In 2014, the Pew Research Center reported, “Among all Democrats, 27 percent say GOP policies are a threat to the well-being of the country; among all Republicans, more than a third (36 percent) think Democratic policies threaten the nation.”
In 2016: “More than half of Democrats (55 percent) say the Republican Party makes them ‘afraid,’ while 49 percent of Republicans say the same about the Democratic Party. Among those who say they vote regularly and either volunteer for or donate to campaigns — fully 70 percent of Democrats and 62 percent of Republicans say they are afraid of the other party.”
But as the recent election shows, the polls can be misleading — or dead wrong. Americans share many of the same values.
Americans should be able to have empathy for one another and show compassion, respect each other’s privacy and property, clean up after themselves and be inclusive of others. They should be active learners. Online they should use proper “netiquette” and renounce cyber bullying.
These are a few of the behavior expectations at Great Bend Middle School. It’s time for adults to show they can be at least as mature as that.
President-elect Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton gave their most inspiring speeches once the election was over. Listen to both with an open mind, and remember the other party isn’t the enemy.

Donald Trump
“Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely.
“Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division. We have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time.
“I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans. And this is so important to me.
“As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign but rather an incredible and great movement, made up of millions of hardworking men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their family.
“It’s a movement comprised of Americans of all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs, who want and expect our government to serve the people. And serve the people, it will.
“Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream. I’ve spent my entire life in business, looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world. That is now what I want to do for our country.
“Tremendous potential. I’ve gotten to know our country so well. Tremendous potential.
“It’s going to be a beautiful thing. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.”

Hillary Clinton
“Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country.
“I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. ... 
“I want you to remember this. Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted. We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power.
“We don’t just respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines the rule of law; the principle we are all equal in rights and dignity; freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values, too, and we must defend them. ...
“And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.
“Finally, finally, I am so grateful for our country and for all it has given to me.
“I count my blessings every single day that I am an American, and I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengthen our convictions, and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us.”