Steven Blair Wheeler’s novel, “The Second American Civil War: January 6 Was Only the Beginning,” is a captivating and thought-provoking fictional, speculative tale that dives deep into the heart of America’s political and social landscape. Loosely based on the real-life events of the January 6th riots at the national capital, this novel presents an immersive narrative that not only captures the chaos of that fateful day but also extrapolates the consequences into an imagined second civil war. Wheeler’s compelling narrative explores an even more serious consequence of the political and social turmoil that followed, painting a vivid picture of the potential aftermath.
In Wheeler’s speculative version, the January 6 riot is a catalyst, a spark that ignites a larger, more destructive conflict born out of the deep-seated divisions within the country. Through richly detailed characters and intricate plot lines, Wheeler delves into the complexities of a nation on the brink of collapse. His storytelling goes beyond mere entertainment; it aims to provoke reflection on the fragility of democracy, the resilience required to maintain it, and the formidable challenges of achieving unity in a divided nation.
The author’s novel includes the assassination of the sitting Republican President Douglas Best in his Florida mansion. He and his staff had been protesting what they perceived as a Third World-style election. The narrative illuminates the profound psycho-social and political upheaval resulting from the widespread belief that the election was rigged. President-elect Joe Turner, in the immediate aftermath of the assassination, displays a strong sense of duty and responsibility, striving to stabilize the nation and reassure the American people during a period of immense uncertainty and grief. A significant portion of the story is seen through the eyes of reporter Ella Lesperance, who becomes a central figure in the novel. The novel also meticulously examines the Republican Party’s ideological transformation, analyzing the cognitive dissonance and the prevalence of conspiracy theories within its ranks. Wheeler provides deep insights into the complexities, revealing a party in flux.
Wheeler’s novel brings to life George Washington’s warning from his farewell address of 1796:
“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterward the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
Farewell Address | Saturday, September 17, 1796
Today’s toxic atmosphere makes negotiating important issues difficult, leading to widespread frustration and anger with the federal government. This environment has significantly contributed to the divisiveness we are experiencing. When the stakes are so high, people are willing to consider extraordinary means to achieve their objectives, even if those means are unconventional or risky. Wheeler’s novel delves into this dynamic, –making you question just how far people are willing to go. How serious can these measures get when the pressure is immense and the goals are crucial? The story explores the boundaries of human determination and the lengths one might go to in times of crisis.
Wheeler’s novel not only serves as a gripping piece of fiction but also as a cautionary tale, urging readers to consider the real-life implications of political discord and the importance of safeguarding democratic values. It is a timely and poignant reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked division and the necessity of striving for understanding and cohesion in an increasingly polarized world.
