Could America be inching closer to civil war?

Yoko.52

Active Member
Dec 4, 2020
223
150
Chicago
✟9,610.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Could America be inching closer to civil war?

For the past four years, America has been at war with itself. The United States has reached a point in which the divisions between Democrats and Republicans far outweigh what unites us as a country. Taking the politics out of the 2016 election, Trump directly wielded racism and xenophobia as the driving forces behind his platform. He then used his first term in office to expand the chasm in our nation, exposing the hostile division that had always been present. The 2020 election will be the most consequential in the recent history of the United States, determining whether America will be fractured under Trump’s fascist government or united under Joe Biden’s more progressive one.

After experiencing the disaster of Trump’s four years in office, many independents and moderates who previously voted for the president have shifted their support to former Vice President Biden. Not only does he maintain a commanding national lead over Trump, but he is also ahead in key battleground states and presents himself as competitive in the historically Republican state of Texas. However, even if Biden can secure the electoral vote, the possibility of civil war may loom in the country’s future.

For the first time in presidential history, Trump has refused to explicitly state that he would accept the results of the election and allow for a peaceful transition of power. Continuing his ploy of deeming anything that questions him fake, Trump has used the last stage of his campaign to portray mail-in ballots as fraudulent and inaccurate. This has produced paranoia among his supporters around the validity of the election, setting up the possibility of Trump contesting the results of a Biden victory.

Trump’s refusal to leave office would be the largest contributor to this “civil war,” but the attitudes of many Americans would also play a pivotal role. Trump has been able to create a base that idolizes him irrespective of his actions and finds a way to excuse him for any of his controversies. No president has ever held this level of support, and it leaves many concerned about the possible response of this massive group if Trump refuses to leave office.

According to the Washington Post, there has been a major increase in gun sales, chatter about civil war in right-wing extremist online forums and an embrace of violent language by President Trump and other Republican government officials. Since Trump’s supporters often buy into his tactics of crying “fake news,” they will likely believe him if he did the same with the election, introducing the chance of militia-controlled regions that claim Trump as their leader. Though, recent surges in movements such as Black Lives Matter prove that Democrats and liberals will respond to Trump supporters with an equally powerful force.

Beyond the undying support of voters, Trump has managed to force almost all Republican government officials to fall in line with his agenda. While Democrats do not shy away from voicing their opinions and attacking party leaders, Republicans have now become the party of Trump. Senators like Lindsay Graham, who had opposed Trump’s entire campaign in 2016, are now vocal defenders of his policies, tweets and speeches. If Trump refuses to leave office, governors and senators may align with their respective leader leading to a checkerboard fragmentation not dissimilar to what occurred in the 1860s.

After the election of Lincoln, a controversial figure at the time, many pro-slavery Democrat states felt so strongly about their stance on the ownership of African Americans that they refused to accept him as their president. In the decades leading up to that election, the country constantly fluctuated its stance on the practice of slavery. In modern times, the U.S. experiences the same shift back and forth on social issues. In 1973, Roe v. Wade represented a milestone in the fight for women’s reproductive rights, but half a century later, America is plagued by sectional differences and continually flips on abortion. Since Biden is seen as a defender of the rights of marginalized populations as Lincoln was, Republicans could have a similar reaction to 1860 out of fear that a Democratic administration may erase their backward policies.

An outsider grabbing power is not a new phenomenon and has been seen in the history of other nations. During Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany, he used a group of people as a scapegoat for all of the problems within the country. Similarly, Trump often places blame on Democrats and liberals for immigration, economic and domestic issues. Just as supporters of Hitler devoted themselves to him with no regard to his ethics, Trump’s followers also refuse to see how they are being misled.

If Trump can mobilize his base and provoke a civil war, the country will be torn apart at its institutions and governmental bodies. In control of the full government, during a lame-duck period, Trump could use his executive and Republican senate powers to dismantle many agencies and existing bodies, eroding the current system. Biden, however, would have a /quoylegitimate claim to control of the government and not back down, resulting in the formation of two simultaneous administrations. This is not likely to result in a civil solution, leading to armed conflicts.

Biden would hold the advantage over Trump as many generals have already pledged their support for his campaign. And, the military has always been patriotic in the sense that they serve their country, not a fascist ruler that ignores Constitutional procedure. However, Trump may possess a pull with National Guard units commanded by conservative governors. With the addition to heavily militarized state militias, a civil war would ensue.

America is more divided today than it has been in the past century. This election represents a choice between two alien nations, and there will undoubtedly be civil unrest regardless of who is named the victor. However, Donald Trump has proved that he has no appreciation for the systems that prevent the U.S. from falling to tyranny, and he will do anything in his power to clutch on to power. No one can say for sure what will occur following the election of Biden, but considering everything over the past four years we must brace for the worst.

What worries me about this article is Trump lost and the man and many republicans are fighting this hard. What scares me about Trump is he wants to be king an know one seems to care.
 

