Mayhem. Violence. Looting. Destruction. Threats. Murders. Curfews. Civil Unrest.
Cities across the United States are burning. Literally.
The wrongful death of George Floyd under the knee of a police officer has lit a powder keg that has exploded. Cities across the nation are dealing with pandemonium as protesting turns into violent, destructive riots.
Cities with major protests/riots include Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Columbia, Denver, Detroit, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Grand Rapids, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Oregon, Raleigh, Richmond, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Across all these cities protestors are causing mass destruction as vehicles are hit with numerous items such as bricks, bottles, clubs, and flames. Stores are being broken into, robbed, and in many cases set on fire.
Death and injury did not stop with George Floyd’s unfortunate murder. Numerous people have been killed and injured while engaged in rioting – or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s unfortunate, and somehow disturbingly ironic, that the majority of victims are a result of black-on-black violence.
The latest outcry from protestors and those who support them is to defund police. In Minneapolis, a “veto-proof majority of the City Council committed to dismantling its police department“. This same City Council and many others across the nation including elected politicians are stating that police do not keep communities safe. As ridiculous as that may seem historical figures who have traditionally been highly respected are now being vilified as statues and monuments erected in their honor are destroyed under the umbrella of “righting past wrongs”.
Insanity.
So – in the middle of 2020 the growing division in this country has reached a level that many suggest is the most divisive in US history – including the Civil War. Beyond the violence and tension across America, other potentially catastrophic issues such as $26 trillion in National Debt, a growing Cold War with China, millions unemployed, and…oh, let’s not forget….the second wave of a pandemic waits just around the corner.
Fantastic.
America – A Bit of History
In the early 1900s, the American people had a feeling of optimism. People had a perspective that anything was possible and the American dream was real. Being self-made, and responsible for your own success was commonplace in people’s thinking. Certainly, everyone did not agree on all issues of the time. Regardless, Patriotism grew in the early 1900s as people felt the American Spirit and all things were possible.
Through two world wars, the American people supported the idea of freedom and fighting evil wherever it showed itself around the world. America served as a beacon of peace and freedom. Citizens from Socialist countries around the world sought the American Dream. They dreamed of freedom and all the opportunities America provides. They loved America and proudly waved the American flag.
The Greatest Generation existed in an era of success, innovation – as well as turmoil as they lived through the Great Depression. They had a tremendous work ethic and due to living through years of economic struggles appreciated what they had. Many of this generation lost loved ones and friends in World War II. They understood, appreciated, and respected sacrifice.
People like those of the Greatest Generation are what made America great. Now – compare them to those today who fret over social justice, climate change, and other “important” issues such as making certain that we use the correct pronoun when referring to someone. Today’s generation has their perspective on issues guided by thins such as feelings – and emotion. Facts and logic no longer are important to those who have a cause which they use to justify their own existence.
The Decline of America
For more than 60 years America has been in decline and an effort has been underway to change the very fabric of this country. Political corruption and governmental policies have brought populations from rural America and concentrated them into cities. Illegal immigration to a large extent has continued to be allowed to occur and has vastly increased the numbers in the base of the Democratic Party. Why? Power. Even the great Conservative Ronald Reagan was fooled into supporting full amnesty for illegals back in the ’80s. Progressives for decades have written into law policies that have enslaved Black Americans and held them back economically as entitlements disincentivized them to explore their full potential. This was done under the guise of “helping” – and most were completely fooled.
The American people are not innocent in America’s decline. For more than 60 years the Constitution has been slowly shredded and government assumed power over much of our lives where the Constitution provides no authority. Those in government who made laws that expanded authority and grew government well beyond that which the Founders set forth were elected by the people. We are largely to blame.
Corporations and special interests have grown to own the vast majority of elected politicians. The Deep State is a significant power as it secretly influences government decisions and actions to obtain more and more power for those who already have it. Numerous policy changes over the last several decades have weakened the United States. Consider how as a country our level of self-sufficiency in regards to food production, technology, and medical supplies has been decreased to the point we rely on foreign countries for our continued way of life.
Is There Hope?
Earlier in this article, I provide a mere glimpse of the tremendous accomplishments past generations have made in addition to adversity overcome. Historically I and many others have believed there is no challenge that we as a people cannot overcome. Consider September 12th, 2001. The day after and for many months UNITED WE STAND was the battle cry of the American people who came together in unity against terrorism and fear.
