I mentioned in the previous post that our government has perfected the polarizing bi-partisan activity of ‘us’ vs. ‘them.
In the 2000 elections I was told how someone slapped a friend of mine in his house because she disagreed with his politics.
In the 2004 elections I read countless stories of election motivated violence.
If this feeling of us vs. them continues… if we poliarize this nation perfectly down the center. 50% of us hating and mistrusting 50% of us. If the violence keeps building…
Now, for those of you who may have taken a history class. Do the words, “Civil War” make sense?
Because sooner or later it will only take one event. That’s how these things begin. Let’s stop talking about Black and White. Let’s go back to thinking for ourselves.
« My political opinion Something less serious… The 80’s were silly »
Which makes me wonder exactly when we started referring to “Red States vs. Blue States”. I recall hearing it during the 2000 election cycle, in discussions on increasing polarization.
These days I do not see much searching for common ground on the part of either side, so smug are they in each one’s own superiority. These disunited states shall fall back to the Articles of Confederation if current trends continue.
After reading both of your posts, I have to say, I’m just as concerned as you, man. We’re headed for dark days. BUT…We’re not there yet. I still have hope for the future. W only has two more years, and mkore and more people are starting to get pissed off. Have faith. 🙂
Blue states vs. red states started with the Gore vs. Bush election year. Yep, I’m in a very disappointed blue state. 🙁 But I don’t see a civil war coming, just a president working against “blue states.”
so what are you going to do about it? 🙂
i tend to think voting and maintaining a membership in various civil liberties organizations is a bare minimum if you’re politically interested, these days.
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/truce.asp
in 1917, british and german troops called a truce to celebrate christmas together, and played a game of soccer. when the powers that be found out, all the troops were moved to other locations, as it was clear that they would no longer be able to fight whole-heartedly.
an us vs. them mentality is best defeated by strategies that forge commonalities across lines of disagreement. this is one reason i have long-term interest in interfaith work.