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For there to be a civil war there needs to be an army on both sides.
There isn't
The states have armies. That is the national guard. Some states have defense forces as well.
So if we have a civil war, there are plenty of armies to go around.
I hear lots of rumblings about a civil war but I don’t think we are close to one. You hear it from all sides. California wants to leave. Texas wants to lead. East Oregon wants to join Idaho.
I just see people bitching as they always do.
While I may dislike my current president. I’m not going to pick up a rifle for any of these jokers to try to change my government. Overall our system works. Something drastic would have to happen to change my mind.
Yeah, somehow all my gun-owning friends get all awkward and quiet when I ask them how it's gonna feel to shoot at the 18yo army recruits and national guard when they finally "come for their guns." I haven't even gotten to ask what anti-drone measures they have.
Not one of them is ready for the realities of a shooting war with the American Military.
The answer will be "none" because unless they're ex-military, their entire contribution to any militia is usually "gun".
Most of them wouldn't pass fitness requirements nor take orders. Few of them have other skills such as first aid, communication tech or drone piloting.
Even when contributing their gun, you can't assume they know how to safely and usefully handle a weapon, or that they're mentally fit for combat, because none of that is a requirement for buying a gun.
It's a hero fantasy they've literally never thought critically about, but it's supposed to make all the mass shootings worth it.
I'm afraid you're the one living the fantasy. Of course many of these idiots are exactly as you say. But have you been around such people?
Or are you basing your opinion on the pictures we see on the internet? The pictures thrown out there and made popular because of how foolish they make these people seem?
I'm begging you all, please don't be so dismissive and naive.
I get off-topic for this post towards the end, fit better in the original reply:
Y'all, please, we gotta stop pretending these guys are fat losers.
Right after 01/06 I was at a gun show and bought an old army canteen off a guy. 35-40, fit, military demeanor, all that. As I was walking off, another guy saw something that clued him in that the vendor was an Oath Keeper and they had a low-key chat. He talked about their preparations! Fucking terrorist.
My neighbor is still flying his Trump flag high. Proper flagpole, well lit, all that. Young man, fit, ex-military demeanor. I refuse to speak to him, and never will. No one else has an issue with this! They are meek and complicit.
His next-door neighbor was a former friend of mine. Again, 37 and fit as hell, but not military. First night I met him he told us his brothers were at 01/06. I gave the FBI what I knew, which wasn't much. This guy is a smart, reasonable man, and while not a supporter, still will not disavow Trump.
I'm 52, fairly fit, well-armed and practiced. I shoot every weekend at my camp for fun. Shotguns, various pistols and rifles, I shoot it all. I'm no expert, but I can shoot better than your average bear. If it came down to brass tacks, and we were equally armed, I seriously doubt I could prevail against any of those 3 men.
For the love of god, please get armed, learn safety and practice. FFS, the GOP front-runner is speaking more and more radically. He just called me "vermin" that must be eradicated. He's speaking of "internal enemies". He means you. And it's not just his usual inane rhetoric, look up Project 2025. It a fleshed-out plan to take over the executive branch and impose their will.
What the fuck will it take to get libs off their ass and prepare?! Harsh words and votes are not gonna suffice if Trump gets back in. I fully expect my neighbors to come knocking once Brown Shirts are authorized. Committee of Public Safety anyone?
"Look man, we understand you don't agree, and that's all good, but we gotta take your guns for your own safety. Trust us, you'll be OK, just hand 'em over."
Your country and your very life may be on the line soon. And yes, fighting back may mean your personal extinction. But that was in the cards anyway.
As best I can figure, the majority on the left are completely unaware of how dangerous things have gotten over the last few years. Unless you're living in it, most people see it as histrionics.
We live in the deep south in what used to be an island of relative progressiveness. I have acquaintances that joined the three percenters, know former military spouting Q shit. Lost the only man I ever called brother to the insanity. Things have CHANGED in the last few years.
Our friend circle has shrunk and we no longer talk to our neighbors.
We're moving to the northeast this summer. There's a very real chance that it won't be safe for us here much longer.
Like you, we're armed and also realize that it likely won't be enough.
History doesn't repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme. The smart Jews with means got the fuck out of Germany before things popped off. We can't afford to leave the country but hopefully we'll land somewhere safer.
Hope nothing happens and all the worry has been for nothing. I really want to be wrong.
The left is clueless. I was there not long ago!
They think with enough "gotchas!" and revelations of hypocrisy they can win hearts and minds. Nah. We're miles past that. Miles past logic, truth and talking rationally.
Things have indeed changed radically. My guess is that many liberals are missing it because they're in their own little political bubble. Imagine trying to convince someone from Washington State or San Francisco how crazy it's become.
Anyway, I don't have the money to run, and don't wish to. I'll stay and fight for America if it comes to that. I'm middle-aged, and have had a full life, so that's not bravado speaking.
I have a wife, daughter, and son. My daughter is queer. My son is a teen. There isn't a future here for them. My daughter, especially, will be in danger.
I've had to cut all contact with my family.
We've been saving since 2020.
If it was just me, I'd stay.
I pass as a bearded white guy good ol boy. The shit I hear. These people aren't coming back. Even if nothing happens with the next election, I don't know how they rejoin reality.
I don't know what happens to this country. I kind of hope there is a bloodless balkanization.
Man, this hit home for me. I'm a queer woman and I know my dad worries about me tremendously. I don't really have anything to add to the conversation, just wanted to comment. Hopefully things won't get too bad...
For your old man's sake, have a plan. Have a go-bag, include SS card and birth certificate. Try and keep your vehicle 3/4 full. Chances are, you will have time to run to a safe state on one of the coasts. Pre-plan two routes, one for back roads and the other for highways and interstates, print it out. If you can, keep a minimum of $500 on hand and more like $1-2k.
I strongly recommend a handgun, take it to the range and practice enough to be proficient loading and shooting at 7 yards. A single woman is usually welcomed at ranges. Just don't talk politics and if anyone asks, you've got a bad ex-husband. The more straight you appear, the easier it will be.
Sorry for the unsolicited advice/novel. Stay safe.
Haha, no worries. I appreciate it, stranger. Thankfully, I currently reside in California and I have Canadian citizenship to fall back on, so I'm not too worried if shit does manage to hit the fan that hard.
Dang, you're in about as good a place as you can be then.
I hope I'm just an alarmist old fart. If so, my family ends up with a better life anyhow.