Jonathan Walkerin

Well-Known Member
Feb 12, 2019
3,720
2,772
44
Stockholm
✟72,396.00
Country
Sweden
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
What scares me about Trump is he wants to be king an know one seems to care.

He is 74. He just lost elections and his mental state seems to be bit iffy looking at that latest phone call fiasco. He won’t be around for long.
 
Upvote 0

JimR-OCDS

God Cannot Be Grasped, Except Through Love
Oct 28, 2008
18,341
3,284
The Kingdom of Heaven
Visit site
✟185,132.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
If you hear someone talking about an armed revolt, just point them toward Syria and tell them this is what a civil war looks like. However, here in the US it'd be 10 times worse as more people have guns and the US military is the strongest in the world.

No president whomever he/she is, will allow a radical group of rebels to take control of the nation. If things got too bad, I have no doubt that the president will revert to everything necessary to stay in power, including using chemical weapons.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: mmksparbud
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
Could we be inching closer to civil war?

It's a worthy question.

And the answer is this: ONLY IF the elected authorities continue to allow insurrectionists to have free reign, without consequences, as they destroy property, attack innocent and peaceful people, etc. as we saw this past year happen in Kenosha, Portland, Minneapolis, Seattle, and other of our large cities.

If the law enforcement officials do their jobs, there will be nothing approaching civil war. But if the elected officials side with the Antifa types, there is a chance of it getting out of hand. Actually, there is already evidence of that happening. Check the statistics for all manner of violent crime in our cities since those earlier riots and anyone can see that lawlessness begets lawlessness, even when what was claimed during the original riots to be the purpose behind them is no longer a factor.
 
Upvote 0

JimR-OCDS

God Cannot Be Grasped, Except Through Love
Oct 28, 2008
18,341
3,284
The Kingdom of Heaven
Visit site
✟185,132.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
I believe if Trump manages to overturn the election, you will in fact see civil war.

I don't believe it will happen, but I didn't believe Trump would win the GOP Primary in the last election.
 
  • Winner
Reactions: Macchiato
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
I believe if Trump manages to overturn the election, you will in fact see civil war.

The footsoldiers of the far left are probably hoping for their chance.

But I agree that the election is very unlikely to be overturned, and the Congressmen who are promising to challenge the electors tomorrow know that also.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Hazelelponi
Upvote 0

JimR-OCDS

God Cannot Be Grasped, Except Through Love
Oct 28, 2008
18,341
3,284
The Kingdom of Heaven
Visit site
✟185,132.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
The footsoldiers of the far left are probably hoping for their chance.

But I agree that the election is very unlikely to be overturned, and the Congressmen who are promising to challenge the electors tomorrow know that also.

I'm not sure of the so-called footsoldiers of the far left being armed and ready for an armed revolt as of yet.

They will begin to arm themselves if Trump somehow managed to overturn the election, but he doesn't have popular support from the silent majority on this, so I don't think that will happen.
 
Upvote 0

Lg2000

Active Member
Dec 15, 2003
227
267
40
L.A.
✟20,113.00
Faith
Christian
At this point i can see it.
We are so divided and we have a bunch of people following and devoting themselves to a man who has the mentality of a 5 year old . Nothing is off the table regardless of how far out it would seem.
Should just break up tbh. Red keeps the red states , blue keep the blue.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: john23237
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
I'm not sure of the so-called footsoldiers of the far left being armed and ready for an armed revolt as of yet.

Their actions have been all over the news for almost a year now, Jim! All that they need for a new round is another call to arms from Pelosi or Maxine Walters, after which they will almost certainly swing into action again.

Your point probably is that the masses of people who are not Marxists or black supremacists, etc. are unlikely to join in. That's probably true, but when innocent, law-abiding people have their homes and persons threatened with violence, there is a limit to how much "standing aside" they can do. That is when the willingness of the governments and the police to do their sworn duty can make all the difference...or, if there is no such response, guarantee the rioters success.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

GDL

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2020
4,247
1,255
SE
✟97,887.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
but when innocent, law-abiding people have their homes and persons threatened with violence, there is a limit to how much "standing aside" they can do.

Or when the same believe criminals have stolen an election, there may also be a "limit"....

Either the normally law-abiding:
- will remain law-abiding and face the steal and seek to change the course of politics
- will determine that the system is broken and criminality needs to be met with force
- will return to its essentially passive & entertained state as usual and allow the criminality to continue to expand to the "limit"
- or ?????????????

In case no one has been watching, things have been worsening for much longer than the past 4 years. All we're seeing is an existing divide reaching towards its "limit"

lawlessness begets lawlessness

And lawlessness begets righteous response. Many things in play here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Darkhorse
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
Or when the same believe criminals have stolen an election, there may also be a "limit"....
Much less likely. For one thing, the "action" has already begun on the left side of the political spectrum. Against that, you are guessing that something might happen if....

