Back in the 1960s, when the Vietnam War was raging, a familiar scenario played out in small towns. During election years, you’d see a “Nixon’s the One!” sign planted right next door to a “McGovern for President” banner. Neighbors would be mowing the grass around their respective slogans, stop to wipe their brows, and wave across the property line. After chores, they’d share a beer or iced tea on the porch. They disagreed fiercely, but they hadn’t lost their collective minds.

Today, in the run-up to November’s midterm elections, that neighborhood camaraderie has left the building. As the press prep breathlessly for the “Midterms of Rage,” a dissenting political sign becomes a declaration of war. Incidents of vandalism and assault over political differences are legion.