It didn’t last.
Back in 1984, the American people backed Ronald Reagan for President and he won decisively. America’s Cold War against the Soviet Union was at the forefront of threats and the American people were largely unified behind the efforts to rid Communism from the world. The 80’s with Reagan as President was a time of great hope, prosperity – and Patriotism.
Below shows a state-by-state map of the 1984 Presidential Election Results.
Fast forward to 2016 and the election of Donald Trump. One of the most divisive elections in US history. The results shocked the world. Businessman Donald J. Trump won the election against Hillary Clinton even though ALL polling data and the mainstream media had him losing handily. While Trump won the Electoral College and thus the election – he lost the popular vote. Looking at the map below showing how counties across America voted, it would appear the country was largely united behind Donald Trump – I would agree. The popular vote was lost due to the large cities and metropolitan areas where for decades governmental policies moved large populations into concentrated areas. In many cases, an individual city may have more votes than the entire rest of the state.
Is there hope?
Yes – but very little. The vast majority of politicians regardless of which side of the aisle they come from are corrupt. This has been proven over and over again for decades as good men(and women) are voted into office and they fail to follow through with the promises they made. While many will say that politics and preparedness have nothing to do with each other I believe facts tell quite a different story. When compiling a threat assessment as part of any preparedness system, one will find that the government at some point had a role to play in many of the listed threats.
So – here we are. We are in the middle of 2020 and living through endless headlines having us wonder what could possibly happen next. While I’m no prophet and predicting the future is certainly an effort in futility, I’ll provide a few thoughts:
- Antifa and BLM will continue to promote violence and civil unrest in cities across the nation. Every new questionable police interaction will fuel the mob which will no doubt create more victims. While similar events have occurred before and settled down quickly, this time will be different.
- Politicians at all levels will take advantage of the discourse to further gain power, votes, and their agenda. Liberal leaders and celebrities will side with BLM and state while violence is not the solution they understand the frustrations and anger.
- Cities with Liberal leaders will continue to allow destruction and anarchy pulling back law enforcement from holding those accountable for the destruction of public and private property and the violence many carry out.
- Violence will continue in the cities with little threat to rural America. While there have been statements made to head out of the cities into neighborhoods by BLM and Antifa, it is unlikely this will be carried out in any significant numbers.
- Trump supporters and “Patriots” who often quote the Constitution and enjoy their guns and Bibles will be called racists, White Nationalists, Fascists, and a threat to America by the mainstream media.
- COVID-19 is not over and a 2nd Wave – regardless of the true risk and severity – will be major news out of the mainstream media, and Democrat Party. The Trump Administration will be blamed for ALL negativity reported.
- The stock market will continue its roller coaster ride of high’s and low’s as the countries economic indicators are horrible at best.
- The economy will keep moving forward for the time being. Some businesses affected by COVID will begin recovering and hiring people back. Other businesses will never reopen and will be gone for good.
- Food supply streams will be inconsistent as a down growing season in 2019, and COVID-19 economic ramifications have a negative impact on the 2020 farmers’ ability to be profitable.
- Gun sales will continue at a high pace with many first-time gun owners entering the market.
- The Presidential Election of 2020: November of 2016 will look like an elementary school field trip in comparison. ‘Nuff said.
Is there hope? As stated – very little. The National Debt will continue to accelerate higher ever-increasing at faster and faster rates. I do not see a path which this is reversible. The division in this country may be irreparable. Possibly some event, some epiphany will bring people together to be unified. I see this as highly unlikely. Possibly the MSM will begin to report the news and investigate in an honorable fashion – with the TRUTH as the main objective. Highly unlikely. Is it possible that Christianity will see a mass resurgence and ethics, morals, and virtues will become mainstream once again. Don’t see it but we can certainly pray.
What can we really do? We can have as much influence as possible. We can spread the word of Freedom. We can educate others on the true history of this country rather than revisionist history being taught in schools today. We can vote for the best candidates from local elections all the way up to national with the HOPE that in some small way a difference will be made.
There are other actions we can take. Other actions we must take.
That will have to wait for Part 2.
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