Op-Ed: A nation divided against itself cannot stand.” That warning, etched into our history, now echoes across Tennessee, from the halls of our Capitol in Nashville to the neighborhoods of Rutherford County. We are witnessing an erosion of public trust, not because we disagree, but because our leaders have stopped trying to bridge those disagreements.

Rutherford County is no stranger to political tension. Though it leans sharply Republican in recent elections, it remains a microcosm of the broader American divide, with pockets of progressive energy, a younger-than-average population, and a growing chorus of voices demanding ethical leadership. Our diversity should be our strength. Instead, it’s being exploited by those who profit from polarization—those who seek office for personal gain and status for ego.

We are Tennesseans. We are teachers, veterans, farmers, nurses, factory workers, small business owners, and students. Many of us are descendants of immigrants who came here seeking opportunity and freedom. Others are lifelong residents who’ve weathered the storms of change. What binds us is not party affiliation, it’s a shared love of place, of family, of community.

But today, too many politicians cater to outrage. They amplify the issues that divide us, rather than the values that unite us. They silence dissent not with reasoned debate, but with fear and manipulation. They follow the money, not the people.

We deserve better. We deserve leaders who listen, who compromise, who serve. Leaders who understand that disagreement is not a threat—it’s a foundation for growth. We must reject the politics of hate and demand a return to the politics of reason.

In Rutherford County, we have the power to lead that change. Our voices matter. Our votes matter. Our values matter. Let us be the county that chooses unity over division, integrity over ambition, and courage over complacency. We must support those who champion voices that are not heard.

Because if Tennessee is to stand strong, Rutherford must stand united.

ABOVE OP-ED: The above is an Op-Ed "editorial submission" from Rob Mitchell, The Rutherford County Assessor of Property