A Serious Interlude- Hate Crimes, Ultranationalism, Gun Violence, and more.

The media has dubbed the last three days 72 Hours of Hell. During this time, we've seen 13 package bombs sent to various Democratic politicians, figureheads, and CNN. We've seen a hate crime- racially charged- occur within ten blocks of my house. We've seen a man walk into a place of worship in Pennsylvania and open fire. When we discussed these issues in class today, it certainly got me thinking. So I suppose I'll run down the list. I think all three of these attacks were hate crimes. There is no question to me that the synagogue attack and Kroger shooting were. I believe the bombs sent to  CNN and Democrats are also a hate crime. It shows such hatred of another's ideas that you are willing to kill them for their thoughts. After all, aren't politics and religion both ideas? These tie in to my next point of Ultranationalism. This ideology of violence is worryingly growing. Polarization of American politics is causing a sense of combat for power rather than cooperation for the good of the country.  Ultranationalism is dangerous to democracy. Defended and encouraged by a president who has condoned violence in the past, extremists are more willing to strike out. This point is tied to the next- Gun Violence. The man who attacked Kroger abused his wife, threatened to kill his family, had his guns taken multiple times, and yet was still given back his weapons. The man who attacked the Pittsburgh synagogue used the 1488 nationalist- white supremacist symbol and tweeted about HIAS- a Hebrew immigration foundation- bringing in 'invaders' , saying "I'm going in." The bomber had threatened to bomb a company before. Where do we draw the line on access to weapons? The point that regulating guns would be difficult is valid, but not insurmountable. It's clear to me that the synagogue shooter was dangerous and the Kroger shooter was at risk of snapping any second. We cannot have such a deep party divide if America is to survive.