Can we find healing following elections?
That question continues to grow in importance. There is continuing evidence that as a society division is accentuated with elections and not diminished. That was not always the situation. With any candidate and followers who put divisiveness as a preference, we slide backwards a bit. It is simply true. We can find candidates who understand the importance of healing.
Where will our society be in two years at the next important set of elections?
Candidates, prevailing in elective voting, or, in absorbing defeat, move society forward or backward. There is little neutral or standing still. Among the positive elements in political discourse are understanding, empathy, coherence. The negative perspectives are derision, insensitivity, combativeness. Positive candidates can steer in strong competitiveness without offering any of the negative elements just listed.
Even residents in all of our states can understand political discourse without negativity. We can stand for purpose and perspective to seek strength. It often may be easier to connect with baser elements of so-called supporters. Such baseness drives down true strength of citizenship. Taking time to understand and not be ashamed to hold political views is meaningful.
Being a force for good and not be a negative drain appeals to our virtues. It is possible!
Duly noted important notes include:
• The annual Aurora Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at Society 57, 100 S. River Street in Aurora. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. The theme is Praying for Peace. Participating congregations include Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Aurora; St. John’s AME; Temple B’nai Israel, the Spanish-speaking congregation of Aurora Church of Jesus Christ, United for Peace, Wesley United Methodist Church, and New England Congregational Church.
• The Aurora Navy League Council 247 will hold its Tuesday, Nov. 15 5:30 p.m. dinner meeting in the private room of the Riverview Diner, IL-25 and Mill Street in Montgomery. The after-dinner speaker will be Mrs. Jeanne Ives, former State representative, from Wheaton. Her topic will be on military academies and service. She and her husband are 1987 graduates of West Point.
• The Village government of Oswego reminds the public to expect increased traffic congestion and delays in Oswego Sunday, Nov. 13 because of the Oswegoland Park District Gobbler Hobbler 10K run and mashed Potato Mile.
• The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has announced a Community Flag Design Contest that is open to all Batavians. The contest has started and will continue through March 1, 2023. See more information on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087253054167.
• Registration in Naperville to visit at Santa’s workshop is at www.napervilleparks.org.