Please accept this letter in response to Lee Harper’s letter, "It’s time to start working together."  Without question, the 20 months that culminated in the selection of President-Elect Obama were as hostile as any election that I’ve ever witnessed in my 53 years. I share in the belief that the media, predominantly television (and in both camps) presented as cruel and demeaning an election coverage as has ever been seen in America. Sadly, and in many ways, the division in America that remains is similar to that which existed and made up the last eight years.

Our point of departure is in the notion that "we can longer be red or blue if that means continued division. No longer can one neighbor be right and the other wrong."  The beauty of our country is its ability to legitimize each point of view. While the people have spoken, deep divisions can and will exist where there are differing values. This is America at its best.

Just as surely as one cannot (hypothetically) expect an atheist to accept God on the basis of an election result, it would be wrong for either camp to expect that conservatives would place their beliefs aside in the interest of continuity. The beauty of America rests in the ability to be able to embrace and believe whatever each person holds to be of value to them, within of course, the range of civility. If a person feels that their core sensibilities and values have been negated, it would be absurd to believe they would place these aside. Please understand that many conservatives believe that the election resulted in a shift towards moral relativism. It’s only fair that the opposing camp respect (not embrace) their perception with the same enthusiasm that liberals wish their beliefs to be respected. I am pro-life. It’s my choice. Naturally a strong degree of disagreement and diminished trust in those who oppose this perspective is to be expected and natural. It’s a free country.

In addition, while I understand that "Senator John McCain gave an equally moving concession speech, blaming only himself for the Republican’s defeat," it should be noted that many Republicans feel that the Democrat media effectively achieved their goal by tying Senator McCain directly to President Bush. (McCain equals Bush). In hindsight, it was a good plan and all is fair in politics. Please understand, however, that many feel that in doing so the Democrat media negated and demeaned an incredibly experienced and honorable (battle tested in all arenas) candidate. A degree of animosity is not only to be expected, it’s healthy and American.

I‘ve spent the last eight years listening to Republican bashing on a level never seen before. It has left me with such a bad taste that I have made it my strongest commitment to not retaliate. To quote Timothy Keller, I look towards the future with cooperation and hope "to represent the other’s argument in its strongest and most positive form. Only then is it fair and safe to disagree with it. That achieves civility in a pluralistic society, which is no small thing."

Count on my cooperation, but not necessarily my agreement on President-Elect Obama’s platform or beliefs.

I’m proud to be an American.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the many volunteers that helped make the "Blessing of Daniel Island" such a success.  Special thanks go out to the following people:  The Rev. John Burwell and Emily with Church of the Holy Cross for so graciously hosting our service again - the ministers that participated; the Rev. Don Flowers from Providence Baptist Church, Pastor Josh Surratt from Seacoast Church, the Rev. William Swinton from Ebenezer AME Church, Dr. Vance Polley from Sunrise Presbyterian, Father Brian Babick from Christ our King, Providence Baptist Children’s choir, Bishop England students, Robin Harris soloist, Susanne Jeter organist, Sally Castengera closing prayer, The refreshment and cleanup committees,  Bob Johnston Signs, A Floral Affair, Island Small Groups, Women of Faith, Publix, and last but not least, The Daniel Island News and the P.O.A. for advertising. 

It was a "special service" full of blessings, fellowship and reflection. It is a special time set aside each year to thank God for what he has done on this beautiful island and to pray for His blessings in the year ahead. We are grateful for each one of you that were able to help us and join us in continuing this wonderful tradition.

Please accept my congratulations on your success. The Daniel Island News is not only a credit to you and your staff but to all who treasure freedom of the press. We are so very fortunate to have that privilege. You offer not only a place to exchange views but a forum to share the wonders of the life we have here on Daniel Island. We, along with the rest of the country, have a high goal to work towards. It will not be easy but it is attainable. With God’s help we will push forward. Congratulations to you and your staff. Job well done!