In 1963, a terror attack shook America when the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Alabama, killing four Black girls. This happened just before President Kennedy was assassinated. Two years later, the radical group Weather Underground set off a bomb in the U. S. Capitol. Both groups were upset because our democracy didn't support their views. They used violence because they felt left out and angry. Today, it's been four years since a violent mob stormed the Capitol to protest the 2020 election results.

Historically, our political system swings from one side to another, kind of like a pendulum. But recently, this swing has been faster and more drastic. We've gone from President Obama, to President Trump, to President Biden in just eight years. With each swing, the conversation gets hotter and people get more frustrated with the system. This can make them want to rebel.

In the past, people protested in the streets and occupied buildings. Now, a lot of anger happens online. This is risky because online rage can lead to real-world violence. The internet makes it easy to dehumanize others and spread false information. This mix can be dangerous.

Leaders should try to calm things down. They can train people to spot and stop harmful behavior. They should also listen to those who feel left out and avoid heated rhetoric. News outlets should focus on issues, not fighting words. We all should try to understand each other better.

This is hard to do because our country has big problems. President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away, dealt with tough times too. He tried to unite the country and focus on common ground. While his time in office was short, the country became more confident and prosperous afterward.

We need to decide if we want that peaceful path or a scary one. The time for action is here. But will it bring good change or destruction?

Politics and Violence: A Faster Swing

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