Do we need another Civil War to get back on task?

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   sneakorocksolidposted 13 years ago

   With the divide growing between left and right will it take violence to settle these issues? It was similar disagreements that caused the first and what was accomplished? Death and destruction and we all know thats better than compromising.

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      RKHenryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sneak, you could be onto something here.  Go Donkey Blue!

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      Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Surely, you jest my good man, who in their right mind would organize a force that could stand up to the Marines?
      
      No one, I tell you... no one! 

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         RKHenryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Why not settle the conflict in a sporting match?
         
         Good ole' Rugby match might do.

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            kerrygposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Psst, Americans don't play rugby. The local equivalent is football, which has way too much padding and protective headgear to settle anything.

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               RKHenryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Pssssst, they do in the Ivy League.
               
               Brown-
               
               05.29.10
                   50th Anniversary Commencement Match
                   Undergraduates v Alumni | Home | 2 PM
               
               50th year mind you, imagine that?

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               Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               There is plenty of rugby in the US, but American Football is about 100 times tougher no matter what some short-pants wearing euros want people to think.

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         alternate poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Joke aside - that is the problem, they would be some on one side and some on the other in a civil war. All that firepower turned inward; this is one reason why it is a good idea to drastically reduce the military of any country to just enough.

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      Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Also, technically, the American Civil War wasn't one. It was a war of secession, not a war to control the government. The South didn't want to take over, they just wanted to leave so they could go on exercising their freedom to own people.

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   logic,commonsenseposted 13 years ago

   We'll not have a civil war, but our country will fall unless people are willing to sacrifice as those that have come before us have.
   As long as people are willing to feed at the government trough, they will be dependent on the producers to provide them sustenance.  When the producers are finally sucked dry, the fall will come.  We will not be destroyed by outside forces, but by our own sword.  As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us!"

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      sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Well said! I bow to your greatness!

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      lovemychrisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, and the biggest feeders are about the hit...the Baby Boomers!
      As it is now, what is it-- 2 people support one ss/medicare recipient??
      Soon it will be one.
      Are you baggers willing to give up your pig feed, or does it just apply to the rest of us?
      There was a study done. After 4 years, due to inflation, you have used up any monies you worked for and put into the system. So, after 4 years, you are officially "on the dole".
      Are you willing to stop your ss payments after 4 years? Pay for medical without gvt. help?
      
      I'll bet i know the answer to that: When pigs fly!
      
      So, who exactly is it that is doing the feeding here?

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         Ralph Deedsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Big feeders--Wall Street Banksters, Hedge Fund Operators who don't pay their fair share of taxes, Corporate Agriculture which gets paid for not growing crops, Big Oil with a depletion allownce, the military industrial complex which sucks up the biggest share of our tax dollars.

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   Uninvited Writerposted 13 years ago

   And you guys will lose again

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      habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      "You guys"? Are they Southerners??
      
      A modern civil war would be nothing like the War of Northern Aggression (lol!). That one had a fairly clear boundary for territory, as in North vs. South. Now it would be more like rural Ohio vs. Toledo, Atlanta vs. the rest of GA, Texas vs. New Mexico, etc. I'm not sure the U.S. would ever recover.

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   Ohmaposted 13 years ago

   I have asked this question myself often.
   I sincerely hope that we as a people are smart enough to understand that we can resolve conflict without resorting to violence.

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   kerrygposted 13 years ago

   I hope to God not. People forget that the Civil War had more deaths than every other war America has ever fought (except World War II) combined. A full 2% of the population died, and many more were injured or saw their homes, farms, and towns destroyed by rampaging armies.
   
   I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea of letting the right wing loonies go their own way, but it would have to be a peaceful division and I'm not optimistic. America is much more purple than actually red/blue, so it would be neighbor against neighbor and brother against brother much more literally than the Civil War ever was.
   
   

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      Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      "I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea of letting the right wing loonies go their own way,"
      
      
      You're not opposed to dissolving the Union?! Seriously? Are you that extremely partisan?
      
      
      People need to keep a little prespective on the political bickering that is our birthright.

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   Will Apseposted 13 years ago

   The whole right wing thing in the US is really interesting to outsiders. We have very dull, entirely sane right wingers in the UK on the whole. They say stuff like:
   
   Okay spending money on worthy causes is all very well but every time you put up public spending by two points you shave a 0.1 percent off GDP growth. To which liberals and left wingers say something like- well we can't let them die or wander the streets (depending on which group is the worthy cause). Then everyone says well lets have another drink and think about it.

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      habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's because you guys aren't heavily armed like we are! lol

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      Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      What, you mean people don't make up all kinds of crazy stuff to rile people up against the opposition's legislation? What an unusual way to run a country. Maybe we should try that here.

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         EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         It's only that way because in Britain we're hopelessly apathetic and would rather drink ourselves into oblivion than take an active part in the running of our country.

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            thisisoliposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I love drinking myself in to oblivion.

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      Friendlywordposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The right wingers here are sane too.  They just don't care about their Country. They are out to bleed it dry and live on some Island or Utah.