Also, you are describing two quite different types of people. The one is committed to violence, the other values law and order. This isn't true of every last person who might be generally aligned either against or for the President, but it is true as a general rule.

That's a lot to get past in order for what you are speculating to come to pass.
 
Upvote 0

GDL

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2020
4,247
1,255
SE
✟97,887.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
what you are speculating to come to pass

I'm not really speculating anything. This is why I put forth a few thoughts ending with an opening for more possibilities - even a mixture of possibilities since we're dealing with [mixtures of] humanity.
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
I'm not really speculating anything.

?? Maybe you mean that although you offered quite a range of guesses, you didn't come down on the side of any particular one of those scenarios. ;)

This is why I put forth a few thoughts ending with an opening for more possibilities - even a mixture of possibilities since we're dealing with [mixtures of] humanity.
Okay, then I'll opine that those were what we might call theoretical possibilities, but against them we have the other side showing a "proven record" that informs us of how likely they are to turn to violence.
 
Upvote 0

Hazelelponi

I'm back
Supporter
Jun 25, 2018
9,210
8,688
55
USA
✟676,606.00
Country
United States
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
I'm not sure of the so-called footsoldiers of the far left being armed and ready for an armed revolt as of yet.

They will begin to arm themselves if Trump somehow managed to overturn the election, but he doesn't have popular support from the silent majority on this, so I don't think that will happen.

Antifa is arming, that is fact.

In Virginia they held a 2A rally at the capital, and when we heard word that Antifa was bussing in, we thought surely they were planning on counter protests..

Shocked everyone when they were there to join the rally..

(The rally was because COVID restrictions makes it illegal to carry a firearm. Wearing a mask your not legally allowed to also be armed, effectively removing people's 2A amendment rights)
 
  • Informative
Reactions: Brando Marlin
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

GDL

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2020
4,247
1,255
SE
✟97,887.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
?? Maybe you mean that although you offered quite a range of guesses, you didn't come down on the side of any particular one of those scenarios. ;)


Okay, then I'll opine that those were what we might call theoretical possibilities, but against them we have the other side showing a "proven record" that informs us of how likely they are to turn to violence.

Fair enough & both accepted.

The normally law-abiding are the wild-card. If they do ultimately respond it has to be a "limit" you mentioned. I think most have one even though I do read few who side [theoretically] into complete passivity no matter what.
 
Upvote 0

JimR-OCDS

God Cannot Be Grasped, Except Through Love
Oct 28, 2008
18,341
3,284
The Kingdom of Heaven
Visit site
✟185,132.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Antifa is arming, that is fact.

In Virginia they held a 2A rally at the capital, and when we heard word that Antifa was bussing in, we thought surely they were planning on counter protests..

Shocked everyone when they were there to join the rally..

(The rally was because COVID restrictions makes it illegal to carry a firearm. Wearing a mask your not legally allowed to also be armed, effectively removing people's 2A amendment rights)

Antifa doesn't have a centralized organization. They behave more akin to a flash mob and show up when there's suppose to be a peace protest of some sort.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brando Marlin
Upvote 0

nonaeroterraqueous

Nonexistent Member
Aug 16, 2014
2,915
2,724
✟188,987.00
Country
United States
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Married
Antifa doesn't have a centralized organization. They behave more akin to a flash mob and show up when there's suppose to be a peace protest of some sort.
Flash mobs require organization. You can't get two people together at the same place and time without it.
 
Upvote 0

Yoko.52

Active Member
Dec 4, 2020
223
150
Chicago
✟9,610.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
All of this is moot troops are already preparing to support Biden during his inauguration. I don't care how many hardcore right-wing extremist get their underwear in a twist. They are not strong enough to take on the United States military. I already read a few articles about it. And if you want to know what articles go ahead and Google it cuz I'm not doing it for you
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

mario1001

Misfit
Jan 3, 2013
210
901
**********
✟113,491.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Could we be inching closer to civil war?

It's a worthy question.

And the answer is this: ONLY IF the elected authorities continue to allow insurrectionists to have free reign, without consequences, as they destroy property, attack innocent and peaceful people, etc. as we saw this past year happen in Kenosha, Portland, Minneapolis, Seattle, and other of our large cities.

If the law enforcement officials do their jobs, there will be nothing approaching civil war. But if the elected officials side with the Antifa types, there is a chance of it getting out of hand. Actually, there is already evidence of that happening. Check the statistics for all manner of violent crime in our cities since those earlier riots and anyone can see that lawlessness begets lawlessness, even when what was claimed during the original riots to be the purpose behind them is no longer a factor.
Portland Mayor, Who Blamed Trump for Unrest, Vows to Get Tough With Antifa Ted Wheeler in Portland is starting to take a stronger stance against ANTIFA . Looks like they're no longer useful for the left .
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brando Marlin
Upvote 0