Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our existing beliefs or opinions. This mental shortcut can lead us to ignore evidence that challenges our views, making it harder to see the full picture or change our minds—even when faced with new facts.
Like almost anyone who would be interested in reading what I have to say, you’re likely angry and itching to fight. I’ve been constantly provoked since Trump resumed his presidency in January, and I’m ready to jump to any conclusion that makes him look bad. It’s not hard to do. Look at international relations—which includes defense policy (my pet peeve at the moment)—the stock market, or the way Elon and his DOGE crew are shredding the executive branch without a shred of oversight.
Lately, the actions carried out by ICE have become the focal point of my attention. Mind you, as someone who has dealt with immigration in three countries now, I can honestly say that the immigration process is universally difficult. It’s bureaucratically cumbersome, maddeningly pedantic, and ridiculously slow. It's a confusing dilemma: the system isn't broken, but it doesn't work, either. So now what?
I’ve just watched convincing footage of what could very well be a deputized Reich-wing militia member carrying out what appears to be a vigilante arrest of a Guatemalan citizen who had legally applied for asylum in Massachusetts. I won’t give the vigilante son of a bitch any more attention than he deserves by dropping his name, but you’ll see the footage sooner or later if you haven’t already. It’s convincing, but it’s also been proven to be a "legit" ICE officer and not a vigilante in the video.
And yes, before I go any further, I’ll admit that those who don’t have the appropriate visas are, in fact, breaking the law and should face justice—but not terror. We have seen due process and checks and balances fall by the wayside in order to arbitrarily deport two specific ethnic groups. This is a constitutional crisis, plain and simple. Over the past few weeks, I’ve gone from annoyed to concerned to enraged. We could be slipping into an authoritarian abyss, which unquestionably requires the strongest of responses at our disposal within the frameworks of government. This hasn’t always felt like it’s been enough. You know what I am talking about, but do you know where it could lead?
A de facto civil war.
Unfortunately, it’s come to my attention that I am not alone in my thoughts, and that the other side of the aisle is thinking the same thing. It’s time to call this situation what it truly is: a cold civil war. This literally dawned on me in the past hour, and it was time to say something about it.
Civil wars are more brutal than any other form of warfare. They’re asymmetric in nature and will be made into proxy wars by outside influences (cough Putin cough). The result is always the same: families are ripped apart, lives are irreparably scarred, and if you think the crazies have already come out of the woodwork, let me tell you something—you haven’t seen anything yet. They’ll be digging up landmines and mass graves for the next generation or two.
These are just the consequences. Let’s look at what you’ll experience on the way to this dystopian result:
Utilities like clean water, electricity, and the internet? They’ll be the first things to be turned off. Then comes rationing. Are you a vegan or vegetarian? Do you like gluten-free food? Not anymore. You’ll be happy to get whatever you can find. Medicine? Gone, too. But wait, you know how to handle a weapon? Your ammunition will become more precious than money—which, by the way, is also now worthless.
So, am I going to extremes to scare you? You’re goddamned right I am. And why? Because I listened to myself. I’m looking for a fight, and if I am, so are others. If you’re looking for a fight, you’ll find one, and you’ll use whatever rationale you have in front of you to justify it. Don’t be that guy or gal.
