Ebb and Flow: US Politics over the years

Yes, sadly, its a f*cking cycle, saying it isn't doesn;t make it true....

"American politics is an ebb and flow. Hills and valleys, like the economic wave, up and down." — Wendy on Bsky.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? This sentiment often feels like the default setting for explaining the chaos that is U.S. politics. The idea of politics following a predictable rhythm—a wave-like motion of highs and lows, progression and regression—sounds comforting, almost poetic. But is it true? Let’s take a closer look, with a healthy dose of informal chatter and some good ol' fashioned cliches thrown in for spice.

The "Ebb and Flow" Theory: Riding the Political Wave

To begin, let’s break down this whole “ebb and flow” idea. The phrase conjures images of waves lapping at the shore—one minute advancing, the next retreating. It’s an easy metaphor for how politics feels: a progressive administration pushes forward, then a conservative one pulls back. It’s like political yin and yang, right? For instance:

• Civil Rights Movement: The 1960’s brought monumental progress with landmark…