Time to turn the page

By Editorial

Nov. 2 has now come and gone. And, unlike four years ago, this presidential election has declared a definitive winner -- a candidate that won by the largest popular margin since George Bush Sr in 1988.

Much to the chagrin of 48 percent of the country, President George W. Bush won four more years in office. But regardless of whom you voted for, it's important for the nation to unite for the first time in what's been a long time, and support Bush as commander in chief.

For the record, this is in no way a conservative-laden statement. Had Sen. John Kerry (or even Ralph Nader) won the election, our stance would not change.

It's good for Americans to remain passionate about U.S. politics, but it's essential for citizens to rally around Bush and stay optimistic, even during these confusing times of war.

Ever since the election in 2000, many Democrats have refused to consider Bush the elected president. But with no dispute over who won the crucial Ohio electoral votes in this election, there's a pivotal need to back President Bush in his second term.

Terrorism, for as widespread and unpredictable as it is, gains the upper-hand when Americans lose their support for the White House. Terrorists thrive on turning us into a shaky, nervous nation.

Osama bin Laden released his first video tape in a long time last week, saying that it didn't matter whom we elected into office, but that the motives of terrorists hang on U.S. foreign policy.

We'd like to believe that his absentee ballot doesn't matter in the least, but how many Americans voted against a certain candidate in fear that having them in office would lead to future terrorist attacks?

Within the next four years, this nation will hopefully be as strong as ever, and that it will be largely because Bush will reunite Americans.