Tommy,</p>
IF it does hit the fan, I don't think it'll be North vs. South. I believe it's going to be the "haves vs. the have nots" which may break into demographics of the country. </p>
A hypothetical situation.</p>
OK, the government just spent (or is about to), $2,000,000,000,000. Umm, who has that money? The government doesn't. OK, where are they going to get it? The only places that were viable were either Japan or China. Well, guess what. They're in a recession now as well and don't have that money to lend. So, our government is just going to have to print it. What do you think the value of the US dollar is going to be if they just print up that much more? It's not going to be a lot. As the dollar falls, inflation increases. At that point, who's got money to buy things (like food)? Actually, consider money almost worthless.</p>
So, then to survive, you need food, clothing and shelter.</p>
Without going into a lot of details and scenarios, the rural areas have the means to survive. The urban areas are going to have some issues. Personal and property defense will be needed.</p>
Demographically, I believe it's going to be primarily the border areas of the USA scrambling (or fighting) against the interior portions of the USA. Over 50% of the US population lives within 50 miles of an ocean. That's a lot of people in a relatively small amount of the country. They'll need to move inland for food. Their approach will determine how things go. If the gang-bangers come inland thinking their 9mm pistol is going to be "the law of the land" when they hit rural areas looking for food and such, they're in for a seriously rude awakening. If things are more civil, bartering occurs and such, it'll be better.</p>
As for guns, I don't think our government is stupid enough (but who knows...) to even attempt a full-scale revocation of the 2nd Amendment and full confiscation of the guns of the populus. If they do, too many bad things will happen. They'll be tossed out of office, possibly jailed (for failure to uphold the Constitution or at least contempt). Military and law enforcement at this scale wouldn't play (come and get the guns). They know all to well that to get someone's guns, they're most likely going to get the ammunition first. BTW, it's illegal for the military to engage the people of the USA.</p>
Enough for now.,,</p>