Last week, a number of influential Democratic figures, including Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Senator Cory Booker (N.J.), along with reporters from CNN, were sent bombs from the now-identified Florida citizen Cesar Sayoc. Fortunately, no one was injured and authorities were able to catch the suspect fairly quickly. However, this event is evidence of the growing tension between the opposing ideals of the future of our nation; this serious act of violence is a vicious manifestation of the current political polarization.

The divide between Democrats and Republicans has only grown over the past few years. People have strong negative feelings towards the opposing party and tend to immediately see the other side as the enemy. President Donald Trump’s classification of Democrats and the press as enemies on Twitter and beyond has only led to a rise of anger and resentment between the two parties. For citizens to treat each other with decorum and civility, we need positive role models in our government so our citizens can emulate their actions.

This tension can be seen as a prominent influence in the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation process. As tensions ran high, Democrats and Republicans heavily criticized each other’s actions. With Democrats and Republicans sharply divided on the Kavanaugh hearings, interactions between the two parties were fraught with animosity and petty actions. Politicians must be respectful towards each other in order to set an example for their citizens.

The mailing of pipe bombs is also evidence of the sharp increase in acts of violence. Violence has been too widespread over the past few years—several days ago, on Oct. 27, a man in Pittsburgh entered a synagogue and killed 11 people. Legislation must be passed for stricter gun control laws to curb this violence, and Americans need to become more understanding, emphatic, and accepting towards each other’s differences. If a major change (both in legislation and in values) does not occur in our country, more people will continue to lose their lives to senseless acts of violence.