Lede
Violence is the weapon of the weak, not the strong.
What does not make sense
- Difference of opinion becomes a march to death.
- Leaders preach freedom while fearing other views.
- Aggression celebrated as strength when it is fear in costume.
- Democracies elect figures allergic to liberty.
Sense check / The numbers
- In 2023, political violence incidents in the US alone rose by 35%, according to the ACLED conflict tracker (ACLED).
- UK reports show hate crimes doubled in the past decade, with race and religion the most common targets (UK Home Office).
- The Edelman Trust Barometer (2024) found 63% of people believe their society is more divided now than five years ago (Edelman).
The sketch
- Scene one: A debate table. One person holds a book, the other a club.
- Scene two: The club smashes the table. The book flies. Both are poorer for it.
- Scene three: A silent figure writes: “My truth is not yours. But both breathe air.”
What to watch, not the show
- Authoritarian leaders who thrive on division.
- Laws stretched until aggression is called “debate.”
- Fear-mongers selling violence as patriotism.
- The steady erosion of the right to disagree.
The Hermit take
True strength is in restraint. Weakness howls, smashes, and fears.
When violence rules, stupidity wears the crown.
Keep or toss
Toss the hate.
Sources
ACLED – Political violence incidents data:
https://acleddata.com/
UK Home Office – Hate crime statistics:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2023-to-2024
Edelman – Trust Barometer 2024:
https://www.edelman.com/trust-barometer
Daily Mail – Threats against JK Rowling & hate speech online:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15091717/JK-Rowling-high-profile-figures-threatened-left-wing-voices-celebrating-Charlie-Kirks-death-Bluesky-liberal-alternative-X-forced-step-in.html
Satire and commentary. Opinion pieces for discussion. Sources at the end. Not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.