Time For Healing Bitter Wounds

On behalf of the College Democrats at UB, I wish to thank the students for voting in record numbers in this election. As a political club, our primary purpose is to encourage political participation of students at this university and as far as the results are concerned, on this campus, we met and far exceeded our goals.

I also wish to thank the College Republicans for a spirited and hard fought campaign. I congratulate them on their victory. Hard work, regardless of ideology, should not go unacknowledged. The cooperation we received from them in planning debates was excellent, thus showing that different groups can sometimes find common ground.

Now begins the process of reconciliation and healing the divisive and bitter wounds of a spirited campaign. Despite our differences, Republicans and Democrats must come together at this time, realizing that the formation of a new government transcends partisanship. Nov. 2 was not a victory of party, but a celebration of democracy and liberty and above all, this must endure.

While I strongly disagree with the decision of the American people, I accept it. The unity of this country and the strength of our democracy demands it.

Democrats must now focus on how this defeat occurred and what we must do to prevent further defeats. What is clear is that we must mend fences with those in the South and Midwest. The debates will ensue over the next four years, whether to shift more to the right in a country that appears to be center-right on the political spectrum or move further towards the left. We must look to the future, for it is there that we will find opportunity and victory.

In this time, I ask that Democrats unite and acknowledge our mistakes rather than demonize our opponents with visceral hatred. A protest will not correct or fix any problems that our party has nor will it enhance future electoral prospects.

The primary task for our party is to find a way to win again rather than serve as a divided opposition party. There is no greater problem or task that will ever face this party since Andrew Jackson's first presidential victory in 1828.