Those magnetic “ribbons” could be used to help us rally toward the unity and decency needed for the best interests of America.

Before last Tuesday’s election, some might have seen them as divisive or even inflammatory. But with a need for healing and increasing statesmanship by our leaders, those colorful magnetic ribbon loops that we see on so many motor vehicles would provide an early notice of what we need to do in the best interests of America and its people. They could help pave the way to the kind of national unity and sense of purpose we have seen degenerate since 9-11-01.

A new mindset is needed for all of us, with focus on working with people to accomplish worthwhile things (including dispatching our sworn enemies) rather than opposing every individual and effort to which we feel no great affinity.

Back to the vehicle “ribbons.”

We see them in yellow, with the message to support our troops — and bring them home safely. We find some combination ribbon loops in red, white and blue not only promoting backing for our armed forces but reminding us that we still need God to bless America. Before the election, some might have considered such displays as outward support of one candidate or another. However, the election is over, and whether you consider the results good or bad, now is the time to brush all that aside, join forces and do the best we can.

Such “ribbons” should be used to rally us to the cause of helping God to bless America, further, by giving us and our leaders the kind of guidance that will create a safer America and a far more peaceable world.

Enough of the bitterness, rancor, alleged hate and disrespect that have reared their ugly heads so often during the 2004 politicking and finagling at all levels of the civic process. It’s time for all of us to consider what is best for our families and loved ones, our homes, our cities, our states and our nation and strive for a national effort toward progress and decency in dealing with each other and those in the rest of the world.

The term “statesmanship” is defined as the “activity and skill of a statesman; skillful management of public affairs.” Throw in ethical, compassionate, dignified, honest, respectful and unselfish management, without any regard to a political party or a list of donors and cronies.

Granted, those magnetic ribbons on our vehicles have no special magic of their own. But they can become symbols of the kinds of “magical” behavior we need to meet growing challenges facing America. Why not spend a little time thinking about what is best for the nation after noticing one of the “ribbons” and then trying to measure up to the morality, courage, intelligence and foresight that made our nation the marvelous place it is?

Above reproach? America is certainly not that, and our system has innumerable flaws which can be exploited, particularly by our enemies. But as the late Winston Churchill reminded us during some difficult times after World War II, the democratic system is by no means perfect, but it’s still a lot better than whatever is in second place.

Togetherness and imaginative statesmanship are the best starting points for accomplishing the many goals we have in mind, and which we share. Let those vehicle ribbons be a starting point to remind us of that. Then let us begin to do, with renewed togetherness, what is necessary to get our house in order so it can become the kind of residence most all of us so badly want.