It is often noted that America is more divided now than at any point in history – possibly including during the Civil War. Modern technology and communication methods afford people a means which to promote their beliefs without taking up arms and resorting to violence – usually. Anyone who has lived through four or more decades can reflect back on society and see that it is declining more rapidly every year. Case in point: As a teenager, I remember Olivia Newton-John released the single “Physical”. It was met with shock and horror as its suggestive lyrics awakened a generation and the upbeat song was banned on many radio stations. Compared to the music and entertainment commonly viewed today it was timid. That which was once deemed taboo ends up being accepted and normalized. This trend will continue until things such as transgenderism, pedophilia, and beastiality is no longer scoffed at but accepted and even embraced by most – or at a minimum many.
What does this have to do with the upcoming elections in 2018 and 2020? I’m merely setting the premise that times have changed and continue to change not for the better. While much of America identify themselves as Democrat or Republican from a political perspective, reviewing Congress and its actions over the last few decades it has mattered little who ruled the White House or Congress.
Gun Control
At this moment in time, the Left is calling for significant gun control measures due to recent mass shootings in Las Vegas and in schools. Many Republicans – including President Trump – are providing some level of support towards more gun control. This is shocking as he ran and garnered significant support with his strong 2nd Amendment stance.
A recent Tweet from President Trump:
Many avid firearm enthusiasts and 2nd Amendment supporters are stating they will hold their votes and abandon President Trump and any Republican who supports any gun control measures. This may very well amount to a Democrat majority in Congress within the next four years.
Deficit Spending
The recent $1.3 trillion dollar omnibus bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump have Conservatives jumping the MAGA ship. Conservative leaders voted against this bill due to the deficit-raising obscene level of spending as well as the ridiculous pork-barrel programs included.
This lack of fiscal responsibility will cause many who supported him in 2016 to jump ship – and all those Republicans who voted for the massive Bill.
Violence on the Left
The Liberal Left have preached peace and non-violence for decades while suggesting the Right is evil with their guns. It takes only a small amount of observation to see a trend of Liberal violence. It takes very little research effort to see Liberals calling for violence – including murder – against Conservatives and Republicans. From celebrities to politicians and common folks – it is becoming more and more acceptable to promote and suggest violence against the Right. While it these suggestive comments occur on both sides – it is the Left that acts on them.
Look at the majority of those who carry out mass shootings. Liberal. Look at the protests that turn violent. Liberals. Look at those who call for the death of Trump on a regular basis. Liberals.
The reason for pointing out this trend toward voilence is that the Liberal side of America is becoming very motivated and active. This will contnue into the election cycles.
Societal Division
Abortion, religion, gun control, marijuana, transgender rights, race, immigration, foreign affairs, free speech, education, patriotism, law enforcement, etc. have people growing in numbers on opposite ends of the opinion spectrum. While the fringe groups such as the Alt-Right and Antifa are small in population their numbers are growing. Those with strong beliefs and no consideration for discussion are also growing to such an extent that the words “civil war” are being said more and more frequently.
Time will only tell if the citizens of America can unite under some common ground. With beliefs so far apart and the lack of willingness to compromise many believe a “reset” is inevitable and needed. Whatever it’s called – the fabric of this nation is being torn apart and the question is what will it look like when it’s eventually sewed back together again.
Summary
Should the White House and Congress come under Democrat control over the next 4 years little will change. The Federal Debt will continue to skyrocket and the division in America will continue to grow. Some specific actions will likely take place in the area of gun control, but as history shows it matters little who is in power.
Could this change? It could. If real Conservatives who will stand for the Constitution could be elected a new trend could be started. There are very few indications that this is a realistic possibility.