Your Masterclass was illuminating for writers. Thank you. When my youngest son was a wee lad we wandered into a bookstore in Georgetown (DC). He wasn’t interested in what all the other kids were reading. He had devoured the mainstream and wanted something new. The bookstore owner was a gem. He asked Ry a few questions and handed him Haroun and the Sea of Stories and Luka and the Fire of Life. There is nothing more magical than watching a child become a reader.
I bought my husband the book and wrote To The Shah of blah with love ( it was a joke because he was Indian and his last name was Shah) we had a good laugh because he lives to tell a yarn, we both read the book and loved it
Wow! To think that the author of one of my favourite books “Midnight’s Children” is on here— better still, within communicable reach—is nothing short of phenomenal! Thank you, o’ Gods of Literature. And thank YOU, Salman, for your generosity!
Looking forward to your posts! I've long wondered why the serialization of novels hasn't been revived in newspapers and magazines, so curious to see how this works out for your new novel.
I wait on pins and needles to see how this will turn out for you and for the rest of us Substack fiction writers who hope to make it a safe and inviting place for both writers and lovers of fiction.
....p.s.: delicious memory... standing outside an NYC theater waiting to go see a production of "Midnight's Children" when out of the Harlem night a ghost appears and glides up to the ticket booth.
The Spark of Civil War: How the U.S. Budget Vote Set the Nation on Fire
A Divided Nation Takes the Final Step
The United States has crossed the threshold into chaos. In a stunning political betrayal, eight Democrats joined Republicans to pass a budget that slashes social programs, expands military spending, and rewards corporate elites. For millions of struggling Americans, this vote is not just a policy decision—it is a declaration of war on their livelihoods. The economic devastation and political fallout now set the stage for a violent civil conflict unlike any in modern history.
Economic Collapse and the Death of Legitimacy
The budget’s impact will be immediate and catastrophic. With deep cuts to social security, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits, millions will face eviction, food insecurity, and medical bankruptcy. Unions, already weakened, will be further crushed under new austerity measures. Meanwhile, corporations and defence contractors will see record profits, further fueling public outrage.
Public trust in government, already at historic lows, is now shattered. Many view the passage of this budget as proof that electoral politics no longer serve the people. Radicalized factions, both left and right, have begun mobilizing in response. Social unrest, once limited to protests and strikes, is rapidly escalating into armed confrontations.
How the Second Civil War Will Begin
Historical precedent suggests three immediate consequences:
1. State Defiance and Secessionist Movements
Progressive states like California and New York may refuse to implement budget cuts, triggering legal battles and federal retaliation. Meanwhile, conservative states emboldened by the budget’s passage—particularly Texas and Florida—may begin acting autonomously, accelerating political fragmentation.
2. Militias and Urban Warfare
With institutions collapsing, militias will take control in key regions. Rural conservative groups, heavily armed and hostile to federal authority, will seize local infrastructure. In cities, left-wing radicals and organized labour movements will clash with police and private security forces protecting corporate interests.
3. Foreign and Military Involvement
The U.S. military, now deeply divided, will struggle to contain the conflict. Some units may align with state governments, while others remain loyal to Washington. Global rivals, such as China and Russia, will exploit the chaos, possibly supporting insurgent factions or destabilizing U.S. allies.
Conclusion: The Inevitable Descent
With the budget’s passage, the United States has reached a point of no return. A government that abandons its people will soon find itself fighting against them. The Second American Civil War has begun—not as a hypothetical, but as an unfolding reality.
I only just discovered this newsletter, page, collection of posts by the great Sir Salman Rushdie after reading about the upcoming release of Victory City. Looking forward to that and to catching up on the all the posts here. A long time fan.
Your Masterclass was illuminating for writers. Thank you. When my youngest son was a wee lad we wandered into a bookstore in Georgetown (DC). He wasn’t interested in what all the other kids were reading. He had devoured the mainstream and wanted something new. The bookstore owner was a gem. He asked Ry a few questions and handed him Haroun and the Sea of Stories and Luka and the Fire of Life. There is nothing more magical than watching a child become a reader.
