America divided vs. united
How to Recognize the New Antebellum America — Signal Flare #5
You don’t need to pay a penny to learn the thoughts of modern Confederates.
When it becomes accepted practice for politicians to issue threats of vengeance against government investigations, or to even call for insurrection, when voices of a would-be monarchist’s minions ask when they can use their guns on fellow citizens, we have an oracle fulfilled of national division — a movement of sedition conjured into violent existence.
It is already too late for signal flares. Thus, this is my fifth and final warning of America’s second antebellum.
As I alluded in a prior post, the irony is this conflict comes from a faction that once defended the cohesion of the Union. And I once had thought conservatism meant conserving — and not destroying — the fabric of the republic.
I suspect this is causing the last conservative standing — Congresswoman Cheney — sleepless nights.
Yet, we are still free to choose our reaction to the workings of such divisive forces. We can ignore them; we can condemn them; we can attempt to counsel them back to rationality.
Or we could offer them the proverbial penny for their thoughts on the future of American democracy — then decide if we believe them.
But the most perilous response is doubting they are serious about their seditionist intent.
At least 25 Republicans in the House of Representatives (and many more) voted against impeaching Donald Trump, i.e., for his role on January 6th.
At least 25 Republicans in the Senate (and many more) voted to acquit the humbled president.
And at least 25 Republicans across the nation are running for statewide offices with vows to overturn elections — should they be favorable to Democrats. That is even after their states’ racial gerrymandering.
As a lyric writer, I’m admittedly biased in my belief that a celebrated poet provides a fitting lens for evaluating these political actors.
Hillary Clinton also recognized the wisdom of that American poet, but insufficient numbers of Americans recognized the wisdom of Hillary Clinton. Or they just did not believe her opponent was the existential danger that he unquestionably has proven to be.
Justice may now require locking him up.
So, as a poet who is inclined to be a tad political, I will conclude my antebellum warnings with the late Maya Angelou’s advice:
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
Angelou is the first Black woman to be depicted on either front or back of an American quarter. I choose to believe that is symbolic since Black women must “have the back” of American democracy — if it is to be saved, once again.
Granted, a quarter is a minuscule amount of money. But it is sufficient to pay a penny each for the thoughts of Republican senators who voted against certifying the last election. (I can confidently estimate that is the maximum value of anything they would have to say.)
However, as we already have the benefit of knowing who they are, we can save our coins. We should thwart — at every step — their antebellum inclinations, as well as those Republicans who failed to impeach the would-be monarch.
They should not have to reveal their character a second time.
The term “antebellum” means “before the war.” Our focus now should be centered on what we can salvage for a postbellum future United States.
Thanks for your attention. There are more meditations to come from this corner, and I will be continuing with more insights and aphorisms. — Geronimo Redstone
