We're a nice bunch. We really are.
Yet, more than a year of political ads, speeches, rallies, blogs and other related stuff have soiled many in our fine state.
Today, after yesterday's election, The Atlantic asks "If Wisconsin Can't Be Nice, Who Can?" Whatever. I'd argue that both candidates are nice, and politics isn't or shouldn't be personal. Of course many people take everything personally. If you take politics that way, it's your own damn fault.
"Collaborate or die," is a nice mantra and "nice guys finish last" is a bunch of bull. We're here to make the world and our communities better, and if you don't like actions of one individual or entity, let him/her/them know and work hard and passionately to correct what you feel is wrong.
We're all going to continue to "fight" for what we believe in. I, for one, think this "fighting" should come more focus, fun and collaboration. Discussion, debate and disagreement are good. But they should lead to a greater good. Of course, this greater good is something we'll probably all never agree upon but we can all agree with it if we put agendas and our own "truths" to the side.
There's a way to the world, and it works out as it should. I believe this.
No matter your politics or party, let's move our state and cities forward. I say this to even those who weren't nice during this past year of politics.
We're just too smart, fun and generally agreeable to act in any other manner.
Onward and upward, people.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
