To my friends: It is not helpful for you to comment or post memes that criticize the riots. I do not approve of riots (Peaceful protests? Yes. Riots? No.)  So, I certainly am not giving license to destruction of property and harm of persons.  It is also ironic if you criticize, yet did not criticize the actions and words of the candidate(s) which precipitated the riots.  What you may fail to recognize is:

1. Words have consequences – the incendiary rhetoric during the campaign must be recognized as part of the cause, and bear some of the blame.  Our nation had the two most disliked candidates for the Presidency in our history, and their unfavorable status has been very high.  It seems, from exit polling data, that many (if not most) actually voted against the other candidate (as opposed to positively for someone.) So, despite the popular vote drama (and I am a firm believer in the Electoral College), one was more distrusted than the other, and thus that other won the election. 
2. A history of either perceived or actual disrespect or misuse of people by a candidate (and it is my view that both are the case) is noticed by many voters who will not just “suck it up” or “get over it.”  To say that those who are upset at the election results are now feeling what you have the past eight years is not true, and fails to even attempt to understand the current pulse of many in our nation.  This should not be a “we versus them” or “win verses lose” mentality.  We need to go deeper than that.
3. To blame the actions of rioters on parents is simply unfair, if not juvenile itself.  First, you do not know their parents, and though parental guidance may be a factor, it may not be also. Second, it misses the point of the real causes of these riots, which causes (in part) I have stated in my first two points.  It seems inconsistent that those who were angry voters for change are the very ones who cannot, or will not, give any compassion for others who are angry. ​ We enjoy freedom of speech and should encourage it and do what we can to help protests become peaceful ones.
4. To state, in word or meme, that there were no such riots when Obama won (twice) is to also miss the point and to evidence a lack of understanding and sensitivity.  Obama did not employ the despicable rhetoric that we have had to endure during this campaign.  Both Bush elections were not met with riots either, and the first of his Presidential elections was won by the very slightest of margins (just check with Hang E. Chad)
5. It is a weak and unhelpful point to make that Trump won, so they should grow up.  It is my contention that many avid supporters of both major Party candidates were very vitriolic during the campaign, and though they did not literally set things on fire and stop traffic, then did indeed cause much destruction and stopped short of integrity and character. It is time for us all to use a better approach than trash talking and demeaning.  It is time to cease becoming what we heard and saw during the campaign.
6. You do not help the situation by adding fuel to the fire. It does not promote peace by ridiculing protesters.  It promotes peace to allow law enforcement to deal with it, and for us to deal with wholesome and healing words.  When you pile on the protesters frustrations, anger, and sadness, then you evidence a lack of care and understanding.  To belittle those who feel a deep sadness is sad and deeply troubling.
7. To comfort those hurting: a) Be empathetic and allow them to grieve, voice their frustrations, and state their fears. b) Listen well and listen long. Don't give platitudes, or pep speech, of a "suck it up" line. c) Do not act superior and, when the person is ready to receive it, let him/her know that we live in the greatest nation in the world (problems? yes. injustices? yes. But, still a wonderful place.) d) Let the person know that it is normal to be uncertain as to the future, but that we have had trying times before, and we made it through them. e) Encourage him/her that we are all in this together. f) Comfort him/her with the fact that we have mechanisms within our governmental structure that provide changes (such as major elections in just two years, and another one in four years.)  gee) These are some thoughts, but I think the main thing is to weep with those that weep, and be a genuine friend (especially to those with whom we may disagree with politically, etc.) 

 
America, bless God … and bless (love) your neighbor (anyone whom you can help.)  Let's have each other's back.

It is time to Make America Kind Again.

