If there’s one thing that seems to be lacking from today’s political climate, and perhaps our society at large, it’s an understanding of and empathy for those who don’t share the same views.

Well, that and a sense of patience.

President Barack Obama, who made a stop in Savannah on Tuesday, is entering his second year and some are already branding his presidency a failure. Republicans lead the charge in this, but even amongst Democrats, complaints about the economy and health care tend to lay blame on the President.

Sure, intense scrutiny is what you get when you sign on to lead the world’s largest republic, but is it fair to expect a fix in one year? Or wise to lobby for failure because of political partisanship?

Remember, the economy didn’t implode under Obama’s administration. Health care didn’t become the mess it is under his watch, either. And neither problem will be repaired overnight.

They certainly won’t be fixed if nothing is done because Democrats and Republicans can’t, or won’t, work together. Our message to both parties, and to those who support them: It’s way past time to put away the partisan pettiness.