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"our democracy", Crisis, D/S/Cs, earthcrime, Inferno, Kelly Turnbull, Kurt Schlichter, People's Republic, Second Civil War series, technology
As regular readers know, I’ve been reviewing attorney, author and infantry officer Kurt Schlichter’s Kelly Turnbull series since its inception. The first review in March of 2019 covered his first three novels: People’s Republic, Indian Country and Wildfire. The protagonist, Kelly Turnbull, is an Army Captain pulled out of the Sandbox by Clay Deeds, a shadowy spy master who puts Turnbull to work combatting the evil of the blue states.
“Blue states?” Here’s an excerpt from that initial article:
The world Schlichter creates, set in the near future, is an entirely logical extension of what is likely to happen as Socialists continue to reject American constitutionalism, and in the process, demonize everyone that does not slavishly support their deranged, murderous, socialist worldview. I’m only annoyed I didn’t think of this narrative first.
The People’s Republic is a standard, one each, socialist worker’s paradise. Everyone has varying personal pronouns. The wealthy elite live behind walled, guarded compounds. They have all of the things middle class Americans have always had, and more. Everyone else is a communist worker. Grocery store shelves are mostly empty, there are virtually no choices, toilet paper is rare, everything is broken down and falling apart, and food is scarce and rationed. Everyone must carry ID, which identifies their privilege level. There is a federalized police force composed of criminal thugs–all the real police fled to the red states at the split–and a secret police force, charged primarily with keeping everyone in line. Education is political indoctrination–lies about history and the reality of red America. There are reeducation camps, ubiquitous government brutality and oppression, summary executions, all the delightful trappings of every socialist state that has ever existed. Schlichter didn’t need to make anything up, merely mirror the realities of socialism and take political correctness a very few steps beyond its current state.
The world of People’s Republic, and the novels that follow, is a world where the blue and red states have split into separate nations. As one might expect, Flyover country is the red, and the coasts, populated by the self-imagined elite, are socialist hellholes, as every totalitarian excess one can imagine, or learn by reading actual history, exists. Turnbull’s initial adventures revolve around him infiltrating blue California to spirit people back to the red, which has a new capitol in Dallas.
Kelly Turnbull is a highly effective soldier, ruthless and deadly when necessary, but with a soft spot for dogs, women and kids. A former Californian, he knows the area, and is mad as hell at what D/S/Cs have done to it. He’s no James Bond. He’s too busy for romance, though eventually succumbs to the charms of a female soldier.
I reviewed the next three books in the series in September of 2021: Collapse, Crisis and The Split. An excerpt from that article:
As Crisis opens, Clay Deeds tells Turnbull, who is still fighting in Iraq, he’s been killed in a tragic helicopter accident, and is returning to America in a last-ditch effort to hold things together. He has a team of former Special Forces operators to help.
Schlichter uses contemporary reality and projects logical near future events. Minnesota, which abolished the police, has become a haven for Marxist revolutionaries, whose militia is the defacto government. The Marxist leader, a charismatic rich kid who likes to kill people to make examples, arranges the theft of an Air Force B-52 with a nuclear weapon aboard. His goal? Blow up the conference that will amicably split the country, avoiding war, which he very much wants. Turnbull, of course, saves the day—barely—but the bad guy gets away—until the next book?
Stealing a nuclear-armed B-52? Does that sound impossible? Schlichter, a retired infantry officer, uses advisors who know about such things. In the world of a nation coming apart, it would be possible indeed, and Schlichter tells a compelling story.
It is Crisis that provides the backstory for Schlichter’s seventh novel: Inferno. It opens ten years after the events of Crisis, and Turnbull is once again trying to rescue someone from the blue, this time, a brainwashed young woman who has fallen under the influence of a death cult. His attempt ends badly and we next find Turnbull and a friend night hunting feral hogs at his Texas ranch.
It is this twist of fate that allows Turnbull to discover a kill team advancing on his home where his fiancé, Lorna, is preparing dinner. Turnbull and his pal, in short order, kill the attackers, but not before Lorna is injured, and Turnbull discovers one of the attackers is a colleague from his old unit, the unit that prevented a nuclear explosion in Crisis.
In this world, the red have retaken the blue west coast, largely to prevent the Chinese from establishing a colony there. There is tension in the red, because only those who have done military service can vote, and those citizens are being constantly called up for service, while slackers profit from their absence. But not every part of the west coast, notably Oregon and Washington state, has been pacified.