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         Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Do the left wingers care about their country?

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      Ralph Deedsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Or, "How many beggars do we want to trip over on our city sidewalks?" We see quite a lot of them in Detroit these days.

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   chasingcarsposted 13 years ago

   Yep!  Looks like we will have to whip your sorry asses again, and again, and again.

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   maven101posted 13 years ago

   I don't see a civil war akin to the North/South conflict...Rather, an inexorable shift by states away from federal dictates and influence...States Rights will be the most challenging, and most important, emphasis for definition to be considered by SCOTUS...We are a nation of laws, and I firmly believe that the law will prevail, without mass violence...Larry

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   habeeposted 13 years ago

   Hi, Larry! Hope you're right!

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    PackSecureposted 13 years ago

    Naaa, China will own us before then.   lol

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    SparklingJewelposted 13 years ago

    The 21st century is suppose to be about using the mind to discover the soul and deal with it properly...you know, psychology
    
    Let us communicate in genuine dialogue and come to common ground...enough with the stupid partisan politics, we need to meet the needs of the people for the country to progress...people keep the wheels turning

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    awareposted 13 years ago

    every single person  during the civil war . knew that  a reckoning would come from its total senselessness . careful what you wish for all your sons will die. never again let us hope for that

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       Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       The US Civil War wasn't "senseless"

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    Ron Montgomeryposted 13 years ago

    Let's have a spelling bee instead.

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       Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Are you channeling Doc Holiday?
       "Sorry, Ike. I guess poker's just not your game....I know! Let's have a spelling contest!"

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          Ron Montgomeryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Guilty!  Some posters remind me of Ike.

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       Ralph Deedsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Judging from their signs, the Tea Baggers wouldn't do very well in a spelling bee.

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          Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Take that up with the lefty plants who actually made those signs.

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    Rafiniposted 13 years ago

    Who is going to fund this Civil War?  Not me!!   yeah, right.

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    chasingcarsposted 13 years ago

    Actually, we all will have to pay for it because in these times, the FBI is tracking the hate groups and militias which propel this anti-government crap.  As long as we can hold onto our democratic government, we ARE the government.  The FBI, as recently seen with the group rounded up in Michigan, will continue to take down these creeps; what the criminal courts don't get, groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center will in civil court, as exhibited in the past.  (Best way to stick it to an American is in the pocketbook.)  As for all the states-rights palaver, I think most Americans are prouder of being Americans than of being whaterever state they are from.
        Without the US most of our states would be little backwaters run by the wealthy and powerful, and their people would be reduced to the peasant class--a very undemocratic situation to say the least. We, in Texas, will have a lot to say about that, for instance, Perry, you incredible idiot!  As for the "Conferate States", screw them for the losers they are.  You don't get to take your state (and citizens) and go home to pout and threaten when you lose an election.  We, as a nation, have moved on to be better than we were in the 19th century, and don't we just thank God for that.

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       lovemychrisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       *DETROIT — The leader of a Christian militia planned an elaborate, two-part training session for this month and told members it was OK to kill "anyone who might stumble upon the operation," federal prosecutors wrote in a court filing Friday.*
       
       "Anyone who might stumble"....like my kid maybe? Or yours?
       Yeah...they are harmless allright. And Beckles the Clown and Big Mama Bachmann better reign in their propaganda before they end up like O'Really?.
       
       Actually, I think they have....Klannity was taken off the Tea-Bag rally....
       See how they do it?
       
       Do all the damamge you can, then leave before the crap hits....immunity. Plausible deniabilty...."Who me?".....
       
       Off the hook, but in the fish stew.
       If people die..we know who is culpable.
       Guns kill people and big-mouths help them do it.

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    Reality Bytesposted 13 years ago

    There is nothing civil about any war.  Posse Comitatus was suspended under the Bush Regime.  Our most eminent and enlightened leader needs to allow the US military to control the rabble rousing of opposition.  The time has come for dictatorial rule.  The time is here.  No More coddling the population.  This country needs to be ruled with an iron fist.  Control belongs in Washington!  Where educated people can make decisions for the moronic population.

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       alternate poetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       At least that would  be the opposite of the last guy - moron in government and . . . .

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          Reality Bytesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Bush Cheney Rice Rumsfeld and the rest of their ilk need to be rounded up and executed by decapitation.  Placing their heads on the White House fence will get the message across to the rest of the rebellious masses.
          
          Conform or be cast out!!

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    luvpassionposted 13 years ago

    Speaking as the spouse of a Southern Military Serviceman, I'll just say that many Marines, Army and Airforce personel are from the South.

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    chasingcarsposted 13 years ago

    I'm from the south, too, and I have lived long enough to see the "Confederate", skin head, Arayan nation, etc, ad nauseum, stalk around me as if they actually had a say in what happens to my country.  Talk about a load of self-important crap!  I'm sure that as good service men and women, your family recognizes Obama and the current administration as legitimate heads of state.  I'm also sure, if you have a grain of sense, that you wouldn't want these militia jerks to get control of our government!

