Nothing in the Constitution states that forming a more perfect union is easy, or that we the people would ever attain a state of perfection. Government of, by and for the people is a messy, uphill slog in mud, sometimes resulting in downhill slides, with the summit of perfection never in clear view.

We know the goal is a more perfect union. We created five strategies on how to get there: establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty for us and our children.

We know these strategies work for this nation better than any other because our unique diversity brings out the best in us. Yet here’s the great paradox of these United States: Our unique diversity also brings out the worst in us.

When you consider what has happened, what is being said and the extreme divisiveness during this bizarre presidential election, you have to wonder what happened to the “united” in the United States.

Disunity – not terrorism, not illegal immigration, not wealth inequality, not anything else – is the primary threat. It used to be reasonable people could agree to disagree, even – gasp – compromise on secular issues. Political discourse has become a blood sport, a take-no-prisoners fight to the death. It seems like the United States is less united than ever before.

Take a breath and recall some basic history. First, passionate debate has been a part of this nation before there was a Constitution, even during the Revolution, when a third of we the people were patriots, a third were Tories and the other third didn’t care either way. And then there’s the Civil War, or as southerners still call it, the “War of Northern Aggression,” which ended 155 years ago, yet the name is still debated.

Second, remember those times of extreme unity, such as those following the 9-11 attacks, JFK assassination and World War II, when every American was united in love of country, and we felt an intensity of united resolve that we could face and meet any challenge.

That feeling within all of us is still there. Yet it’s part of the Great American paradox that it takes something horrific to bring it out. Why is that?

That instinct for unity and the Constitution will get us through this election, no matter what the outcome. That’s not to say that this nation won’t slide back down the hill a little, but we’re Americans. We will not quit forming a more perfect union.

A Daily Mining Gazette editorial