“Unity” is not a popular word to use across political party lines. Especially this year, even people on the same side of the aisle do not look upon that word favorably. On the Left, bohemian Bernie Sanders fans are not happy that Hillary Clinton is the nominee. On the Right, there is fracture like never before in the aftermath of the Donald Trump nomination.

Division is to be expected as we head toward an election. After the election, however, should we “come together” and heal from the severe wounds inflicted in the last 15+ months?

Yes and no.

Like it or not, there will always be partisan politics. Different sides exist for a reason. Liberalism and conservatism are in direct conflict with one another. They cannot occupy the same ideological space. There must be opposition to a side which, among other things, promotes fiscal/social irresponsibility, pushes entitlements, protects legal homicide of abortion, and seeks to reduce our military, raise taxes, and expand the reach of the federal government. We support conservative candidates who promote our values and principles. That’s exactly why some of us are not voting for either major party candidate on Tuesday.

After the election, though, should we compromise on principle in order to advance causes in Washington even though we may not be fully on board? I don’t believe so. There are lines that should never be crossed no matter how difficult. If anything, those in the #NeverTrump camp have shown that to be true. I understand that Washington, D.C. is a different beast entirely, but if principles are only good among some in heartland/flyover country, then what good are they? Senator Ted Cruz, a stalwart in Congress, was a disappointment this election cycle with his endorsement of Trump. It’s too bad his principled way of doing things didn’t fully translate to the campaign trail.

Politically speaking, we should never join forces to advance the anti-conservative causes of our opponents. Personally speaking, though? That’s a different story. We should indeed “come together”.

Campaigns are often ugly. Mudslinging routinely occurs and accusations are made. However, one thing Trump has shown these past several months is some, like him, rely entirely upon insults. Donald’s shocking behavior, whether past or present, has seemed to relax the boundaries of taste in too many people’s minds. We should not emulate his behavior just because he gets away with it. He isn’t “telling it like it is” or being a fighter. Trump is nothing but a playground bully with a silver spoon in his mouth. He believes his celebrity status and wealth means we should admire his methods. Actually, Trump’s behavior during the election cycle should really be discouraged.

Now that the election season is winding down, there are op-eds all over inviting us to “come together” after the end. Jeff Paschal of the Greensboro News & Record wrote one. In his piece he writes:

At the recent Al Smith fundraising dinner in New York, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton both delivered playful and not-so-playful insults toward each other publicly. But when the two met privately with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, things were different. After he said a prayer with the candidates, Dolan says Trump said to Clinton, “You are one tough and talented woman.” And she said to him, “Donald, whatever happens, we need to work together afterward.”

There’s hope, isn’t there?

When elections are over, we show our love for this nation as we come together for the good of the whole country.

Nov. 9 is coming soon. Isn’t the answer to what ails us forgiveness, honest and respectful dialogue, and love? Not squishy, sentimental love, but strong, put-up-with-each-other, be-honest-with-each-other, up-build-each-other, and work-together-for-the common-good love.

When the elections are over, let us come together in love.

No, that’s not quite it. Conservatives aren’t here to be political best friends of their opponents. That’s great in Lennon’s “Imagine” world, but it is not reality.

What should we do? Conservatives should coalesce around principle and never apologize for it, whether that means they reject the GOP party’s nominee, who may well be the next president, or not. Conservatives should also refuse the barbaric mentality made popular by a Trump candidacy, and not base itself on insults and ridicule. Our foundation of what is right is firm enough ground to stand on alone.