Those “good old days” may not always have been as delicious and flawless as our faded memories are inclined to convince us. But there were parts of the past that had great merit, little pinpoints of time and existence we would do well to emulate now.

The incomparable humor columnist Dave Barry touched on one such item recently in assessing attitudes and relationships around election-time. He recalled the way a lot of adults dealt with voting and post-voting in the 1960s era and contrasted it with some of the rancor, pettiness and even bitterness we have seen too frequently in 2008 among office-seekers, their supporters and even longtime friends and associates. Writes Barry:

“: unlike today, when people wear out their upper lips sneering at those who disagree with them, the 1960s grown-ups of my memory, whoever they voted for, continued to respect one another and remain good friends.”

He noted that a lot of people back then would gather to hash and rehash, have a drink or two, then revert to getting along sensibly. Says Barry:

“: they were capable of understanding a concept that we seem to have lost, which is that people who disagree with you politically are not necessarily evil or stupid. My parents and their friends took it for granted that most people were fundamentally decent and wanted the best for the country. So they argued by sincerely (if loudly) trying to persuade one another. They did not argue by calling one another names, which is pointless and childish, and which constitutes I would estimate 97 percent of what passes for political debate today. : you know what I’m saying? I’m saying, now that this election is over, whatever the hell happened, can we please grow up and stop being so nasty to each other? Please?”

How about let’s give it a try? We have enough threats and non-acquaintances to be angry and resentful about without taking out our fear and frustration on one another. Our current challenges will require the BEST all of us can muster. That process can start with more harmony, respect and dedication in our ranks to do what’s best for America and, thus, one another