The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack is hosting a meeting on November 13, where John Manning will discuss 'Vermont Brigades in the Civil War', open to the public at the Hilton Senior Center in Salisbury. Meanwhile, historian Grinspan reflects on the importance of understanding the Civil War's political context, emphasizing its relevance to today's political discussions and ongoing partisan violence. As the U.S. approaches a critical election, parallels are drawn between modern political struggles and the Civil War era, with both major parties claiming to fight for freedom. The current political landscape is described as an 'uncivil war', with the Democratic Party seen as the heir to Lincoln's legacy while the MAGA movement is viewed as a continuation of Confederate ideologies. Amidst this turmoil, survivalist communities are experiencing a surge in interest, as concerns about civil unrest grow following an attempted assassination of Donald Trump, highlighting the current climate of fear and preparedness for potential societal collapse. These discussions and events underscore a nation grappling with its historical identity and the implications of its political divide.