[nathanbedford]

I think Soul of the South and I would stipulate that your pessimism is not misplaced. But I think both of us would make two responses to that pessimism that are expressed in Soul of the South's reply:

First, we may not despair, that is not an option, we must carry on or betray our heritage. My ancestors did not fight in every war since and including the French and Indian war for me to cravenly throw away what they vouchsafed to me and mine. More, turning my face from the past and looking to the future, I have no right to give in to the counsel of despair, we fight the good fight for our children and grandchildren because to do otherwise would be to shamefully betray our ancestors.

Second, I have long been of the opinion that the Article V movement probably cannot prevail without a "Black Swan" event that moves the country as one toward reform. If you look at the reply of Soul of the South, I think you will see that he is predicting such an event and within five years. I agree, although I'm not sure of the timeline.

Stonewall Jackson said, "never take counsel of your fears" and Churchill echoed that sentiment saying, "never despair." I have faith that fate has yet a few more cards to play because the God of our fathers will not turn his face from us.

[Soul of the South]

It is conceivable a black swan event could be a Christian religious revival. It may be the current younger generation, or their children, will rebel against the cold soul less oppressive secular state by rediscovering the path to eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. We had a great awakening in the early 18the century and early 19th century and a smaller resurgence in religious fervor beginning about 1904. Certainly history shows that when an increase in government oppression is combined with a decrease in standards of living and hope for a better future for ones children the population often turns to religion for hope.