PREPARED FOR CIVIL WAR?

Extraordinary Times Demand Extraordinary Measures

Has it indeed sunk in yet? We are living through extraordinary times, and the gravity of our current situation has not fully penetrated the national consciousness. The United States stands on the precipice of a civil war—one that could erupt not because of external enemies but from within, driven by a fascist movement intent on subverting democracy. The man leading this charge is Donald Trump, a self-avowed strongman with aspirations for dictatorship. He has made no secret of his desire to reshape the United States government into one that serves him, not the people.

The last time this nation faced a civil war, we fought over human dignity, freedom, and equality. Yet here we are, again, facing the real possibility of war over values that are no less significant: democracy, the rule of law, and freedom itself. And, just as in 1861, we must ask ourselves, what are we willing to do to protect these values? The road ahead is perilous, but history shows us that complacency is not an option when the core of our nation is at stake.

Trump and the Rise of Fascism

Trump's rhetoric and actions mirror those of authoritarian leaders throughout history. His threats to dismantle the institutions that ensure our freedom—such as the Department of Justice, the judiciary, and civil service—indicate his endgame. His followers, many of whom espouse anti-democratic ideals, are not merely a fringe group but a substantial portion of the electorate. They have been galvanized by years of misinformation and division, all fed by Trump's narrative of victimhood and vengeance. His promise to "be your retribution" is a clear statement of intent: this is no longer about policy but power, revenge, and control.

The Urgency of Ineligibility

In light of this threat, my proposal for President Biden to declare Trump ineligible for office is not radical but necessary. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies anyone who has engaged in insurrection against the United States from holding public office. Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, and his continued incitement of violence and sedition mark him as unfit under this law. The Supreme Court may attempt to stand in the way, but the Executive Branch, charged with upholding the Constitution, has the power and the duty to enforce this provision.

The argument that such a declaration would be an illegal overreach is flawed. The Executive Branch regularly enforces constitutional provisions, and to act here would be no different. What is at stake is not just a legal question but the survival of democracy itself. Biden must act decisively because the consequences of inaction are dire.

The Looming Civil War

We must confront the reality that a second civil war is not some distant, abstract possibility. The rising extremism, the violent rhetoric, and the increasing polarization of American society all point in this direction. We cannot afford to be naïve. The MAGA movement is not a political party; it is a radical faction seeking to overthrow the democratic system. And we are woefully underprepared for the kind of conflict that may be coming.

This looming war will not be fought along geographic lines but between ideologies. It will pit those who believe in democracy against those who follow an authoritarian leader. The stakes are higher than they were in 1861. This time, we are fighting for the very concept of a free, democratic society.

Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary Measures

We have been conditioned to believe that the American experiment is unassailable and that our institutions are strong enough to withstand any threat. But history tells us otherwise. Democracies have fallen before, and they can fall again. We must recognize that extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures to avoid this fate.

Declaring Trump ineligible is not just a legal maneuver; it is an act of defense—a defense of our values, way of life, and the notion of freedom. To do anything less is to abandon the principles on which this country was built. We cannot allow Trump’s march toward authoritarianism to continue unchallenged. The subsequent civil war is already on the horizon, coming faster than we think. Our only chance to prevent it is to take bold, decisive action now.

This is not a time for complacency or half-measures. The survival of American democracy depends on our willingness to fight for it with every tool at our disposal. Let us not look back on this moment with regret, having failed to see the warning signs. Instead, let us act with the courage and clarity these extraordinary times demand.

William James Spriggs