Is the United States Headed for Revolution?

In the past, political discussions among average Americans usually took place in barbershops and family dinner tables. It didn't take long in such close-quartered political discussions to learn about someone's particular views on a myriad of issues. Strong disagreements would give way to awkward silence and a basic unstated agreement to "agree to disagree."

Today, with the uprising of social media websites, political punditry on cable news networks and venomous rhetoric spewed from the mouths of public servants on both sides of the political isle; it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that something is brewing within the United States. Venues that allow us to express our grievances, relay information and network with other like-minded individuals weren't available 10 or so years ago. The tools we have to communicate with each other is an extraordinary privilege. However, like most other things in life, social networking, the blogosphere and the Internet as a whole can be abused.

While I believe free speech is an inalienable right that all people should have, a certain level of discernment and thoughtfulness should be employed when it comes to researching social, political and cultural issues. The problem we have as a society is that we would rather have the latest talking point or viral bit of information shape our viewpoints, rather than apply our ability to think critically.

We are bombarded with spun opinion, misinformation and broken-record rhetoric designed to divide, rather than foster a climate in which we can collaborate. It can be extremely hard to find a grain of "truth" in the midst of a sea of garbage. Many Americans simply don't bother to fact check news or information sources, as they understandably might not have the time, don't care or honestly treat their preferred information source as the gospel truth. Regardless of your particular views on the issues affecting Americans, it is paramount for you to gain an understanding of the opposition's stance on the subject matter.

Unfortunately, our collective inability to rationally debate seems to be lost in this new era, especially with less than favorable economic conditions here and abroad. The war between the left and rightwing political parties has done absolutely nothing but fan the fire, with both being equally guilty of spreading self-serving propaganda.

As of recently, budget shortfalls within the state and federal level have ballooned. Many programs and services will be cut in an effort to curb the deficit. Fights between public sector union employees and states that wish to pass "Right to Work" laws are ensuing. Massive protests have begun in several states, organized by labor unions. These are delicate issues that affect everyone, whether you are a private sector non-union taxpayer, a public school teacher, or business owner.

I fear that the strife and violence seen all throughout the rest of the world in these tumultuous times will spill over to our side of the pond. Without the ability to compromise, I believe we might reach a boiling point in the United States that will not end without bloodshed, chaos and possibly a massive civil war, to which the enemies of our country will take full advantage.

Call me a conspiracy theorist if you wish. The truth is- our country is not exempt from such ugly scenarios, as history has shown.

We as Americans need to educate ourselves and band together during these hard times. We all will need to make gut-wrenching sacrifices in order to keep our country safe and sustainable.