Is America Barreling into Another Civil War?

Today is July 3, 2018. I wanted to remember the Battle of Gettysburg fought 155 years ago, and those who gave their last full measure of devotion for liberty. I believe if we refuse to learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Because I see so many parallels between then and now, I am wondering if America is free-falling into a second, bloodier, civil war.

Pickett's Charge - July 3, 1863

19 years ago, (and for many years thereafter), I taught the American Civil War at Colorado Christian University. The topic I chose for the final student essay was, “Will America Face a Second Civil War?” Most students made the case it could never happen. A few said it was inevitable and offered supporting rationale. If I asked the same question today, would the numbers be reversed?

I will broach this subject at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers’ Conference, when I present a workshop titled, “America at the Crossroads.” Since I first asked students to consider this potential conflict, we’ve seen many changes to our nation’s landscape. History will decide if these changes have been good or bursting with menacing unintended consequences. For example, 20 years ago, when I would walk my dog in the park, I heard English spoken. Today, only Spanish. Then, the park would be clean after a weekend full of activities. Today, homeless people camp there and trash is strewn everywhere. Then, people respected the, “No Smoking,” signs. Today, the stench of marijuana fills the air. Is this the progress Socialists, Democrats, and Progressives cherish? I suppose they do.

In addition to the social decline above, I see many parallels between the Antebellum period and today. The common rifts are too numerous to mention, but I offer a few.

1.     In the late 1850’s, the Democrat Party controlled much of the Federal government until Abraham Lincoln was elected president on November 6, 1860 (remember this date). The Democrats were infuriated and behaved childishly. The self-righteous Democrat leaders throughout the Southern states sowed the seeds of rebellion. Six weeks after the election, the state legislature of South Carolina voted on December 20, 1860 to secede from the Union. Does anyone see any similarity between the Democrat controlled South Carolina and the Democrat controlled California? Are there any differences between Democrat Senators Jefferson Davis and Chuck Schumer or Democrat Representatives Preston Brooks and Maxine Waters?

2.     Newspapers printed inflammatory stories that heated the passions of the populace on both sides of the regional conflict. As historian James McPherson noted in his book Battle Cry of Freedom, the media then contributed to localized outbursts of violence throughout the nation. Today, the Democrat controlled media preaches violent rhetoric against President Trump and all who support him. Now that President Trump can appoint another Supreme Court Justice, media leaders like Michael Moore have called for a million-person march on Washington, DC to surround the capital building and prevent senators from granting consent to the president’s nominee. Does this improve civil discourse?

3.     The first shots of the four-year bloody conflict were fired by Democrats. An argument can be made that President Lincoln provoked the April 12, 1861 bombardment of Fort Sumter. Regardless, I believe the Democrat led, Federal bureaucracy conspired, Robert Mueller investigation is being conducted to give Democrats ammunition to fire first again, especially if they lose congressional seats this November 6^th. I believe shots will be fired much sooner than the five months it took for the Democrats to pull the lanyard at Charleston Harbor.

This Second American Civil War won’t be regional; it will be bloody. The great divide in America today is deeper and wider because it is rooted in the irreconcilable difference between individual liberty against collective tyranny. Are all men created equal as stated in The Declaration of Independence, or are the pedigree, mastermind few more equal than others? If the Democrat controlled media has anything to do with it, the decision may soon be forced upon us all. Remember this aspect about journalism; if it bleeds it leads (and sells).

If you agree with this post, please share it with your friends. If you would like to participate in my workshop, if you believe God is calling you to write for His purposes, and if you need encouragement to carry out His calling, I believe you’ll gain, immeasurably by attending the wonderful Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers’ Conference, where Jesus is exulted above all. There is still time to register by following this link: Register.