Extremism in USA : Increasing Problem

IMHO, we set the stage for our downfall not in the late 50s, but the mid to late 60s. Opposition to the Vietnam war both grew and legitimized the domestic left which had been to some degree crushed by J. Edgard Hoover in 1919.

 

Or its just inter-generational economic, social and scientific change at play. Anyone growing up in the 50's had a different view of the word to their parents growing up in the 20's who in turn had different experiences to their parents etc etc etc Why would anyone expect later generations to be different?

 

Oh they all are, but the problem is that they are more a symptom. People have been getting nuttier and nuttier for years. Maybe it started with the overbearing sports parents creating a generation of entitled people, maybe it is because Big Pharma has a pill for everything. IDK. Heard a story that a couple days ago a woman smashed out the glass in the door at a local hair place because they told her she would need an appointment as that was what the "By Appointment Only" sign on the door meant. That is not just normal irritated conduct.

 

I'd suggest that everyone start asking why extremism is becoming so prevalent. Things don't happen in a vacuum.

 

Good point. A symptom of..a culture going sideways..........due to overly aggressive stance on things...... and a sense of entitlement that is bound to backfire at some point. this phenomena is a study in sociology and psychology. Value systems are changing along with cultural changes. Actually , it is quite fascinating.

 

Far Right Extremism is DWARFED by Far Left Extremism

 

It is fascinating but it would nice to be a little more insulated from the crazy than I currently am. I really don't know what to make of it TBH. People from all walks of life are doing it.

 

People who are worried about being victimized by criminals should carry guns. People who arent worried about being victimized by criminals yet bellowing about 'extremists' seem a bit ridiculous. What are they so afraid of if not being victimized?

 

The man should be expected to pay for it.

 

Lol, it’s so stupid what people will call a terrorist these days. Breaking into a building is not being a terrorist. Beating up security guards is not terrorism. Stealing laptops is not terrorism. A couple unintentional deaths is not terrorism.

Shooting up a mall, blowing up buildings, taking children hostages at schools.... that’s the stuff terrorism is made of. Terrorist has become another meaningless label that everyone throws around.

 

The obvious answer is that their worried about the fate of their community and a country as a whole versus any immediate need for protection from garden variety crime. For many if not most people depending on the levels of crime in their local communities some stout locks, personal vigilance and their local Police on speed dial (plus insurance) may be all they need on a day to day basis. And at a basic level the need for the community to protect itself from crime is a unifying force at the local neighborhood/community level.

Widespread organized extremism (be it left or right wing) on the other hand divides communities into tribes and threatens the basic social bonds and democratic underpinnings of those same communities on a scale that under normal circumstances crime can't come close to doing.

 

I don't remember that well, can you cite some of the sources television used?

 

Gonna have to circle back on that.

 

I didn't offer any. It is something I head on TV.

 

LOL LOL LOL, that's freaking hilarious! It's cute when bored middle class kids try to find the validation their parents forgot to give them, in medievalesque LARPing

Meantime .....

1) Target Capitalism? Yeah, you kiddies just go and smash the very beast you love so very ardently. The beast which pays for your blue hair dye, your tattoos, your soy lattes, and the welfare you'll be reliant upon because you were too special (and lazy) to learn a useful trade.

2) Target the State? Sure thing - all you need to do is learn a useful trade and you won't need the State. And bonus - libertarians and Capitalists will be totally down with your feelings about the State, which I'm sure will please you immensely.

3) Paint your streets? Wow, that's going to change the world man. What a ****ing hero you are.

4) Fight injustice? Good idea. Start with the injustice of spoiled kids being too special to learn a useful trade, and so make themselves a burden on the taxpayer.

5) Squat your local empty? So **** the hard working family or elderly mom & pop who might have scrimped and saved to buy that building, but now don't have enough money to repair it to liveable state? Your special ass is entitled to live there rent free, right? - while the owner keeps paying the taxes and insurances. So much justice, so much compassion.

6) Help the Homeless? How? What exactly are you doing to help them leave homelessness? Or are you KEEPING them homeless by throwing money/stuff at them?

7) Drop banners? Yeah, more world saving stuff.

8 ) BE GAY DO CRIME? Get ****ed.

 

Oh..OK

 

Is this a Right wing nutty notion or is it a nutty notion being put out there by the oh so sane Left to keep the masses riled up? Just who is running Jonestown?

 

Here are the official definitions.....
Terrorism Definitions

International terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups who are inspired by, or associated with, designated foreign terrorist organizations or nations (state-sponsored).

Domestic terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism

 

Paraphrasing the definition offered by some USMC General years ago, terror is a natural reaction to external threats. Terrorism is the exploitation and manipulation of that natural reaction.

A terrorist is one who exploits that effect.

 

I trust your judgement of the problem as much as I trust my own.....
I only disagree with your solution. Fighting violence with more violence is not the best answer.
Declaring war on something will only strengthen it.
Look at "the war on drugs" or "the war on poverty"....what good has it done?
Arming everyone will not make the situation any less volatile.

 

I think you have it backwards. For example, the war on drugs is trying to take away drugs, but it just makes the problem worse. Taking away guns will likely be the same, and just make gun violence worse as criminals would be the only ones with guns and would not have to worry about armed citizens fighting back.

 

Extremism increases when people are afraid of the future and no longer trust the government of their country.

Force doesn't solve the problem. It only makes the extremists stronger.

 

I said nothing about "taking away guns" from anyone.
That's how misinformation gets started....by twisting words around to your own advantage like you just did.
What I'm saying is that "arming everyone" is not the best answer.
Everyone carrying guns around is not going to create a safer environment
for our children or anyone else.

 

Hmmm, I’ve never heard of any plan to make carrying firearms mandatory. Whoever wants to carry one, go for it. Whoever doesn’t want to, don’t. It’s perfect in its simplicity.

 

That's because you answered my reply to modernpaladin.
He is the one that suggests everyone should bear arms.