On November 4th, people in the US still had not gotten decisive confirmation as the confirmed electoral votes for the election contest between Democrat candidate Joe Biden and Republican incumbent Donald Trump.
The reason for this is accusations of fraud, that Biden was given a bunch of votes via ballot box stuffing and other similar illegal acts that artificially gave him more votes than he received, and even benefited from actions that disenfranchised those that voted for Trump in good faith.
As a result of this, the fate of the electoral votes is now in limbo until we see if the claims of fraud have any legal substance or not via recounts and legal proceedings, much like how there was a similar question of legal concern settled in the 2000 elections over similar accusations of electoral foul play.
This all said, below is my advice to both sides. I wanted Trump to win, but if Biden is the legitimate winner after the legal issues are settled, then I will accept that result.
Anyway, here are my pieces of advice:
1. ABSTAIN FROM ANY VIOLENCE OR OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIONS. Republicans, I don't care how mad you may be, do not do anything illegal to retaliate against the other side, let the courts handle this, do NOT take matters into your own hands. Democrats, the same goes for you. I don't care how much you hate Republicans, this is a time when both sides need to come together, drop their prejudices, and mutually agree to accept whatever the truth is after the courts hash this out. If that is not done, the US quits being a representative democracy and becomes a third-world country.
2. STAY CALM. Both sides need to chill. This matter is being referred to the proper authority to settle the legal disputes, namely the courts. If you are not involved in those, you are just a spectator, nothing more. Wait until they come back with any concrete evidence and decisions. Until then, relax.
3. BE CIVIL. This is a trying time. Republicans feel they are being cheated, Democrats feel they are getting singled out as a target of accusations they believe cannot be proven. Thankfully, the matter is being adjudicated as mentioned in my second point. Both sides need to find something to take their minds off this if they are not part of the legal process, otherwise, all you can legally and realistically do is spin your wheels until this is decided.
4. ACCEPT THE RESULTS WHEN THEY COME IN. Once we have a legal answer to whether fraud actually occurred, be prepared to accept the answers, whatever they are. If there was some substance to that accusation, then take it maturely and be grateful the political process is not being sullied with lies and whoever got elected was elected in good faith. If "your guy" loses as a result of this question being answered, that's how things work. Once any lies are dealt with, only the truth will remain, and whether Trump has another four years or Biden takes the job, the truth will tell us for sure what happens. When that time comes, choke down your bile if you don't like the answer.
The world will continue to revolve around the sun no matter who is the true winner. and people have been screaming the US will die if the wrong man takes office since George Washington left office. The world continued despite all the hyperbole. Therefore, if the "wrong man" becomes President, you have a chance every four years to express your displeasure. And if legal issues result, we have courts to handle them.
That in mind, whoever you voted for, and I say this with no sarcasm, may the best man, whoever they might be, win. And whoever loses, I hope they do so with dignity and are shown the same by a gracious winner.
