Someone's gonna need some anger-management therapy.

But for now, here's a soothing dose of political Valium, from Cincinnati voter Ted Barnes.

"Just keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and everything will work out fine. Certain things have to come to pass, and it's no use fighting 'em. Accept it.

"People get so wrapped up in things now,'' he said, "it's hard to get down to what really matters.''

He's not saying the election is unimportant. Only that some things are more important.

The Kennedy Heights resident knows, because he's been down this bumpy road so many times his odometer has rolled over into the high numbers. He turned 100 in April.

He retired in 1967, before many voters were even born. He's worked for a dairy farm, a candy factory, hotels, restaurants, a chemical company and 21 years with Ford Motor Co.

Measured by the dog years of presidential terms, his life sounds like a history textbook.

He wanted to vote for Calvin Coolidge, but as a black man growing up in the South, "when I was first of age to vote, there wasn't any such thing as voting for someone like me.''

He moved to Cincinnati in 1935 and has voted ever since in elections won by FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush - but he's not sure how he voted in every election. "Those kinds of things kind of slip by you.''

That's something to think about. Even the vivid 2004 clash between red and blue Americans will someday fade to washed out yellow, like old newsprint.

"You live and learn, but sometimes by the time you get to use the wisdom, it's almost too late,'' Barnes said. Such as:

• "The most valuable asset in this world is your family. All you need is a good, loving companion. Now that's life. People take each other for granted.''

• "If anything is usable, there's no reason to get rid of it.'' He still drives his 1979 Thunderbird.

• "The greatest benefit in my lifetime was the elimination of segregation.''

• "Many people are not acting right anymore. They are too belligerent nowadays and don't understand all that came before them.''

• He tells his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren: "Be yourself, be truthful and show respect to everybody. Don't let your wants take control. Don't make a false impression.''

• Barnes says he never took any medicine until he was 98. He used to smoke, but quit in 1953. He still enjoys an occasional glass of burgundy and loves to cook, always starting with onions, garlic and hot peppers. But his secret for a long and happy life is simple: Quit worrying and realize who is in charge of everything - even elections.

"I believe very strongly in the good Lord. My faith is great because I believe everything I do is by the grace of the Lord. Every time my foot hits the floor in the morning, I say thanks for the grace of God.''

Tomorrow morning, half of America might wake up cursing the other half because their political stock has crashed. Barnes says that's because they invested their hopes in the wrong place.

"I never have a bad day. Every day we have is a gift, and I make the best of it.''

Live life that way, and you're never glad when it's over.

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E-mail pbronson@enquirer.com