On April 14th, I was deeply moved by the movie Civil War. This significant film compelled me to share my thoughts on Facebook, sparking various reactions. Here is the message I posted:
While I was emotionally stirred, some responses trivialized the film's message, sparking discussion about how there are 'multiple opinions about what the actual threat is,' diminishing concern about the potential for a violent overthrow of the United States. But before I digress, I believe the Civil War is a must-see for anyone who cares about our republic. Strap yourself in.
Attempts to politely trivialize my comments by a thin-skinned conservative commentator urging me to blame the Left as well as the Right missed the point. The post wasn't about assigning blame for a future civil war to the Right or Alt-Right (conservative or liberal extremists). The post was about acknowledging the horrifying prospect of a violent civil conflict and calling to mind our republic's relative fragility.
It's worth noting that the rise of figures like the "Orange Man" and incidents like the January 6th Insurrection highlight how dangerous rhetoric can embolden extreme actions, primarily from the right, and normalize them.
True, the threat of extremism isn't exclusive to any end of the political spectrum. In the U.S., fringe groups, including secessionists like Yes California and the Texas Nationalist Movement and autonomous zones like the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, advocate varying degrees of separation from the Union. These movements span ideological lines and demonstrate a broader discontent with federal governance.
The Southern Poverty Law Center tracks these groups and others, noting the potential for violence among various "hate groups" and "anti-government extremists." While some leftist groups are vocal, their actual influence and the practicality of their aims are limited because no political party gives them any oxygen. This is likely because the consensus in the U.S. continues to support Union and constitutional governance, though the presence of such groups necessitates vigilant law enforcement monitoring.
Returning to my main point, the political right isn't solely to blame for calls to dismantle the Union but calls from the right have been notably loud recently. I cannot think of any calls from the Left for the dissolution of the Union that have received any traction.
Secession isn't just a theoretical debate; it has profound implications, and it floors me that calls for such a thing are not met with condemnation, normalizing discussions that can dangerously escalate. Historical precedents like the Civil War show that secession can lead to devastating conflict. My novel The Last Independence Day: Secession explores these themes, imagining the chaotic lead-up to a collective state secession.
As I develop the sequel, I reflect on these tensions, considering how a modern civil conflict might unfold in America—not from states seeking to restore federal normalcy as in the movie, but because of a federal effort to protect citizens from authoritarian state and local regimes who refuse to obey federal law.
For conservatives reading this, consider the impact of members of your party advocating for a "national divorce" and recognize the historical weight such actions carry. Let's move beyond divisive rhetoric to understand and address the underlying issues contributing to our national discord. There is plenty of blame to go around.
The Last Independence Day: Secession isn't a liberal fantasy but a timely narrative on the rage dividing our nation, and it's becoming more relevant by the day.
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