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Election madness nearly over — what then? This combination of photos shows supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Tempe, Ariz., on Wednesday, Nov. 2,and supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Baton Rouge, La., on Thursday, Feb. 11. Voters' intense negative feelings about Trump and Clinton may say as much about the times as the candidates, says David Greenberg, a professor of history at Rutgers University and author of "Republic of Spin: An Inside History of the American Presidency." "There's something about the polarized climate that we're in that leads us to feel these things more strongly, to regard the opposition with such hostility, to talk in terms of threats to the Republic, to say 'Lock her up,' in ways we wouldn't have 30 years ago." AP Photos Friday Nov 4, 2016 at 7:41 PM Nov 4, 2016 at 7:41 PM By John Darling For the Tidings This year's emotionally-charged presidential election could be compared to the most intractable irrational, wildly cranky and non-resolvable feuds, such as “The Troubles” of the Irish, the madness of the Mideast or even the sectional slave-free division that led to the Civil War. In fact, it’s probably been since the Civil War that such polarized passions have divided our country, leading each party to the most acerbic and demonized views of the other party's nominee, with no shortage of the most savage name-calling and demands for the most extreme punishment. Supporters of each nominee find it wildly improbable that supporters on the other end of the spectrum could be so brainwashed by an obviously slanted and dishonest media, so most stick to their own “echo chamber” of web pages that clearly speaks the “truth” that resonates with them Then there are the third party or write-in voters who gag at the mention of either major party nominee and vow to “follow my heart,” giving the nod to a sure loser, but the only one, as they see it, who has a grasp on a hopeful future. All this is played out against a near-total gridlock of a red (Republican) Congress and blue (Democratic) President. In talking to Ashlanders about Tuesday’s likely game-changer election, whatever the result, we found a uniformity of mood, in that most of us are sick to death of the whole thing, which is almost like a grave family spat, one we can’t escape. We asked Ashlanders a broad, encompassing question: What is your take on the election? What do you think America is asking for? What does America seem to need at this juncture? “Bev,” who asked not to be otherwise identified, said, “It makes me look at how divided we are. There is a diverse wanting out there. Some want isolationism. Some want to be victims. Some still believe in what makes America America, which is a world leader with openness and kindness, full of self-starters, working within a democratic system for change — this against those who want to pare down the democratic system and who don’t respect differences of opinion. I trust the belief we will work it through democratically. I’m sick of it all and I’m totally for Hillary. We as a nation have devolved. It’s scary, but it’s real. People waving handcuffs and shouting she should be put in jail? That is not what we do as a democracy. It can’t be us versus them. It boils down to fear. Trump has played off fear, not hope. Every human has both fear and hope and either can be used.” Michael McRae (declined photo) — I think there’s a lot more anger in the country, as exemplified by the Trump campaign. He is the arch-deplorable. I’m sick and tired of the partisan gridlock in Congress. Stuff is not getting done. One hopes first that the first woman president can find common ground. She’s got a lot of buddies in Congress — and also a lot of people who hate her. Lisa Price — This election has made me look at how our country is run and how unfair it is. I feel we want everything to be fair for people, or somewhat fair. I’ve gone over the ballot measures and am working on the presidential vote. It’s definitely not Trump, because of his views and how he talks to women and minorities. He could get us into a worse war. Collin Palmerston — The election is forcing us to really check in with what we want. As a people, we’ve been pretty inactive and let the government run it for us and things got out of hand. We have to take the country back and it’s going to take time. As Bernie said, take it from inside by running for office. Rebellion is not going to work. It has to be a stealth rebellion. Mike Drager — You’ve got a pompous, overblown egomaniac against an absolute criminal and I wouldn’t vote for either one. It’s a disgrace these two people are who we have running. It indicates the overall stupidity and ignorance of the U.S. I hope the corrupt Clinton is exposed and we have a candidate like Ron Paul. We have voters who are dumbed down, with closed minds. David Lane — I’m a strong Democrat and I can’t understand the current change in polling, with Trump going up. I want the damn thing to be over. Way too many people are making decisions based on strong feelings and ignoring facts. It’s time to become a fact-based, decision-making country. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].