Are you shocked by post-election rioting ...

Alarmed by news reports of violent rioting that followed the election? Shocked by footage of burning buildings, looted store windows and overturned cars, of armored police lines marching against rock-throwing voters disgruntled by Tuesday's outcome?

Of course you aren't. Nothing of the sort happened!

But had Sen. John McCain prevailed, well, I wonder.

Note the difference between the attitudes of Democrats in 2000 and 2004 and that of Republicans after the 2008 election. Supporters of Al Gore and John Kerry despised George W. Bush so much they failed to respect the office of President. And our nation has suffered as a result of the hateful precedent.

No exaggeration, no slander, no insult was beneath them. Democrats didn't care if their bashes of Bush even came close to the truth, they just had to ridicule America's Commander in Chief every way possible before the world during a time of war.

But the disrespect didn't end there. Senate Democrats, out of their minds under Bush, showed no respect for the U.S. Constitution and insisted on filibustering judicial nominees, requiring an unlawful number of votes for approval.

Until then, America had been the marvel of the world for its peaceful transitions in government leadership. For more than two centuries, the losing side swallowed its pride and rightly stepped aside, knowing the people had spoken.

Republicans apparently are intent on ending the "sore loser" streak. Say what you will about President Bush, but he is showing a great deal of class in helping Obama and the Democrats smoothly take over the reins.

Could what's in the best interests of the United States trump petty partisan politics? Could Republicans be practicing the Golden Rule and doing unto others as should have been done unto them?

I seriously doubt if miffed members of the departing administration are going to loot or vandalize Capital offices or remove the "O" from keyboards like Clintonistas did with the "W."

And I'm pretty sure the 55 million voters disappointed by Tuesday's outcome will return respect to the office of the presidency. We may not agree with or support what the new President wants, but we're not going to hatefully ridicule Obama because our man didn't win.