The Washington Times Opinion-Editorial by Dr. Timothy A. Kelly on the subject of post-election unity is a strong and thoughtful statement to every American citizen.

Kelly said:

Reeling from a bedeviling and costly war on terror that seems both unavoidable and unending, the nation is reaching a fever pitch as it approaches election day.

Today voters will determine who is to become the 44th President of the United States [obviously Bush would remain the 43rd President, if he wins re-election]. That is, of course, assuming the outcome is clear and uncontested.

Unfortunately, both major parties are preparing for a different scenario -- appealing to the courts to intervene for recounts wherever the outcome is close. This could conceivably produce a landscape that would make us nostalgic for the simplicity of the 2000 presidential election.

Imagine a "multi-Florida" scenario wherein election results in three, four, five or more states are fiercely contested for weeks -- even months -- until exhausted judiciaries finally rule one way or the other. The trouble with this is the same as the trouble with the last presidential election, but more so. It assures that the country will not be united behind the president-elect, regardless of outcome. Thus, whoever assumes the mantle of "44" will attempt to govern a deeply divided nation wherein roughly half the population feel grievously wronged. That does not bode well for the war on terror, domestic issues or any of the other serious challenges facing America at this perilous time.

What can be done about this?

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Now, with polls showing a dead-even split too close to call, is the time to make a "commitment to unity."

The parties should give second thought to challenging close calls in the battleground states, since the agony of extended recounts will be deeply unsettling for an already-divided nation. Partisans on both sides should let their leadership know that they will not support a wave of post-election lawsuits, and that public opinion will turn on those who do.

Even more importantly, the record numbers of registered voters who are preparing to cast their votes and hope for the best on Election Day should commit to unity now before the outcome is known. If your candidate wins you can breathe a sigh of relief, and resist the temptation to lord it over those whose candidate lost.

But if your candidate loses you have a special challenge and opportunity.

Instead of ranting about the unfairness of the system and vilifying the president-elect, make a commitment to unity.

This does not mean you must support all the policies of the winning party, but that you support the democratic process (flawed as it may be) through which the president is elected.

It means you support the idea that once chosen, that person becomes president of the entire United States of America.

To read the balance of Kelly's Op-Ed commentary, go to:

Thank you, Dr. Kelly.

About The Author, Dr. Timothy A. Kelly

Dr. Timothy A. Kelly is Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, and a licensed clinical psychologist. His expertise and interests are in clinical outcome measurement, mental health system reform, leadership and public policy, and the psychology of terrorism.

Prior to coming to Fuller, Dr. Kelly held faculty positions at Vanderbilt University, The American University, and George Mason University. He has been a practicing clinical psychologist since 1990, including directing an outpatient clinic in the D.C. area.

Dr. Kelly served as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services from 1994-1997, where he instituted a number of needed reforms such as measuring treatment outcomes in order to improve quality of care. He is an expert in mental health care policy, speaking and writing on the need for national mental health reforms. His articles have been published by professional psychology journals, public policy think tanks, and leading papers such as the Washington Post. He has provided expert testimony numerous times to state and federal legislative committees, as well as to various TV and radio interviewers.

Dr. Kelly served as Executive Director for the Congressional-appointed National Gambling Impact Study Commission, which completed its report in June 1999 on the impacts of legalized gambling in America. The report, which sparked a national dialogue on the topic, focused on the growing problem of gambling addiction.

Dr. Kelly earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1984, and received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1990. He has served on the Boards of Directors for both the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors and the National Research Institute, as well as numerous state commissions, councils and task forces. Dr. Kelly currently serves on the National Advisory Council for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Agency's Center for Mental Health Services - the primary federal mental health policy agency. He also serves on California State Senator Jack Scott's Health Care Advisory Committee.

Speaking from our forefathers standpoint, there were two documents created "in order to form a more perfect union" and "to insure domestic tranquility."

To read The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, go to:

To read The Constitution word-for-word, go to:

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and united living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King