THE AMERICAN OLIGARCHY DO OR DIE

The American Oligarchy Do or Die

The American oligarchy is now firmly entrenched. Its grip on the nation has tightened to the point where it is not hyperbolic to state that it is the oligarchy, do or die. The question now is whether a viable resistance can organize and find a leader capable of rallying disparate groups under a unified vision, or whether the forces of popular discontent will fracture into impotent factions.

For now, discontent simmers beneath the surface. As the fervor of MAGA supporters wanes, a natural consequence of realizing their place as pawns in the oligarchs' game, cracks may form within the once-solid facade of their movement. Among these disillusioned masses, evangelical Christians, who once believed in their special place in the divine scheme, may begin to see the betrayal inherent in their alignment with the oligarchs. This awakening could broaden the base of discontent.

The 49% of Americans who voted against oligarchic control still hold the seeds of potential resistance. But seeds require fertile ground, proper tending, and time to grow. Whether this group can coalesce into a force capable of challenging entrenched power remains an open question. Discontent alone is insufficient; without strategy, leadership, and resilience, frustration is easily co-opted or crushed.

The Likelihood of Civil War

As history shows, oligarchies do not relinquish power willingly. Popular discontent is often met with suppression, and in the case of America, suppression could escalate to violence. If this occurs, it may trigger a second civil war, vastly different from the first. This new conflict would not be geographically defined but ideologically and economically driven, pitting citizens against a highly organized and well-resourced ruling class.

Should the oligarchs win, the United States will become indistinguishable from other authoritarian regimes. Russia provides a chilling example of a nation where an oligarchic elite controls wealth, power, and narrative, leaving its citizens with little agency or hope for change.

The Path to Redemption

For those who hope to reclaim democracy, the ballot box remains the ideal, yet tenuous, path. A second option, widespread and strategic civil disobedience, could pressure the oligarchy into concessions. However, this approach requires unity and an unprecedented level of organization, which has proven elusive thus far.

Violence is the least desirable and most dangerous path. While history suggests that violent upheaval can sometimes dismantle oppressive systems, it often leads to prolonged suffering and unforeseen consequences. Moreover, the imbalance of resources and power between the oligarchy and any potential resistance makes this path particularly fraught.

A Failure of Leadership

Democracy’s demise in America cannot be entirely blamed on the oligarchs. Key leaders, including President Biden, have refused to take decisive action when democracy had the resources to counter the oligarchy, sealing the nation’s fate. By failing to wield the tools of governance to safeguard democratic institutions, an opportunity was squandered, leaving the resistance at a significant disadvantage.

The Outlook for Democracy

The future of democracy in America is uncertain, and optimism is in short supply. The odds favor the oligarchs, given their control over wealth, media, and institutions. But history also shows that change can come from unexpected places. The resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of justice have toppled seemingly invincible powers before.

If the American people can rediscover their collective power, whether through the ballot box or peaceful resistance, there remains a sliver of hope for a return to democracy. However, this path will clearly require sacrifice, determination, and a willingness to confront harsh realities. Without these, America’s descent into oligarchy will be complete, and the dream of democracy will remain just that, a dream.

William James Spriggs