Revolting Against Moderation

 September 14, 2025- Sunday

There are some people who consider me a pessimist. There are not many people who embrace that moniker. Most people who reject that label, call themselves realists. That is what I am, a realist. Too many times, I mention something that is a negative thought or observation only because I can foresee that negative things may happen. This is not because I am clairvoyant but because I have seen human behavior repeat itself too many times, so the probability is high. Unfortunately, I am right again. 

Charlie Kirk, a conservative advocate, was murdered Wednesday as he was answering student questions at Utah Valley University. Kirk was murdered because of his political beliefs. As I k new would happen, there have been liberal-minded people who believe it is okay Kirk was murdered because he did not agree with liberal ideologies. 

To be fair, many liberals have come out saying violence should not happen. The point of this writing confronts the fact that we have a huge problem that anyone would even have the thought that murdering someone because of their political belief is tolerable.  

Political views have become so polarizing because those ideologies are so opposite of each other. Couple that diversion of belief with growing intolerance of others and there is angst. This angst too easily becomes hatred and violence results. 

Rhetoric is harsh. Politicians use inflammatory language to get media attention. This spews from both sides of the issues. There are some calling for less inflammatory language, however, no one seems to be interested in calming their language. I don’t know if this societal decline can be checked and turned around. Too many people want to be heard, and they want everyone living their lives the way they think is right. There needs to be some degree of moderation in our social exchanges, but too many people now see moderation as weakness and revolt against the whole idea of moderation. 

We need more restraint and consideration and less anger. We can work to influence others through thoughtful dialogue. Violence should never even be a thought.