If there were to be a rebellion in the future, it would be nothing like the unfortunate events of the American Civil War.
The main reason is that the states are, in fact, more like inferior, subsidiary departments of the US federal government rather than autonomous states as in 1860: none of today’s state governments would be favorably disposed to a rebellion and, even if one state were so inclined, the allegiance of its inhabitants is, in general, to the federal rather than to the state governments. Unlike 1860, the state governments are far too dependent upon both the funds and the legitimacy that the federal government confers upon them.
Lacking any authoritative organization with which to organize and direct a civil war, a significant rebellion would be easily suppressed by both federal and state authorities. Yes, it could be bloody, but it would also be even more futile than the state secessions were in 1861. And the consequences would be far, far worse.
Half of the country seems to hate the other half. It would be nice if an amicable divorce could be achieved, but at least one of those two halves won’t be satisfied until the other half submits. Clearly one of the two sides (and a fairly large fraction of the other side) refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of democratic elections.
The only prospect for the continuation of traditional American values and virtues is for conservatives, libertarians, and other reasonably sane people to educate themselves, to think clearly, and to participate peacefully and energetically in the political system to defeat the socialists, communists, and nihilists who seek destruction and the crony capitalists and self-serving politicians who seek corruption. Civil war is not an option.
Thank you for your intelligent and thought provoking post.
If Trump is forced out in a deep state coup then I see violence as inevitable. Trump is trying to save the Republic and his supporters see this. If the forces of evil destroy his Presidency I believe the silent majority of patriots who endured the Bush/ Clinton/Obama years of destruction will be forced to breaking point.
I do no relish bloodshed, and I hope Trump will be President for 8 years and MAGA. If satanist forced prevent him doing this, then all bets are off.
Very true.
Also, in most states, about one-third of the population votes for the candidate that lost the state, so you don't have the kind of homogeneity that produced the Civil War. The split in the country is more urban versus rural, so dividing lines run through states, rather than between them.
Lacking any authoritative organization with which to organize and direct a civil war, a significant rebellion would be easily suppressed by both federal and state authorities. Yes, it could be bloody, but it would also be even more futile than the state secessions were in 1861. And the consequences would be far, far worse.
That's also true. But any group that takes up arms against the federal government is likely to be seen as - and to be - extremist and dangerous. So the "Civil War II" situation is a game of "chicken." The group that revolts is likely to be repressed, so each side may try to maneuver the other into rebellion.