The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received November 8, 2024.
Following the 2024 presidential election, America faces renewed divisions, and Trump’s victory has sharpened these fault lines across the nation—including in our own Town of Killingworth, where the vote was nearly evenly split between Trump and Harris. Our community mirrors the broader challenge: a country with entrenched differences fueling discord and division. Yet the question extends beyond Trump or Harris; it is about whether we can rebuild trust and bridge these divides to find a path forward together.
Years of hyper-partisan media, echo chambers, and growing skepticism have deepened our national divides. Trump’s decisive victory—winning both the Electoral College and the popular vote by millions—reflects a widespread desire among Americans to “Make America Great Again,” validating frustrations and a yearning to revive values they feel have been neglected. However, true American greatness is not solely about prosperity, rights, or freedoms; it is rooted in the compassion that drives us to alleviate the physical, mental, or emotional suffering of others—a commitment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Without this, American greatness will remain elusive, and we will fall short of our nation’s potential. Our national identity has always been about unity across differences, building communities grounded in mutual respect. While reclaiming that spirit seems harder than ever, it’s an ideal many Americans still hold dear and hope to restore.
In Killingworth, national divisions became intensely personal when a swastika—a symbol of hate—was spray-painted on a Trump/Vance sign on private property. This act was more than just vandalism; it starkly highlighted how national rifts can invade our own backyards. Such incidents deepen divides and hinder our ability to find common ground. Yet a silver lining emerged: Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated residents united to condemn the act, supporting one another and affirming that this behavior does not define our community. I was deeply moved when local Democrats reached out to me, asking how they could help replace the vandalized sign. Our collective stand showcased Killingworth’s resilience—a powerful reminder that we are stronger than the actions of a few.
To shift our national and local conversation, we must stop seeing “the other side” as enemies. Real change begins right here—in our town, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and families. In Killingworth, tensions have caused neighbors to unfollow each other on social media, sparked hostile confrontations in virtual and public spaces, and left longtime friends barely speaking. Yet even amid these strains, we still find common ground. Our town’s rich tradition of community service brings people of all viewpoints together in groups like the Killingworth Women’s Organization, the Lions Club, and various town committees—all working to strengthen our community. If we want unity to be more than a lofty ideal, it must start now. Let’s consciously reconnect—not through social media arguments, but by showing up for each other: attend a town hall, volunteer at a community event, or simply reach out to a neighbor.
By choosing to engage and prioritize our shared humanity over political differences, we can begin to heal Killingworth’s fractures and start the journey back to American greatness. It starts with each of us taking small steps in our community—steps leading to meaningful change. Together, we are more than equipped to rebuild trust, foster unity and reconciliation, and move forward as a stronger, more compassionate town.
Eric J. Nunes, Killingworth
The writer is a member of the Killingworth Board of Selectmen.