Turnbull has to infiltrate those unpacified areas to recover the nuclear weapon that figured in Crisis. It was not returned to the Air Force, but was diverted to the Hanford Plant, where a small group of scientists have been maintaining it and the Plant, and fighting off a group of cannibal lunatics—Annihilationists–who want to kill everyone to save the planet. In charge of the red forces is a general who has stood up militias beholden to him, and who plans, with the nuke, to take over the red government. It was that General who sent the kill team to Turnbull’s ranch, and who keeps trying to kill him. An excerpt from the book:
‘You want to move at night and lay up in the day,’ Bill told him. ‘Though they go out day and night. Out hunting.’
‘The best way to Hanford?’
Bill considered.
‘It’s a two, three-day walk. You want to stay off the roads, so it’s cross-country.’
‘What about this Vantage Bridge?’
‘You stay the hell away from that.’ Bill warned. ‘Stay on the west side of the Columbia River and follow it south until the bend east. Keep following it. That will take you to Hanford, though I have no idea why anyone would want to go there. It’s radioactive.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Everyone knows. The whole area had been off-limits for pears. The blues were always talking about the red’s earthcrime of poisoning the land and such. Elizabeth Warren once came out and accused the United States of waging war on her people with gamma rays.’
‘Will I see many people on the way? Any settlements?”
‘Not really. Putting aside the Annihilationists, there’s no water, so no farms.’
‘What about the Columbia River?’
Bill laughed bitterly.
‘The blues declared taking water for irrigation an earthcrime about a decade ago. Then they blew up the Priest Rapids Dam, the Wanapum Dam and some others too. This place is fertile, only you need water. Without water, everything blew away in the wind. And then there’s the electricity. They talked all day about climate change and renewable power, and then they demolished the dams that generated hydroelectric power. You think what power they had left was going to their pals in Seattle, or out here to a bunch of angry country folk?’
‘So I’m walking through a man-made desert?’
‘Pretty much. It was paradise when I came here before the split.’
‘The whole country was paradise before the Split,’ Turnbull said. ‘People were just too stupid to realize it.’
The rest is the story of Turnbull outmaneuvering the corrupt general, defeating cannibals and militias, recovering the nuke, and in a scene reminiscent of Mad Max, getting the nuke out of the blue, capturing the general, and returning home, where Lorna has recovered and he has a new dog to add to his collection.
As with the other six novels in the series, Schlichter writes a fast paced, engaging and technically accurate story. Schlichter notes in the forward and/or afterword of each novel he is not hoping for the world he depicts, but warning that current affairs may produce it. He’s right. Kelly Turnbull’s world is a logical extension of the schism imposed on contemporary America by those who disdain the Constitution and the rule of law, and who hate America and Americans. Schlichter’s warnings mirror mine in the Second Civil War series.
D/S/Cs are no longer subtle. They’re constantly in the faces of Normal Americans, pushing outrage after outrage and smirking: “what you gonna do about it?” They’re sufficiently stupid to believe they can spit on the Constitution, abrogate the rule of law, and abuse Normal Americans, who will forever continue to play by the rules and try to work within a system D/S/Cs have already destroyed. They’re sufficiently stupid to believe every local, state and federal law enforcement agency will support them in oppressing, torturing and murdering Normal Americans, in establishing a socialist/communist utopia. They think the military will turn on Americans as well.
In that stupidity, as in the Turnbull novels, they are partly correct. As I’ve written in the SCW series, some law enforcement personnel will turn traitor for their pensions, because they think D/S/Cs will win and they want to be on the winning side, or out of a misplaced sense of duty, fidelity to a Constitution their masters despise and subvert. But most won’t play along. They live among the people they’ll have to brutalize, and know when the line is crossed Normal Americans will fight back—effectively, ruthlessly and personally, just like Kelly Turnbull. When the line is crossed, Normal Americans will take the war to the doorsteps of those that would take it to theirs. When that line is crossed and America is unquestionably a banana republic, citizens will know surrendering to arrest means they’ll never be seen again. Civil wars are intensely personal, the betrayal unforgivable. Turnbull knows one can’t win if they don’t clearly understand the enemy, and do what is necessary, tactically, strategically and personally, to destroy their will. Normal Americans know this too, but hope to preserve our Republican—not “our democracy”—system, the system that has, until recently, worked better than any in human history.
That’s the trick: what, and where, is that line? The Turnbull series lays it out. The brief synopsis of Inferno I’ve provided might sound far-fetched, but because Schlichter understands human nature, the military, and politics, it’s logical and one easily suspends disbelief. This is true of every novel in the series.
This series of books isn’t good art. It’s not on a par with the works of Shakespeare, Michangelo or the other masters of various genres of artistic expression, but it doesn’t have to be. There is nothing wrong with good entertainment, and the novels are good entertainment in the political/military thriller genre, guilty pleasure reading, but with an essential purpose. They make no pretense of being other than they are, and provide a vital public service: they really do give us a chilling glimpse of a near-future America that seems, in our darkest imaginings, inevitable.
