this post was submitted on 23 Jul 2024
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A Republican state senator has called for “civil war” if Donald Trump loses the presidential election in November.

George Lang, an Ohio politician, made the comment as he introduced JD Vance at his first solo campaign event since becoming Trump’s running mate.

After taking to the stage fist-raised and shouting Trump’s post-shooting battle cry “Fight! Fight!”, Mr Lang warned of an existential threat facing Americans. He declared in front of a large, heated crowd in Ohio: “We are in the fight for the soul of our nation… for our kids, for our grandkids, it is a fight we can never imagine.

“I believe wholeheartedly, Donald Trump and Butler County’s JD Vance are the last chance to save our country. Politically, I’m afraid if we lose this one, it’s going to take a civil war to save the country.”

Video of the speech

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[–] zcd@lemmy.ca 154 points 4 months ago (2 children)
[–] someguy3@lemmy.world 44 points 4 months ago (1 children)

But the US didn't have tanks and planes back then. Surely our muskets will be even more effective against those.

[–] Assman@sh.itjust.works 41 points 4 months ago (1 children)

The US would win without ever firing a single shot. Cut off electricity, the countless food products we import, imported fuel, cheap products from China, USPS/FedEx/Amazon Prime/etc, and so on. A week of eating gruel in the dark and they'll be begging to rejoin the US.

[–] OsaErisXero@kbin.run 15 points 4 months ago (1 children)

We wouldn't wait the week though, some of those states have oil.

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[–] just_another_person@lemmy.world 126 points 4 months ago (25 children)

Bullfuckingshit. I said it when Trump was shot at, and I'll keep saying it: only ONE party has been ramping up the rhetoric for violence, and it sure as fuck isn't coming from Democrats. These morons obviously don't care if they get shot at again, because it's not in their minds that they are causing the problem.

This is their M.O. though:

  1. Identify a target to rant about
  2. Call for violence
  3. Say you're TOTALLY FUCKING SERIOUS THIS TIME
  4. Apologize and act like that's enough, knowing what you said will stick with the crowd, but the Democrats aren't going to call bullshit.

Here's a thought: Biden uses his last 6 months of King Powers granted by the SC to put everyone of these fuckers in jail by Executive Order on sedition and treason charges, backing it up by making it an "Official Act" since Trump was shot at, and these assholes are trying to get more people shot at. That'll shut them the fuck up.

[–] alcoholicorn@lemmy.ml 50 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

I was saying that after Jan 6.

Historically speaking, not purging your opposition after an attempted coup or change of power is one of the dumbest decisions you can make, second only to putting/leaving the opposition in positions of power and also making them your successor.

In American history, we saw it with Lincoln, resulting in his assassination and the end of reconstruction, and less dramatically, we saw it when Obama (and more recently Biden) left like half of Bush's appointees in power, who immediately use their power to sabotage the administration.

[–] ghostdoggtv@lemmy.world 15 points 4 months ago

Executive orders not needed, there are actually crimes they can be charged with but for the federalist society plant running DOJ

[–] 800XL@lemmy.world 13 points 4 months ago

Call your Senators and Representatives and give them an earful about this. If they shrug you off or they are on the side of those calling for civil war, then let other gov't officials know.

We collectively need to stop allowing these shit lords from getting away with putting the idea of war against each other into the minds of those that otherwise know it's wrong but just follow groupthink

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[–] ValorieAF@lemmy.world 98 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Republicans immediately after trump was shot at:

Political violence is never okay.

Republicans 1 week after trump was shot at:

If trump loses we'll start killing people!

[–] Boddhisatva@lemmy.world 81 points 4 months ago (3 children)

If we lose this election we will need to have a civil war to save the country? So what he's saying, in essence, is that if Trump can't get enough support to win an election, his supporters should overthrow the government. Am I understanding that correctly?

[–] Theprogressivist@lemmy.world 34 points 4 months ago (7 children)

Yep. Your understanding is correct.

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[–] OopsAllTwix@lemmy.dbzer0.com 31 points 4 months ago (2 children)

That should be grounds for immediate disqualification. It won't be because the previous one happened anyway even though there was ample warning.

[–] billiam0202@lemmy.world 25 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Calling for the overthrow of the government because you lost an election should be grounds for something much harsher than just disqualification.

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[–] thespacecowboy@lemmy.world 15 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

As a Latin American it is so surreal to see American politicians behave the same way as their counterparts in countries like Nicaragua and Venezuela, hopefully things are not going to go down this route

[–] AdolfSchmitler@lemmy.world 62 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Kyle Gass makes an edgy joke and he gets canceled. This fucker calls for literal civil war and it's considered business as usual. Got it.

