(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)
The Unravelling era by definition had no peak or pinnacle and one finds it hard to pick out sentinel events. The normalization of alternative lifestyles, education and mores was reflected in the government by its multiple scandals (Monica Lewinsky/Clinton), and in the preeminence of the Entertainment industry. The lack of regulation would lead to various economic bubbles (real estate, Internet start-up) and deference to Big Business (repeal of the Glass-Steagal Act). Meanwhile, the 1993 WTC bombing attempt, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 2000 presidential election would portend a coming storm.
A Crisis Era
Unravellings end, and Crisis eras begin, suddenly and abruptly as evidenced by the Boston Tea Party, the hanging of John Brown, and the 1929 Stock Market Crash. The latest Unravelling ended with the events of 09/11/2001. It also ended about five years too early and the various generational cohorts were not ready to take on the roles needed in a crisis era. Past Crisis eras were a time where we came together and solve problems and overcame external threats. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for our Nation to date.
The Baby Boomer generation was slated to be the leadership for our current crisis era in their elder years. Since the spark of the crisis era (9/11) came early, the Quiet generation still held control of the federal government (except for the presidency). At least on the surface their indecisiveness led to poor decision-making after 9/11 and the War on Terror, and more national division. The Millennials were slated to be next GI Generation but were too young to have any impact yet. Very little was asked of the Baby Boomers and Gen X to come together and rally for the nation, and we as a whole obliged.
As the crisis era rolled on more national problems were managed poorly, the American people coalesced into the Left and Right, and any issue was used for political advantage, as the Leftist Boomers/Gen X took leadership of the Nation. The 2008 Financial debacle was postponed by QE; the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ended without positive conclusion; and COVID has become a complete fiasco. Even the entertainment industry is failing and bereft of new ideas. Instead of addressing real issues, half of the Boomers/Gen X took the Millennials under their wing to usher in a socialist change in our Nation, and the other half have moved more to the Right to oppose this change. Events in the Obama and Trump presidencies, that we all experienced, reinforced this division and a “Cold Civil War” has ensued.
Our nation is now moving in steady institutional decline and moral decay, and the ability of us as a Nation to come together is passing into a twilight. Unlike the Civil War of the 1860s, this National crisis is devoid of distinct geographic lines and 1-2 points of difference. Many individual states, and the public, are split between Left and Right on many issues. With the media bias and the Left/Right dichotomy, the truth is now near impossible to find.
The economy is likely too far gone to save our prosperity. Many parents want to save their children from the evils of the Left and Right respectively. Many African-Americans take Juneteenth as their July 4th and disavow Independence Day. Individual States and the Federal government are actively threatening and ignoring each other. Gender lines are blurred and moral compass is individualized for the masses.Continue reading“Consider Where We Are – Part 2, by APD-4”