It’s stories like Schlichter’s that may help us avoid that future, a future all sane Americans of good will want to avoid.
Mike a.k.a. Proof said:
Tell Schlichter he owes you a percentage of his royalties. I’m going back to start at the beginning, and read the whole series.
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Mike a.k.a. Proof:
You’ll have fun.
Doug said:
You know… I’ve oft been accused (although not really an accurate accusation) as suffering from that deflective condition of Trump Derangement Syndrome (in fact, I do know some in real, authentic human beings that fit that description far better than myself). But really, Mike.. you might want to consider staying away from fictionalized social commentaries like that. It seems to be feeding on your propensity to idealize the characters as having some applied relevancy to current affairs. You’ve been “drifting in reality” a bit since your retirement. Either that or the remoteness of Wyoming MAGA Conservatism has created a comfortable wall around you.
I’m still trying to figure this one out…
“…what is likely to happen as Socialists continue to reject American constitutionalism, and in the process, demonize everyone that does not slavishly support their deranged, murderous, socialist worldview.”
Where’s this organization, who is in it…. who’s the leader (take me to them)… and maybe to the greater point, how do you know so much about these folks? I know.. “It’s so obvious!”
Somebody Special said:
C’mon Doug. Pick any socialist or communist country and you will find glaring examples. In America, with the tacit approval of the VP elect and many prominent democrats, antifa and black lives matter went on a destructive rampage resulting in billions of dollars in damages and dozens of deaths. To have an honest discussion, you have to be honest.
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Somebody Special:
What you said.
Doug said:
I’m sorry.. the BLM riots and Antifa riots are somehow an indication of the country going Socialist? And if both those entities are “organized” (in spite of being completely different agendas.. and demonstrations) to pose some clear & present danger to the country… where have they been since… what, 2020? Antifa isn’t even a viable “organization.. and BLM seems to take interest when cops shoot black people. How is any of that Socialism? Some 14,000 were properly arrested across the nation from all that.
Context matters. If not, then hell, just blame Hillary’s 30,000 emails and Hunter’s laptop escapades.
Doug said:
Here’s a bit of a post-script to my above.
While most in here are languishing in the discontent and grievance of the country being lost to any level of conspiratorial subversion, perhaps a bit of history might provide some context that what is currently happening in the country is not all that “new” or foreign.
Following my separation from active duty back in 1975 we decided against moving back to Chicago and opted for starting our new life in Illinois’ second largest city.. Rockford, 75 miles northwest of the Windy City. Among the historical research I did when there over the years included a reference to the “Palmer Raids”. I recently recalled this little tidbit following another blog.
As you read this history.. take note at the flagrant abuse of governmental powers, miscarriages of freedom of speech, and by our standards today.. the “authoritarian” you enjoy tossing around today takes on it’s own meaning. Yet, the fear the public had in 1920 seemingly made this governmental conduct okay. They had their labels for questionable groups, their finger-pointing, racial stereotyping, an “enemy” real or imagined. It’s all there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer_Raids
Bottom line… we got got passed that. And we will likely do crap similar to that in some future. And we will recover again. Curb your gun enthusiasm.
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Doug:
But of course. Just like we got past all those other Presidents who were frontrunners for the presidential nomination of their parties who were simultaneously charged with about a hundred felonies in multiple jurisdictions just in time to interfere in presidential elections.
Doug said:
Ah.. so it IS all about Trump for “you people”. And you wonder why you feel so “picked on” by society? But wait… his coffers are growing even as we speak! The more “nastiness” tossed his way the more people rally around him! Now the the cameras will be allowed in the courtroom he can be on TV again!
Of course he never wants a fast trial to establish his innocence.. drag it out means more money for him! Hell, after all, by time any of this courtroom nonsense is finished on any indictment it will be 2 years from now anyway.
I’m sorry, Mike, where is he actually suffering in all this? I’m sure he will be around to lead your grievances and discontent for years to come.
(And please don’t come back with Biden whataboutism. Personally, my old Republican roots seem attracted to Christie… but he is too old school to sway any Trump supporters… and old school Republicanism is gone anyway. Rummyswami? Sure.. that’s the one.! Uh huh.)
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Doug:
Tell me, were you facing the same indictments, would you find that refreshing, or would “suffering” be closer to your mood? If, in fact, the justice system was even-handed, as your various posts seem to suggest, bringing up the blatant differences in how people are treated by that system would hardly amount to “whataboutism,” would it?
