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Clash of the Two Americas: Uncovering the Roots of America's Political Divide

Herb Simmons

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Published in Clash Of The Two Americas Volume 3: The Birth Of A Eurasian Manifest Destiny

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In his groundbreaking book, Clash of the Two Americas, acclaimed historian and political commentator

Clash of the Two Americas Volume 3: The Birth of a Eurasian Manifest Destiny

by Jason Pinter

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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A Nation Divided

America is a nation divided. The 2016 presidential election, which saw the victory of Donald Trump, laid bare the deep fissures that run through American society. The country is split along political, economic, and cultural lines, with each side increasingly entrenched in its own worldview.

This division is not new. It is the culmination of centuries of history, dating back to the founding of the nation. The United States was born out of a clash between two competing visions of America: one based on liberty and equality, the other on hierarchy and privilege.

The first vision, which we can call the "Jeffersonian" vision, was articulated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. It held that all men are created equal and that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The second vision, which we can call the "Hamiltonian" vision, was articulated by Alexander Hamilton. It held that society is naturally hierarchical and that the best way to secure the common good is through a strong central government.

These two visions have been in conflict ever since the founding of the United States. The Jeffersonian vision has been the dominant force in American history, but the Hamiltonian vision has never gone away.

The Rise of the Hamiltonian Vision

In recent decades, the Hamiltonian vision has been gaining ground. This is due in part to the rise of globalism, which has led to increased economic inequality and a decline in the power of labor unions.

It is also due to the rise of social conservatism, which has led to a backlash against the social and cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Hamiltonian vision is now the dominant force in the Republican Party. It is also gaining ground among Democrats, particularly among those who are skeptical of globalization and social change.

The Consequences of the Clash

The clash between the Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian visions has had profound consequences for American society. It has led to:

Increased political polarization
A decline in trust in government
A widening gap between rich and poor
A decline in social mobility
A rise in crime and violence

The clash is also threatening the future of American democracy. If the two sides cannot find a way to bridge their differences, it is possible that the United States will experience a period of political instability or even violence.

The Way Forward

The way forward is not easy. It will require compromise and understanding from both sides. But it is essential if we want to preserve the American dream.

One way to bridge the divide is to focus on our common values. We all want a safe and prosperous country where our children can have a better life than we did.

Another way to bridge the divide is to listen to each other. We need to understand where the other side is coming from and why they believe what they do.

Finally, we need to work together to find solutions to our common problems. We need to find ways to reduce inequality, increase social mobility, and protect our environment.

The clash of the two Americas is a serious challenge, but it is not insurmountable. If we can find a way to bridge the divide, we can create a more just and prosperous future for all Americans.

Clash of the Two Americas is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the roots of America's political divide. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions and change the way you think about American history.

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Clash of the Two Americas Volume 3: The Birth of a Eurasian Manifest Destiny

by Jason Pinter

4.4 out of 5