The idea that the events of the last two days might come to a revolution or uprising, as much as some might believe is what we need, is a horrible image. The American Civil War divided us in ways that are still visible in many parts of the country today. Most of us strive to find the the logical and peaceful solution. We always try to find ways to stave off conflict. As much as America was engulfed in war and conflict during our early existence, the fundamental idea was achieve peace without bloodshed. As we all know, the years leading up to the 1860s were anything but peaceful. Despite this we have generally been reluctant to take up arms against our fellow countrymen.
On April 12, 1861 that all came undone. The United States could not exist as two countries. Preservation of our union could only exist through the force of arms. For the next four years the savagery committed on both sides in the name of American ideals was a horrific spectacle. The American dead numbered more than 665,000. That's over half a million people killed with weapons that in no way compare to today's arsenal. Imagine what a civil war could do to our country today. We see the anger, the hateful rhetoric, the political violence, the extremism towards minorities and persons of color. Many of these same ingredients exist today but we would like to think that we have grown as a country since then and can use level headedness to call off the warring dogs. Are we still the same country we were 160 years ago, or have we changed?