As to the “fast trial” issue, there are millions upon millions of pages of documents involved, and well as hundreds of witnesses and other evidence. The speedy trial provision of the Constitution exists for the benefit of defendants, not the government. It is an individual, not a corporate right and absolutely not a governmental power. Denying a defendant the time necessary to prepare a defense is very much a constitutional violation, whether it is done by giving that defendant too little time to read and understand the evidence, or whether it is demanding they stand trial more or less simultaneously in multiple jurisdictions. Indeed, Trump is wealthy, but these trials are going to severely strain even his fortune, which is, of course, a large part of the point and strategy.
The Constitution must apply equally to all, even if “all” includes Donald Trump.
Doug said:
My point about a “speedy trial” was not that imposed by the prosecution.. but from the desire of the accused to prove their non-guilt of the charges so that they can go on with life. Apparently some of those “Trump 19” actually want that.. for that reason. Trump has never pursued a quick trial at any time in his adult life when accused of anything. Delay buys time. As to your claim that Trump is not getting a “fair deal” and it’s violating his right to a fair trial… seems to me he still has remedy through the Constitution if he feels slighted. That’s why he has lawyers. Not knowing Georgia’s legal process I only can presume the process instituted by the judge is permitted… although like everything, it could be challenged.
Now, Trump can pout and look defiant and play victim during the trial for the cameras all he wants… and likely his base will continue to send him their money.
As these trials unfold there will likely be a real test of the Constitutional process when some state somewhere refuses to allow his name to go on a ballot for Article 14, section 3. That will go right to the Supreme Court.
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Doug:
You ignore the obvious. In cases like this, one must bankrupt themselves to have any hope of avoiding prison. That normally takes years of appeals, if one has the money to bankrupt themselves. But you’re right about one thing: in a rigged system, defendants must establish their “non-guilt,” which is anything but constitutional.
Rum said:
Doug
When the D/S/C establishment says out loud and on the record that they intend to find any excuse to criminally prosecute DJT, cannot you see the problem regarding the long term legitamcy of such efforts?
Have you ever read the book “3 felonies a day” which lays out how everyone of us could be charged with muliple felonies if we were to become a designated target?
Doug said:
That’s pretty much correct. Yet even with that there is context. You want to sell me on what you just said? Then let’s put a face(s) to this “D/S/C establishment” everyone says is some deep state, conspiratorial, elites of rich people. I should also point out another thing (I really should not have to point out)… each time the Constitution is used to resolve problems is another way we actually protect the Constitution…and OUR rights. Use it to protect it. Yep.. if the long arm of government wants to pick on you they can do it. That’s the process we defend via the Constitution. If it’s unjustified, the Constitution also applies recourse and remedy. Just because you might admire Trump does not in any way mean that the DOJ or the DSOJ of any state, can’t bring what evidence they might have to a court of law. Based on MY interpretation of the things I saw on TV… seems like a lot of evidence to me. But thankfully it’s not up to “MY” interpretation. You hear that voice of freedom ringing in the background? That’s the Constitution. You don’t like the sound… then maybe you need your hearing checked.
Doug said:
Let’s try it this way, using the analogy of it being a “game” (and, yes, I know it’s not a real game). The Constitution are the rules of our game. You allegedly violate those rules and the justice process of the Constitution steps in. In the meantime the “players” of this game… us… carrying on with the business of living life… and are affected by the many events and impulses of life from other players of this game. Sometimes a player will try to “game” the rules (the Constitution) to their advantage, but typically following the rules to the end will settle these challenges. In fact, if one doesn’t like the rules of judgement the first time around they can have a “do over”.. a couple times. Thus affording an even greater accuracy of settlement.
But part of the playing this game constantly testing the rules and/or circumventing the rules. Yet, even those attempts can be challenged using the rules.
Now.. the rules say nothing about our “gamesmanship” in playing this game.. just that we stay within the rules. “Gamesmanship is of course, the politics we play to position public opinion or win elections or make a profit or seek power over others, etc.
The Constitution DOES NOT say anything about if you don’t like playing by the rules then take out your guns.
Rum said:
Doug
Let me re-state my thoughts in a slightly less constrained fashion:
One way or the other, “The long arm of the government” needs to be put in self pissing, desperate mortal fear of ever acting like L. Beria – Stalins ideal government official – who said, “Show me the man and I will show you the crime.”
Doug said:
Prove the crime or not… and I’ll show you the Constitution.
Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Doug:
Which means…?
Doug said:
Is that happening here in America… that Stalin-Commie’s quote?
Doug said:
BTW.. for all you appliers of Godwin’s Law.. today.. Friday… back on Friday, September 1, 1939, 80 years ago, the Germans invaded Poland.. sending the future into an entirely new direction.
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Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Zanesville Daily Times:
Thanks for the reblog/link!
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Mike McDaniel said:
Dear Zanesville Daily Times:
Thanks for the notice!
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