Americans should all look toward the examples set by groups such as the Middlesboro Ministerial Association. The association is calling a community-wide prayer service this Sunday at Covenant United Methodist Church in Middlesboro — with the purpose of lifting President-elect Barack Obama and the United States up in prayer.

We are not suggesting that all our readers should hit their knees in prayer for the soon-to-be president and the country (although it certainly couldn’t hurt). We are suggesting that Americans show support and respect to the incoming president, regardless of political preferences. People in the tri-state area, by and large, did not vote for the elected 44th President; nonetheless, he was elected, and we are called to give the executive office the respect it’s due.

In this time of turbulence, it’s also important to present a united front, “united we stand”, remember? That starts with the adoption of principles of respect and support. The first amendment is a beautiful thing, allowing a right that should be frequently and properly exercised; but our mothers’ collective advice, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” holds some merit, as well.

Americans should be optimistic. If the new president accomplishes even a fraction of what he’s promised, think of the national improvements!

Our 43rd president is leaving office with some of the lowest approval ratings ever, a reputation so scarred by eight years of mistake after failure after bad decision, that his “legacy” (as outgoing presidents talk so much about) is a lost cause. Most Americans want to move forward, and moving forward means recovering from and forgetting the Bush years.

Let’s stand together and welcome a brand new president, let’s hope for a brand new economy and let’s let go of what has held us down for eight long years.