Fathers set up the Democratic process to ensure the right to vote, and how you use your right is solely up to you, the voter.. To modify The Golden Rule: Don’t ask others to vote as you would — that’s not a Democracy.

Now that this choice has been made, American citizens have a lot of healing to do to get us through these upcoming months and years ahead. No voter needs to gloat or pout about their chosen candidate winning or losing— and if you’re tempted to respond to someone, remember that other rule: The Thumper Rule.

Named for the cute cartoon rabbit in Disney’s Bambi movie, Thumper has to repeat “If you can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”

Be nice. That person took a lot of effort to select a candidate and vote for them and maybe they voted differently than you. They didn’t do it to make you mad or angry. They voted, they exercised their right to vote— just as you did.

Be nice. Thank you for voting.