Bread and Circuses, or Cable and Welfare in our case, is the only thing keeping the masses indifferent enough to prevent a civil war.
Another thing that helps is that there are so many factions. There is not a single polarizing Question, like slavery or secession.
If the cable goes out, the EBTs stop refilling, or that Question finally arises, then it’s on.
BTW, illegal immigration (barbarian invasion) could very well become that Question.
BTW, illegal immigration (barbarian invasion) could very well become that Question.
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That is the existential threat to the continuance of the Republic as founded.