Author: PSE Guide

  • The Link Between Extremism and Political Ideology

    The Link Between Extremism and Political Ideology

    Hate groups and extremist organizations in the U.S. are often linked to various ideological movements, making it challenging to assign a clear political party affiliation. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and FBI reports:

    1. Right-Leaning Associations: Many hate groups exist, such as white supremacist organizations, militia groups, and neo-Nazi factions. They are often linked to far-right ideologies. These groups frequently oppose diversity and inclusive democracy while promoting conspiracy theories. Their activities and rhetoric often align with broader “hard-right” or ultraconservative movements rather than mainstream Republican politics​.
    2. Historical Context: Historically, some hate groups have aligned with political movements on both sides of the spectrum, depending on regional and temporal contexts. For example, white supremacist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, were affiliated with the Democratic Party in the South. This occurred during the segregation era. However, in more recent decades, these groups have gravitated toward far-right ideologies​.
    3. Anti-government Extremism: Many anti-government groups such as militias—often reject political institutions altogether, labeling both major parties as part of a corrupt system. Their primary allegiance is to their ideologies rather than a political party.

    It’s essential to differentiate mainstream political parties from the extremist ideologies of hate groups. Some hate groups may attempt to align themselves with certain political narratives. However, they generally operate outside the scope of conventional politics. For further detailed information, you can review reports from the SPLC and FBI, such as the SPLC’s “Year in Hate and Extremism”​

  • Universal Ways to Live as a Good Citizen & A Guide to Kindness Across Religions

    Universal Ways to Live as a Good Citizen & A Guide to Kindness Across Religions

    1. Live with Love and Compassion

    • Christianity: Jesus taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
    • Buddhism: The concept of Metta (loving-kindness) encourages compassion toward all beings.
    • Islam: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best among you are those who are best to others.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)
    • Hinduism: Ahimsa (non-violence) teaches kindness and respect for all living beings (Bhagavad Gita 16:2).

    Practice kindness, help those in need, and show empathy to all.

    2. Be Honest, Just, and Fair

    • Christianity: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)
    • Buddhism: The Eightfold Path (Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood) promotes honesty and ethical living.
    • Islam: The Qur’an commands, “Stand out firmly for justice.” (Qur’an 4:135)
    • Hinduism: Dharma (righteous duty) teaches integrity and truthfulness in all actions.

    Always act with honesty, fairness, and integrity in personal and professional life.

    3. Serve Others and Give Back to Society

    • Christianity: “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant to all.” (Mark 10:43)
    • Buddhism: Karma Yoga (selfless service) emphasizes doing good without expecting anything in return.
    • Islam: Zakat (charity) is a pillar of Islam, requiring Muslims to support the less fortunate.
    • Hinduism: The Bhagavad Gita (3:19) teaches that selfless action leads to spiritual growth.

    Engage in charity, volunteer work, and help those in need.

    4. Seek Wisdom, Self-Discipline, and Personal Growth

    • Christianity: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
    • Buddhism: Mindfulness and meditation help develop self-awareness and inner peace.
    • Islam: The Qur’an encourages seeking knowledge: “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
    • Hinduism: Jnana Yoga (path of wisdom) teaches that knowledge leads to enlightenment.

    Keep learning, stay disciplined, and grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

    5. Live with Gratitude, Humility, and Peace

    • Christianity: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
    • Buddhism: Impermanence (Anicca) teaches acceptance of life’s changes with humility.
    • Islam: “If you are grateful, I will give you more.” (Qur’an 14:7)
    • Hinduism: Moksha (liberation) is achieved by surrendering ego and material attachment.

    Be grateful for what you have, stay humble, and live peacefully with others.

  • Understanding Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America

    Gun violence remains a critical public health issue in the United States. Each year, approximately 40,000 people lose their lives to gun-related incidents, including homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Alarmingly, firearms are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. While mass shootings attract significant media attention, daily incidents of gun violence in communities contribute substantially to the overall toll.

    Research shows that states with stronger gun control laws generally experience lower rates of firearm-related deaths. Additionally, suicide accounts for more than half of gun-related deaths annually. Safe storage, universal background checks, and community-based violence intervention programs have all demonstrated effectiveness in reducing firearm injuries and fatalities.

    Addressing gun violence through evidence-based policy measures and community engagement remains essential for enhancing public safety and protecting lives.

    Over the past two decades, the United States has experienced significant fluctuations in gun-related deaths. Here’s a summary of firearm fatalities from 2005 to 2024:​

    YearTotal Gun DeathsGun HomicidesGun SuicidesOther Gun Deaths
    200530,69412,35217,0021,340
    200630,89612,79116,8831,222
    200731,22412,63217,3521,240
    200831,59312,17918,2231,191
    200931,34711,49318,7351,119
    201031,67211,07819,3921,202
    201132,35111,10119,9901,260
    201233,56311,62220,6661,275
    201333,63611,20821,1751,253
    201433,59410,94521,3861,263
    201536,25212,97922,0181,255
    201638,65814,41522,9381,305
    201739,77314,54223,8541,377
    201838,39013,95824,4321,000
    201939,70714,41423,9411,352
    202045,22219,38424,2921,546
    202148,83020,95826,3281,544
    202248,20419,65127,0321,521
    202346,72817,92727,3001,501
    202441,12015,80024,500820

    Note: “Other Gun Deaths” include accidental discharges, legal intervention, and undetermined intent.

    Key Observations:

    • Overall Trend: Total gun deaths have generally increased over the past two decades, peaking in 2021 with 48,830 fatalities.​Pew Research Center
    • Gun Homicides: After a significant rise during the early 2020s, gun homicides have declined in recent years, reaching 15,800 in 2024.​
    • Gun Suicides: There has been a consistent upward trend in gun suicides, with numbers peaking at 27,300 in 2023 before a slight decrease in 2024.​Pew Research Center
    • Recent Decline: The year 2024 saw a notable decrease in total gun deaths, dropping to 41,120, the lowest since 2019.​

    These figures underscore the evolving nature of gun-related fatalities in the U.S., highlighting both areas of concern and progress.​

    Data sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pew Research Center, and The Trace.