[–] Spezi@feddit.org 39 points 4 months ago

But Kyle Gass is much more influential, he decides policies and laws and swore an oath to serve the people while George Lang is just a musician.

[–] ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world 38 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Oh no! What will we do if morbidly obese 70 year-old slobs who are so afraid of cities that they think they need a gun to visit San Francisco start a civil war? How will we ever defeat the sandy vagina brigade that thinks a reality TV host is a big a strong man?

[–] Boddhisatva@lemmy.world 17 points 4 months ago

San Fran? I live in rural America and I see twits like this at the grocery store. They are too scared to go buy a gallon of milk without being strapped.

[–] xmunk@sh.itjust.works 38 points 4 months ago (6 children)

The temperature is definitely rising. I'd be lying if I said I'd be cool with Republicans succeeding at keeping Harris (or whoever the Dem pick is) off the ballots in any state - we have a questionable democracy right now... we'd definitely not have a democracy then.

[–] uberdroog@lemmy.world 18 points 4 months ago (5 children)

There is a party of people that will argue that we are not a democracy or never were.

[–] gAlienLifeform@lemmy.world 21 points 4 months ago

And there is a majority of Americans ready to tell those dumb nerds to shut up with their boring nonsense

But since they've got a broken electoral system and the billionaires on their side it could go either way

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[–] RedditWanderer@lemmy.world 35 points 4 months ago (4 children)

Odds are there will be no real civil war. The assault on the capitol only worked because Trump was in power letting it happen, and even then they didn't get too far. A lot of those assholes went to prison.

Go vote and let them attack the US gov.

[–] Daxtron2@startrek.website 19 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Believe people when they tell you who they are

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[–] ashok36@lemmy.world 10 points 4 months ago (8 children)

People are too comfortable to have a civil war. People will rebel when they're hungry, jobless, and have zero prospect for the future.

It's gonna have to get a lot worse before then if a war were to happen.

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[–] ResoluteCatnap@lemmy.ml 34 points 4 months ago (1 children)

(Reposting from another thread)

Enough is enough. Shit like this is putting us on a path for another insurrection.

Here is a sample letter to provide George Lang, especially if you are an OH resident. George Lang contact form

subject: "Call for Resignation Due to Undemocratic Remarks"

Dear Senator Lang,

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding your recent comments about the potential need for a civil war if certain political outcomes are not achieved. Your statement, “I’m afraid if we lose this one, it’s going to take a civil war to save the country, and it will be saved,” is not only deeply irresponsible but also fundamentally undemocratic. Such rhetoric is dangerous and unbecoming of a public servant in a democratic society.

As a concerned citizen, I am compelled to voice my strong objection to your words. They undermine the very principles upon which our nation was founded: the peaceful transition of power and the rule of law. Democracy thrives on debate, disagreement, and ultimately, the will of the people as expressed through free and fair elections. The suggestion that violence is an acceptable response to losing an election is antithetical to these principles.

An apology for this grave error is simply not sufficient. The damage caused by promoting the idea of civil unrest as a solution to political disagreement cannot be undone with mere words of regret. Your statement has the potential to incite division and violence, putting our nation and its citizens at risk.

In light of the seriousness of your comments, I call on you to resign from your position as a United States Senator. The responsibilities of your office require a commitment to uphold democratic values and to lead with integrity. Your recent remarks have shown a disregard for these responsibilities, and as such, stepping down is the most honorable course of action you can take for the sake of our country's stability and unity.

The United States faces numerous challenges that require thoughtful, collaborative solutions. It is imperative that our leaders prioritize dialogue and cooperation over divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. I urge you to consider the impact of your words and to take responsibility for them by resigning your seat.

Sincerely,

[Your First Name]

Additionally i encourage looking up your Senators and contacting them as well:

Subject: "Urgent: Call to Denounce Undemocratic Rhetoric and Advocate for Resignation"

Dear Senator [Senator's Name],

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding recent comments made by Senator George Lang about the potential need for a civil war if certain political outcomes are not achieved. His statement, “I’m afraid if we lose this one, it’s going to take a civil war to save the country, and it will be saved,” is not only deeply irresponsible but also fundamentally undemocratic. Such rhetoric is dangerous and unbecoming of a public servant in a democratic society.

As your constituent, I am compelled to voice my strong objection to such words. They undermine the very principles upon which our nation was founded: the peaceful transition of power and the rule of law. Democracy thrives on debate, disagreement, and ultimately, the will of the people as expressed through free and fair elections. The suggestion that violence is an acceptable response to losing an election is antithetical to these principles.