I bought my husband the book and wrote To The Shah of blah with love ( it was a joke because he was Indian and his last name was Shah) we had a good laugh because he lives to tell a yarn, we both read the book and loved it
That is wonderful! My 14-yr-old loves stories too. I think I’ll give her Mr. Rushdie’s next ☺️
I can’t afford to join yet, but I love your books.
This is awesome Salman. Glad to have you on the platform. ❤️
This is awesome. It is... It is... It is undescribubble!
Wow! To think that the author of one of my favourite books “Midnight’s Children” is on here— better still, within communicable reach—is nothing short of phenomenal! Thank you, o’ Gods of Literature. And thank YOU, Salman, for your generosity!
It's remarkable to have this access.
Looking forward to your posts! I've long wondered why the serialization of novels hasn't been revived in newspapers and magazines, so curious to see how this works out for your new novel.
True. While reading about Dickens and his contemporaries, I often wonder how 'the novel' would feel like reading in a serialised manner.
I wait on pins and needles to see how this will turn out for you and for the rest of us Substack fiction writers who hope to make it a safe and inviting place for both writers and lovers of fiction.
....p.s.: delicious memory... standing outside an NYC theater waiting to go see a production of "Midnight's Children" when out of the Harlem night a ghost appears and glides up to the ticket booth.
"Two tickets for Auster, please."
"Full name sir?"
"Paul Auster."
You are absolutely my favorite author - and I have spent my entire life reading. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Brilliant, I look forward to hearing the stories you have to share
Really looking forward to your razor sharp wit
The Spark of Civil War: How the U.S. Budget Vote Set the Nation on Fire
A Divided Nation Takes the Final Step
The United States has crossed the threshold into chaos. In a stunning political betrayal, eight Democrats joined Republicans to pass a budget that slashes social programs, expands military spending, and rewards corporate elites. For millions of struggling Americans, this vote is not just a policy decision—it is a declaration of war on their livelihoods. The economic devastation and political fallout now set the stage for a violent civil conflict unlike any in modern history.
Economic Collapse and the Death of Legitimacy
The budget’s impact will be immediate and catastrophic. With deep cuts to social security, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits, millions will face eviction, food insecurity, and medical bankruptcy. Unions, already weakened, will be further crushed under new austerity measures. Meanwhile, corporations and defence contractors will see record profits, further fueling public outrage.
Public trust in government, already at historic lows, is now shattered. Many view the passage of this budget as proof that electoral politics no longer serve the people. Radicalized factions, both left and right, have begun mobilizing in response. Social unrest, once limited to protests and strikes, is rapidly escalating into armed confrontations.
How the Second Civil War Will Begin
Historical precedent suggests three immediate consequences:
1. State Defiance and Secessionist Movements
Progressive states like California and New York may refuse to implement budget cuts, triggering legal battles and federal retaliation. Meanwhile, conservative states emboldened by the budget’s passage—particularly Texas and Florida—may begin acting autonomously, accelerating political fragmentation.
2. Militias and Urban Warfare
With institutions collapsing, militias will take control in key regions. Rural conservative groups, heavily armed and hostile to federal authority, will seize local infrastructure. In cities, left-wing radicals and organized labour movements will clash with police and private security forces protecting corporate interests.
3. Foreign and Military Involvement
The U.S. military, now deeply divided, will struggle to contain the conflict. Some units may align with state governments, while others remain loyal to Washington. Global rivals, such as China and Russia, will exploit the chaos, possibly supporting insurgent factions or destabilizing U.S. allies.
Conclusion: The Inevitable Descent
With the budget’s passage, the United States has reached a point of no return. A government that abandons its people will soon find itself fighting against them. The Second American Civil War has begun—not as a hypothetical, but as an unfolding reality.
GQ
Trump is working for Russia. They have attacked America. Russia considers America and her allies its greatest enemy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-American_sentiment_in_Russia
RUSSIA IS ATTACKING THE USA
I thought that I was born shortly after Einstein died, suggesting a clear case of reincarnation.
History has not provided the necessary confirmation.
Thank you Salman, I’m here for our journey.
I only just discovered this newsletter, page, collection of posts by the great Sir Salman Rushdie after reading about the upcoming release of Victory City. Looking forward to that and to catching up on the all the posts here. A long time fan.
It's really amazing as always, Salman sir. Glad to see you on this platform. 😍