In Our View: Election’s Over – Rejoice!

Whew!

We could use a break, and we’re guessing you could, as well. This election season has been exhausting, and the end of the campaign comes as a bit of a relief. No more political ads, no more political debate, no more consternation about what lies ahead.

And so, for one day at least, we bring you a politics-free editorial. Because despite all the campaign rhetoric about how awful everything is, this still is a wonderful region of a wonderful country, and there are plenty of uplifting things to talk about.

You know, such as the Washington State Cougars. How ’bout them Cougs? Washington State’s football team has won eight of its nine games, is ranked in the top 10 in the country, and has the inside track to make the Rose Bowl — with perhaps the University of Washington standing in its way. WSU even has an outside shot at making the four-team college football playoff, which would seem about as likely as a reality TV star being elected president.

Or such as the Vancouver Farmers Market. The weekend market has closed for the season, but don’t fret. A Harvest Market is scheduled for Nov. 17 at the regular downtown site, and a Holiday Market is planned for Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. In addition to a copious supply of treats, produce and crafts, the Vancouver Farmers Market provides some of the best people-watching in the area.

Or such as The Waterfront Vancouver, which continues to blossom along the banks of the Columbia River. The park, pier and a couple restaurants have opened for a development that promises to transform the city. Vancouver is turning into a destination rather than a pit stop, and the waterfront development will be the centerpiece that attracts the bulk of the attention.

Feel better yet? Good. And yet there is so much more to celebrate.

We know, we know, there likely are hard feelings from the election — on both sides of the political divide. The guess is that not all of the races and ballot measures came out the way you had hoped; there even are some contests that have not yet been decided, extending the tension for a few more days. But that’s politics. The important thing is to focus on the joy amid the misery.

And so we turn our eyes to the sky and marvel at this week’s weather. It has been atypical for November, with pleasant days providing opportunities to get outside. And we gladly mention this without including a comment about climate change. The weather has allowed for walks along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail or across the Vancouver Land Bridge, or even a visit to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge — the kind of excursions that remind us why we choose to live here. Not to mention the numerous hiking opportunities around Clark County. And for those who prefer a bit of urban hiking, it’s possible to march around downtown and stop every block or so at a brewpub.

Most of all, however, we are thankful that we had the opportunity to vote and to help make decisions that will affect our community, state and nation. We also are thankful that so many people felt engaged enough to vote this time around, with turnout here and throughout the country at the highest levels for a midterm election in recent memory.

The election is over, and we will spend much time deconstructing the results and assessing what the future holds. But for now, we all could use a break.