With the changing of the guard at the White House less than two weeks away, we've learned that much has changed already.

                The rules for how to run a campaign are gone, as well as our method for interpreting election polls and reporting on presidential candidates.  Heck, even the way people talk to each other about an election seems to have changed.

                But the one thing that we need to hold onto is how we, as a people, treat each other.  Yes, the contentious election is over and President Obama has given his farewell speech and President-elect Trump has held his first news conference in more than 170 days.  The change will take place on Jan. 20.

                The outcome that's ripped friends and families apart can't be changed.  But the way we treat and respect each other can.  If those friends and family members really meant anything, then you must find a way to reconcile and agree to disagree.

                Outside of our own inner-circle, we see people who never met willing to mark each other "the enemy" because they don't think or dress like them, believe in the same things as them, voted like them, or adore and revere the same celebrities as them.

                We are not the same – never were – never will be.  It's our differences that make us the individuals that we are.

Middle America is under attack.  It seems like those folks on the far left and far right don't want people to be happy with something from each side.  You know, the "my way or the highway" bullies.

                There are still plenty of people who will work hard to keep their friends, families and others from becoming people they abhor.

                Remember these words? "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

                The Preamble to the United States Constitution should be the launching pad for all of our thoughts and actions as the presidential transition occurs.

                How can we help to make this transition work?

                Be aware of all government action, from local to federal and everything in between.  Have the contact information of your elected officials at hand and don't be afraid (or too lazy) to use it. If you have a concern, let them know.  Don't like what they're doing? Let them know.  Don't like the way your town, county, state or federal government is being run?  Let them know.  Protest, march, write a letter or an email, make a phone call – and do it sooner than later.  But, do it in a manner that will make your friends and family proud of you – even if they don't agree.

                Elected official unresponsive?  Remember them at the next election. Make it a point to vote in every election. Polls should never make or break an election – ballots should. We are the voters and, right or wrong, it must be up to us to make the final decisions. It starts with us.