Politics of Violence

Is Violence America's Addiction?

How Bad Do We Need Our Fix?

Can Violence can ever be the Answer?

Divide and Conquer has no place in a Democracy.

Violence always begets Violence in this world.

If an ideology is solid and really meant for the common good, then why would there need to be such division? Divide and conquer can never be used for the common good. By nature it is meant only for a common few to dominate.

In this world, we all have some sort of heartbreak. Dashed dreams, broken relationships, ideals trashed, and all forms of dishonor and disrespect. Even though we live in perhaps one of the greatest countries on earth, we are more divided than ever. And it seems to me that we are bent on expanding that breach to an unrepairable level.

"In choosing democracy, we must exhibit tolerance for ideas with which we disagree.  When we choose intolerance, we leave our democratic values behind, which is the real enemy of our Constitution. We must argue, debate and deliberate in good faith. And we must be willing to listen, learn and change our minds." (Intolerance, the real threat to our Democracy) 

Democracy requires dissent. Without opposing sides, we cannot see a broader and deeper perspective so that better decisions can be made. The reason this is so true collectively is that it is also just as true individually. We must learn to see both sides, listen to both sides, and do our best to seek understanding; knowing that no one is better than another person and that sides are nothing more than the stories we allow in our heads. We all have reasons for thinking the way we do. Our values and beliefs are anchored deep in our soul, so much so that they become a part of us. Our values and beliefs become our identity, whether we realize it or not. That’s why when someone disagrees with us, it feels like a personal attack. Because, in a way it is.

And yet, knowing full well that we feel attacked when someone opposes us, we turn around and intentionally attack them back. No longer is it inadvertent or unconscious. Suddenly our emotions flare up and we go at it using our best tactics of war that we have. We all have a very extensive box of war tools that if we proceed without conscience or empathy, can do a lot of damage. We go into a mode of operation that embraces a language of war. Anytime we think we are right, we must make others wrong if they disagree. Anytime we use labels and call names, we demean the other person so that we can gain the advantage. Anytime we dominate the “other”, we have made them the enemy that we become hell bent on destroying.