An apology for this grave error is simply not sufficient. The damage caused by promoting the idea of civil unrest as a solution to political disagreement cannot be undone with mere words of regret. His statement has the potential to incite division and violence, putting our nation and its citizens at risk.

In light of the seriousness of these comments, I call on you to take a stand against such rhetoric. I urge you to publicly denounce these remarks and advocate for Senator Lang's resignation from his position. The responsibilities of a United States Senator require a commitment to uphold democratic values and to lead with integrity. His recent remarks have shown a disregard for these responsibilities, and as such, stepping down is the most honorable course of action he can take for the sake of our country's stability and unity.

The United States faces numerous challenges that require thoughtful, collaborative solutions. It is imperative that our leaders prioritize dialogue and cooperation over divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. I urge you to consider the impact of these words and to take a firm stand for democracy.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing our representatives uphold the values that make our country strong.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Make sure to send to both senators, regardless of their party.

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[–] skozzii@lemmy.ca 30 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Honestly, at this point I'm getting tired of them saying it all the time.

Do it.

It would not go the way they think it would go, and the confederate/nazi/MAGA party would be swiftly defeated within days/hours. They do not have the support they think they have, most Americans don't let politics run their lives and Fox poison their brains and a civil war would actually wake those Americans up to the seriousness of what's going on right now.

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[–] BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world 30 points 4 months ago (3 children)

Keep a close eye. These motherfuckers are riding the edge of subversive/seditious acts: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_Act

If any organization makes "civil war" an official position then they're fucked.

[–] kitnaht@lemmy.world 16 points 4 months ago

Not with a supreme court that's willing to say Unicorns exist for the sake of a legal argument. Law means nothing in this land for republicans right now.

[–] alcoholicorn@lemmy.ml 10 points 4 months ago

Do you see Biden's AG charging them with treason?

They didn't capitalize on Jan 6th to purge everyone involved, just gave a few car dealership owners a slap on the wrist.

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[–] someguy3@lemmy.world 28 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Save the country from what exactly? Save it from gay rights? Save it from trans rights? That's it isn't it? They want to save the country from human fucking rights.

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[–] InternetUser2012@lemmy.today 27 points 4 months ago

So they're moving on to this to scare people from voting because they know they're absolutely fucked right now. Fuck that nonsense, VOTE. Volunteer to help give rides to people that otherwise wouldn't be able to vote.

[–] nifty@lemmy.world 27 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

They invoke “civil war” phrase every time they feel threatened, and then wonder why their candidate faced an assassination. Who do they think is the dumbass here? Their voters? Or the opposition?

[–] MNByChoice@midwest.social 25 points 4 months ago (15 children)

Not to make light, but one does not simply "start a civil war". A civil war needs armies and territory. It is just terrorism without those.

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[–] explodicle@sh.itjust.works 23 points 4 months ago (3 children)

If we have another civil war, we can learn from our biggest mistake too.

Finish Reconstruction.

We can accept their secession, conquer them, and then keep them as territories. During that time, we can enact policy that helps all Americans. Restore fairness standards in news reporting, wipe out the KKK, pass a voter's bill of rights, tax churches equally, replace FPTP with IRV, and abolish the electoral college.

If we don't address the brainwashing, it'll happen a third time too. They can have a little bit of authoritarianism if they want it so much.

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[–] robocall@lemmy.world 22 points 4 months ago (2 children)

What are they going to do? Shoot up a grocery store?

[–] ganksy@lemmy.world 16 points 4 months ago

If it's closer than the middle school

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[–] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 21 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Bring it the fuck on. Don't mistake a distaste for violence for an unwillingness to fight would-be oppressors.

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[–] Fizz@lemmy.nz 16 points 4 months ago

So for them it's trump or violence? Why are these people allowed in civil society

[–] CharlesDarwin@lemmy.world 16 points 4 months ago (1 children)

How about this guy gets arrested right now?

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[–] ShaggySnacks@lemmy.myserv.one 15 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Don't worry folks, all these Republicans are just joking and/or talking metaphorically. Republicans don't really mean that they want a civil war.*

*Republican excuses when their followers start being violent.

[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 12 points 4 months ago

There's a technical phrase for that: stochastic terrorism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stochastic_terrorism

[–] caboose2006@lemmy.ca 13 points 4 months ago (4 children)

If these red states wanna become third world countries overnight be my guest.

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[–] Sam_Bass@lemmy.world 12 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Put him out front so he can get the first shot

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