We Americans live in a divided land, it seems to some degree we always have and probably always will. We have our moments when we all come together but it’s usually after some great tragedy like Pearl Harbor and WWII or September 11, 2001.

On June 17, 1858, Abraham Lincoln declared that “A house divided cannot stand,” when he accepted the Republican nomination to be the party’s candidate for the office of president of the United States. This was before the Civil War began and we know the carnage that followed as brother fought against brother and sons and daughters fought against mothers and fathers, friends and family. Our Bible gives us the same advice in Mark 3:23-28, “A nation divided cannot stand.”

 I think America has just endured the worst presidential election cycle that I can ever remember. We had the worst candidates ever, with both Democrats and Republicans not completely happy with their respective nominee causing dissention within the parties and resulting in both candidates showing the lowest favorable ratings of any presidential candidates ever. Only 58.2 percent of registered voters exercised their right to vote. 

Social media played a significant part in the election in part due to the misinformation that was distributed by both parties. Google and Facebook are now looking at ways to mitigate the distribution of misinformation using their platforms. The end result was that America lost out because the truth about meaningful issues was not discussed or was misrepresented.

 A foreign government, an enemy of the United States of America, interfered with our election which should be a grave concern to our national security. Federal employees also interfered with our election, a violation of the Hatch Act, and should be held accountable.

 Everyone will share in some degree of disappointment. Democrats are disappointed that their candidate won the majority of the popular vote but lost the election. Republicans are pleased that their candidate won the election but will be disappointed because promises and campaign rhetoric that was made during the campaign either cannot or will not be fulfilled.

 In summary, approximately 29 percent of Americans are somewhat happy. Approximately 29 percent of Americans are upset and approximately 42 percent of Americans (90 million), are disgusted with the whole process and gave up, choosing not to vote at all.

 The president-elect has a difficult job. He has to bring the two competing parties together or at least work towards some common goals and he has to restore confidence to the 90 million American citizens who just don’t care anymore.

 One thing is certain. If we, as a nation, continue to be this divided, we expose ourselves to more foreign interference, internal strife, and make our country less secure.

 My faith, my hope, my trust is in my Heavenly Father. My prayer and hope is that God will give the president-elect wisdom and understanding to represent all Americans, unite all Americans and restore the public’s confidence in our system of democracy.

R.B. Briggs

Mayor, City of Landrum