There can no longer be any doubt that the second American revolution is underway.

Members of the majority party came under armed attack in Virginia this morning.  66 year old James T. Hodgkinson of Illinois travelled to Virginia where he opened fire on a group of Republican lawmakers and others who had gathered for baseball practice in advance of a charity game against Democrat lawmakers scheduled for Thursday evening.

Hodgkinson has reportedly been connected with several anti-Republican groups.  His Facebook page indicated a strong dislike for President Donald Trump who he called a traitor.  Letters to his local newspapers indicate Hodgkinson has opposed Republican policies for year.

While no one but Hodgkinson is responsible for pulling the trigger there is plenty of blame to go around for the toxic rhetoric that continues to paralyze and polarize our nation.   The endless drone of hatred spewed by some elected officials and their supporters has elevated to levels not seen before in modern American history.  The so-called "main stream media" is only too glad to fan the flames of mistrust for purpose of profit and ideology.

College campuses, once the beacon of free speech and the free exchange of ideas have become dens of intolerance and indignation.  Dissenting viewpoints are no longer food for thought but rather fuel for divisiveness and violent reactions.  Vile entertainers use their fame to promote hatred and personal agendas.

It is clear America is at a crossroads.  The battle for ideas and direction has become bloody.  Hating has become a pastime for many in America and it is tearing us apart at the seams.

Pray for our great country.  I'm not sure we've seen the worst of it yet.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420