We are so used to win-lose scenarios that we have a hard time embracing that everyone can potentially win. Regardless of which side of the fence you sat on during the election, let me list the many commonalities we all share. We all prefer predictability to uncertainty; we all are entitled to a steady and assured source of income so we can live a life of dignity and without financial worries; we need to know that we're safe and that our justice system works for all, not just for some; we all prefer a clean and healthy environment so we can drink the water, breathe the air, and eat the foods grown in its soil without concern for our health; we are all entitled to affordable or free health care. Beyond those basic physical needs we should have free or affordable education (it's to everybody's benefit), we should all be able to express our opinions freely and without repercussions, practice our religious or sexual preference without worry, and be treated equally regardless of the color of our skin, eyes or hair. That's a lot we can agree on.
With those commonalities in mind we need to move forward with win-win scenarios and agency. "We, the people" is you and I, not some abstract entity. The government may be a vehicle for democracy, but we, you and I, are the checks and balances for the government. You and I must take charge, be responsible for upholding the principles of our democracy, formulate the future we wish for ourselves, our community, and our country. As Kennedy said " Ask not....", well you know what he said. Most importantly the solutions must work for all. The crucial realization is that this requires compromise. If you cannot agree with your spouse on what to do this Friday evening you're just going to sit home and do nothing. If your spouse wants to go to the movies and you want to eat out, and you can't agree, well, you can either have a fight, or one can try to win the other over, which leaves the other partner disgruntled. If you can compromise and agree to meet in the middle, perhaps go to the movies this Friday, and eat out next Friday, you can both have a good time and you both win.
Taking charge and being involved, as well as compromising for the greater good of all will be very important from here on in. Please reread an older post on win-win scenarios.