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       sneakorocksolidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you but we have to resolve our problems without winners or losers. We need to compromise and move on.

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       luvpassionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       My husband's family and mine as well, took an oath to that affect...the president is his commander and chief for better or for worse. Individuals rights included.
       
       I don't know that much about militia groups therefore can't comment on them.

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          Brenda Durhamposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Did you take an oath of service to the leaders, or to the Constitution?

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             Doug Hughesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             The oath includes a commitment to follow the orders of the President.

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                Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Him being the constitutionally mandated commander-in-chief and all.
                
                But the Constitution's not important to the tea partiers, is it? Oh, wait...

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                   Brenda Durhamposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   The Constitution IS what's important to the Tea Partiers, from what I gather.   Not the "new" version of it that the Administration is trying to shove onto us,  and not the liberal ACORN activist who weaseled his way into power.
                   
                   I've never, so far, been able to attend a "Tea party", but I would if I could.  Seems to be a pretty great demonstration of citizens' rights to free speech and free assembly at work.

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                      Doug Hughesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      According to  the Constitution, the Electoral College elects the president.
                      
                      In the last election the vote was:
                      
                      Obama -  365 Electoral Votes
                      
                      McCain -  173 Electoral Votes
                      
                      That's some weaseling....

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                      Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      "The Constitution IS what's important to the Tea Partiers, from what I gather." Sure it is. And out of control government spending. Except when the spending is for blowing something up, or when the unconstitutional activity violates someone else's rights.
                      
                      "and not the liberal ACORN activist who weaseled his way into power."
                      He won both the popular vote and the electoral college, by a wide margin, unlike the last guy, who lost the popular vote the first time, and had to get the SCOTUS to halt the recount in Fla to secure the electoral college, and who won the popular vote by a razor-thin margin the second time.
                      
                      "Seems to be a pretty great demonstration of citizens' rights to free speech and free assembly at work."
                      Oh, no arguments there. I have no problem with anybody exercising their right to assemble, speak, protest, whatever. But I also have the right to free speech, and when someone says something that's silly, or just plain not true, I'll exercise my free speech to disagree.

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    Doug Hughesposted 13 years ago

    "Criticism is part of the lifeblood of democracy. No one is right all the time. But we should remember that there is a big difference between criticizing a policy or a politician and demonizing the government that guarantees our freedoms and the public servants who enforce our laws."
    
    Bill Clinton - 2010

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       LegendaryHeroposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hahahahaahahahahahaahahahhahahaha

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       Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       "Criticism is part of the lifeblood of democracy. No one is right all the time. But we should remember that there is a big difference between criticizing a policy or a politician and demonizing the government that guarantees our freedoms and the public servants who enforce our laws."
       
       Translation: When liberals criticize government it is noble and admirable, but when conservatives do the same it is scary and dangerous.
       
       
       More lefty hypocrisy

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          Jeff Berndtposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          "criticizing the government" is not the same thing as "advocating armed resistance to government." There's a difference, and it's pretty big.

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             Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             See post directly below...

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    William R. Wilsonposted 13 years ago

    Anyone who's calling for revolution right now is an idiot and fully deserves whatever hell the US government rains down on their heads. 
    
    I own guns.  I am a leftist.  I am anti-war.  I am a patriot. I will do whatever it takes to defend myself and the people I love from any so called patriot who wants to use violence to force change.  Trust me on that.
    
    On the other hand, if anyone wants to engage in discussion of the problems in America, and how we can go about peacefully changing things, I will gladly buy you a beer or a cup of coffee and sit down with you. 
    
    I think the left and the right in America have more in common than they think.  All this talk of civil war might be good for driving page views and selling advertising on Glenn Beck's crap show but it's stupid, pointless, and dangerous.

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       Sab Ohposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       "I own guns.  I am a leftist.  I am anti-war.  I am a patriot. I will do whatever it takes to defend myself and the people I love from any so called patriot who wants to use violence to force change.  Trust me on that."
       
       Wow, you're tough...

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          William R. Wilsonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Does that turn you on Sab?  ;-)

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             habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I thought you lefties thought guns were evil? lol

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                William R. Wilsonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                I like guns and would rather have them than not.  But I also think two things:  one, if we have to have licenses to drive cars, which are not made solely for the purpose of killing, why don't we require licensing for gun ownership?  It seems reasonable that a gun owner should be able to demonstrate basic competence in marksmanship, gun safety, and when and how to use a gun in self defense.  And secondly, if the government ever does decide to impose tyranny, handguns and hunting rifles aren't going to do much good against tanks and planes.

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                   Doug Hughesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   William - I agree. Yes, I make it out to the range when I can.
                   
                   The most dangerous aspect of gun ownership is not governemnt intervention. It's owner ignorance. For those who would own a gun for self-defense, knowing what is and isn't legal is essential.

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       habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I agree, William! I find that when my best friend and I discuss issues rationally, we find a lot of common ground, even though we're almost complete opposites politically.

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          William R. Wilsonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Thank god for that Habee.

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