My 9 Election Aftermath Notes
Steve Battaglia - November 9, 2016
1) Congratulations to President-elect Trump and Vice-President-elect Pence, and to all those who won the various elections! 
2) If your candidate did not win, then I offer you my sincerest condolences and blessings. If your candidate won, I encourage you to sway away from the rancor of the campaigns, and rather, be considerate, gracious, and kind.  Treat the other as you would have liked to be treated if the tables were turned (Matthew 7:12.)
3) To my non-Christian friends: I apologize for what may be seen during this campaign and election as boastful and hateful Christians.  Believers in God struggle with the emotions of politics too, and in many cases do not handle that well, unfortunately.  It is my personal view that true followers of Jesus would never want to harm you in any way, but instead want you to be blessed as well. If you are pleased with the election outcome, then I congratulate you, but also encourage you to consider the claims of the King of the kings and Lord of the lords, Jesus Christ.  His kingdom is not temporary, but everlasting with joy and peace. His planned and performed sacrifice in death for our sins and His resurrection provide forgiveness and life everlasting for those who trust in Him.
4) To my fellow believers in Christ Jesus the Lord:  I would encourage you to be careful about voicing and posting things such as “God answered our prayers …” as if those who supported the other candidate did not also pray and seek God’s face (and I have many friends who fit that description), and also as if every other election in which your candidate didn’t win was a case where God didn’t answer your prayers.  I would caution you to not equate an election victory into rightness or righteousness; otherwise, you may have to also say that the legalization of marijuana is also right and righteous since it won in several states in this election, and that the sixteen years of Clinton and Obama were also answers to prayer.  Perhaps you have never looked at it this way before – and perhaps we should attempt to understand other’s views and opinions, even if we have to disagree (we can disagree agreeably with grace, civility, courtesy, and kindness.) 
5) As many know, I was not a supporter of either Party candidate, but knew that one or the other was going to win.  So, I watched the returns knowing that I would be disappointed whoever won.  Though I was not in favor of the one who did not win the Presidential election and was concerned about that possible administration, I still felt a deep compassion for those who were supportive of her.  As I watched the reports on television, and as the eventual outcome became more evident, I felt sadness for the people in the crowds who looked so despondent and tearful.  They need the Lord, as do people from all political leanings.  The results may be a blessing from God, but they may be a judgment from God.  Many have chosen to overlook obvious evil for the sake of the big picture, and in the opinion of many, have put their morals and values on hold in order to rescue their morals and values.  Please know that this is how many people view most Christian conservatives. 
6) My commendation goes to those who were gracious, while speaking out about evil in both candidates, and not giving in to the vitriolic partisan politics-as-usual.  It is my view that your integrity is intact (and likely that you also received your preferred election outcome as well, while still not giving up your integrity.)  You, and you alone, have truly been vindicated. Thank you for being graciously strong.
7) This election has also served to distinguish between true friends and false, and for this I am disappointed, saddened, and yet appreciative.  This process has revealed character and a lack thereof, grace and pride, peacemaking and belligerence.  We should learn from this, and strive to be people of sound character who are gracious and bent on peacemaking, even in the midst of a storm.  Anyone can be civil and nice when all is smooth sailing, but it takes sound character to be so when all is in turmoil and when people become angry, unreasonable, and rude with you.  May God help us for His glory and for the good of each other.  May we learn to be kind, and not simply to respond in kind.
8) It should be a shame for anyone to post arrogant and mean-spirited comments or pictures online about the other candidate and/or Party.  This should go without saying, but it seems that many are still evidencing their lack of character, integrity, compassion, and love for the sake of their politics.  Remember that there are many who need the Lord who may be greatly encouraged by someone who is gracious, as opposed to someone who proves their beliefs right that conservative Christians are unkind and proud jerks, and nothing like Jesus Whom they say they follow.  This is a prime time to let the fruit of the Spirit flow out of you and to shine for the Savior.  Politics is passing away, political Parties are passing away, candidates and politicians are passing away – but the kingdom of God is not.  America (as much as I appreciate and love her) is not our god, our comfort, or our resting place.  Our god is not a Party, our savior is not a politician, and our holy spirit is not the political process.  Know what kingdom you are actually in.  “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”  (Psalm 115:3)
9) Finally, we are called on to honor our elected leaders and to pray for them (Romans 13; 1 Timothy 2; Titus 2; 1 Peter 2), and I encourage everyone (even those who greatly dislike those elected officials) to do so.  Pray for their safety, wisdom, and effectiveness.  Pray also for the current administration.  In doing so, we will prove to be godly temporary citizens.  Perhaps we as Americans may bless God.
Grace and peace to you, in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord.