Are you up to taking the Real Patriot Test?

It’s a little more difficult than waving the flag or mouthing the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. This test demands more commitment.

This test reveals character instead of characters. It demands commitment – not in just words but in deeds. You either pass or fail. Cheating is impossible.

Don’t look to anybody else for help – your neighbor, your friends, your kin. They can’t help you. You either have patriotism – an appreciation and love of this country and the values and principles of freedom, liberty and justice for all it stands for – or you don’t.

And tomorrow, when all the votes are independently counted and recorded by each of the 50 states, thereby ensuring a free and fair expression of the consent of the governed, is a day to show it.

It’s test day, people. Are you a patriot or not?

Assured in the knowledge that one of this democracy’s strengths is a strong system of checks and balances throughout all governments and up and down the election system, a real patriot will accept the outcomes of the elections. He or she might not agree with the result but will concede that it is the prevailing voice of the people.

And as losing presidential candidates to their great honor have done throughout this nation’s history, they will not pledge allegiance to the victor but instead graciously offer congratulations and offer assistance in facing the challenges that face this nation of united states.

Election campaigns can be divisive. Democracy is often a messy process. But once the people speak, real patriots climb up to common ground and unite again for the American cause.

A Daily Mining Gazette editorial