The first US Civil War started when the Confederates bombarded Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC in 1861.
Yesterday, those who hate the US federal government, apparently with the approval of the city's mayor, attacked a federal office in Portland, OR. You can read about it here:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/anarchy-breaks-out-in-portland-with-the-mayors-blessing-1533331454
Was this latest scuffle the equivalent of the attack on Fort Sumter, in that it signals the outbreak of a second great civil war in the US? I would not be surprised.
Our first civil war could have been avoided, and all the underlying issues resolved without violence. But Americans being what we are, both then and now the only way we can think of to resolve our differences is to shoot at each other.
It's worth noting the Fort Sumter bombardment resulted in minimal loss of life (three men died, but only because of accidents) and the "battle of Portland" was relatively bloodless. But don't kid yourself: that first battle in 1861 led to a bloodbath, and considering the mood of the nation this latest "battle" may too.
The chickens are indeed coming home to roost.
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