The election is over, and you are probably feeling one of a few ways. You’re either happy President Barack Obama won, sad that Republican candidate Mitt Romney lost, completely apathetic or just glad you can watch television without being bombarded with political ads.

But no matter what your opinion of the election is, Obama was reelected and the nation still faces very serious issues. These issues cannot be resolved unless the president has the resounding support of Congress and their constituents. Americans have raised their voices by choosing to entrust Obama to lead this nation for the next four years. And right now, he needs our support.

The president won the Electoral College count by a fair margin, but only won the popular vote by a small margin. Obama is actually the first president to be reelected since World War II whose margin of victory did not improve in the general election and who received fewer electoral votes than in the previous election. He has no clear mandate to act. But inactivity in the White House, although many Republicans may see it as a good idea, is not good for the country.

The United States is at a critical point in its history, and we need strong leadership in the White House now more than ever. Leaders can only make the necessary decisions if they know they have the support of those they represent.

As a nation of free people, we must decide what we choose to stand for. Will we remain a nation that speaks poorly of every decision our highest office makes? Will we be a nation where stagnant progression and effective change is continually halted by crippling partisanship? Or will we actually put our faith in our elected leaders, and push our Congressional representatives to put politics and inflexibility aside to do what is best for the country?

America now has a unique opportunity to re-characterize this generation and what it stands for. As devastating as Hurricane Sandy was to the country, perhaps it will bring some good. Throughout history, Americans have stood up in the face of calamity and adversity, only to overcome and prosper. Tragic moments in our history have brought Americans together before. Now must be that time for our generation.

There is no more time for campaigning. This must be a time of action and no matter how you voted or who you support, Obama is still the president of the United States, and he deserves the respect and trust that comes with the office.

E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one. As a nation, we are stronger together and when we stand in unison, not split by two different parties like former president James Madison feared when he wrote Federalist No. 10.

To America, we must come together and support our Commander-in-Chief rather than show discontent with his every decision. Former president Bill Clinton said, “We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American Dream will wither.”

But politics aside, the president wishes only prosperous times for this great nation, and with the support of the public, we can make sure the American Dream stays alive for generations to come.