Political violence and extreme polarization are symptoms of deeper economic anxieties. When people feel economically insecure, they retreat into tribal identities and become susceptible to narratives of anger, which can escalate into violence.
A brain study revealed people prefer anger over joy or love. Anger is neurologically rewarding because it offers a simple, powerful feeling of being right and morally superior, making it a potent tool for political mobilization and a driver of tribalism.
Focusing on which political side is "crazier" misses the point. The fundamental danger is the psychological process of tribalism itself. It simplifies complex issues into "us vs. them," impairs rational thought, and inevitably leads to extremism on all sides.
Tragic political events rarely change minds. Instead, they function as Rorschach tests where people see what they want to see, using the event to confirm their pre-existing biases and deepen societal divisions rather than fostering unity or understanding.
Cable news and social media don't show the average person who votes differently. They blast the loudest, most cartoonish "professional lunatics" from the opposing side. This creates a false impression that the entire opposition is extreme, making tribalism seem rational.
When government spending is massive ("fiscal dominance"), the Federal Reserve's ability to manage the economy via interest rates is neutralized. The government's deficit spending is so large that it dictates economic conditions, rendering rate cuts ineffective at solving structural problems.
Don't approach the world feeling entitled to others' empathy. Instead, proactively give empathy, even to those you disagree with. This act is a tool for your own well-being, triggering neurochemicals of connection and making your own life better, regardless of how it's received.
Charlie Kirk's assassination resonated so strongly due to its rich symbolism—a political commentator shot in the throat while speaking. This symbolic narrative creates a more powerful and memorable public reaction than other political violence because it's emotionally potent.