Published the week of 10/31/04

Here is good news about the election, whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or indifferent. (Some of the more cynical readers are assuming I am going to say that - depending when you are reading this - the good news is that the election is over, or will be over very soon.)

No, that's not it.

The good news is that after the election, there will be peace in our streets, neighborhoods and stores.

Yes, some Americans will be angry, bitter and frustrated. But this won't be like, for example, an Asian country where I was some years ago. The day after the election people went on a shooting rampage in several cities, shooting into stores, shops and homes that displayed election signs for certain candidates. People stayed in doors for several days. Imagine wondering if someone was going to shoot at you, just because you had a yard sign or a bumper sticker.

Good friends have told me about experiences in other countries, where the day after the election similar things happen: shootings, stabbings and other crimes against political opponents.

No, this is some wet-behind-the-ears, sloppily sentimental, rose-colored glasses plea. You can add your own cliché if you want.

Of course the U.S. has plenty of problems. Our new President will have an enormous set of challenges. But while we disagree vigorously, even passionately with each other about many issues, we DO accept disagreements. We do not bomb, shoot or stab those with whom we disagree. This doesn't happen everywhere. But it certainly does happen in some countries. Why mention this in a column that usually focuses on education and young people?

Because I think it's important, in fact vital, that we tell young people how lucky we are to live in this country. By definition, these folks are young. Many have not traveled outside the U.S. They have not seen what happens elsewhere. And young people hear plenty, constantly about what's wrong with this country. Helping young people develop a fair, accurate view of America means this. From time to time, we need to remind them about some of our national strengths.

This is being written late in the week before the election. So I don't know the results, and don't know if it's so close there will be a challenge.

What I do know is this. Having visited many countries around the world. This is where I want to live. While imperfect, we are far ahead of many places. Our willingness to live with people with whom we passionately disagree is one of the very best things about this remarkable country. And after a long, bitter election campaign - if you agree with me, you just might want to tell some young people in your family or your school.