To the editor:

We can talk about divisive issues without becoming divided. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

Nationwide, and townwide, tensions are high as we approach a democracy-defining election. It’s what we do amidst the tension that will define our interaction with democratic principles, and it will shape how we emerge from this unique, strange and painful period of American life.

The pandemic has us more isolated than ever, almost certainly exacerbating our seemingly ever increasing inability to see one another eye-to-eye. I’ll be the first to admit that some of my positions and rhetoric create angst among some of my neighbors. But, I strive to maintain my focus on the issues, and not on the people who have a different perspective. And I take on this work, steadfast in those positions, while addressing the persistent work that serves the entire town. All public officials, all good leaders, can do this. And we all should.

We are all part of one community.

That is why when I hear stories of campaign signs, whether for candidates or causes, being vandalized and stolen, in our relatively quiet and peaceful town, my heart breaks. It hurts when the sign stolen is from “my side of the aisle” and it’s even more disconcerting when it’s “on the other side.” We are better than this.

We are all part of one community.

One candidate, who had the courage to stand alone in support of their town, has had their sign stolen from a neighbor three separate times. We should not accept that this is how we interact with one another.

Another person has reported multiple times that their issue-based sign has been stolen and vandalized multiple times. This is unacceptable.

On Nov. 4, or Dec. 5, or Jan. 6 -- whenever we find out when this election is finally over -- we will still all be neighbors. We will still all draw warmth from the same wintery sunrise, listen to the same crickets when summer comes back, and complain about the same lack of sidewalks between now and then. That’s because there is far more that unites us than divides us.

We are all part of one community.

Jacob Brier

Barrington