The madness of individuals

Another week and another highly publicized execution. Actually, two highly publicized executions. One shooting and one stabbing. Activist Charlie Kirk was gunned down at a Utah rally having taken a bullet to the neck, while a young Ukrainian woman was stabbed on a train by some arbitrary nut bag. Both quickly bled out due to their injuries while we watched in horror on the videos of both heinous acts. Not for a moment do we think these are the only murders in the world. Far from it. There are literally 40-50 estimated murders on this planet of ours and it boggles the mind how man goes to great lengths to off each other. Although the loss of life by violent act is appalling, any one particular act of violence that accomplishes the deadly deed may be perceived as more heinous than another. Our hearts and sympathies goes out to the two families of the slain and I cannot imagine what makes an individual execute another in the manner of which we witnessed last week. Few would argue that the last decade or so has been the most contentious as far as violence toward others is concerned. There are many that would argue things like inflation, political strife, workload, family problems and financial matters leads to more violence in the general society for some. That said, it seems like it's more than "some" that are going nuclear crazy. It's more like "many." In fact, both halves of the country's constituents think it's the other half that has lost it. Hence, we have one half the people drawing swords on the other half. Being an economic guy, and I don't mean to sound insensitive, because I really do feel for the victims of those hurt and the families of those killed, whatever the circumstance, the harder life is, the more mankind tends to be violent. I don't think many would argue that fact. Stress causes more stress, and that causes people to lash out. Opinions get amplified and that can manifest itself into a violent act, or many violent acts. Being born smack in the middle of the 1900s, I remember times when violence became more rampant, but I can honestly say the polarization of seemingly half the country pitted against the other half seems a new wrinkle and a serious one to boot. Reminds me of the Israeli/Muslim problem, our black and white racial past, and the Hatfields and McCoys, which is actually a true story about two families on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky in the late 1800s. I don't, nor does anyone else, really know the reason we seem to be at each other's throats lately, why half the nation hates the other half, or why people poke holes in other people using one weapon or another to initiate a bleed-out. But the fact of the matter is it seems so popular that an alien observer might deduce it's some sort of a sport here on earth, killing one another and all. This being an economic column and me being an economic guy, I can only say I truly believe making it easier and more affordable for people to obtain the things they need would help, if not a lot, at least a bit. Am I blaming our recent societal ills on inflation? Absolutely not, but something has mankind's dander up, and because it's so damned important we get a handle on this madness, I'll throw anything out there I can. In conclusion, let's offer our prayers and thoughts in our minds and our hearts for the victims and families of the madness that seems to permeate our societies and fellow peoples of the world. In the infamous words of Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along"? This article expresses the opinion of Marc Cuniberti and is not meant as investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, nor represents the opinion of any bank, investment firm or RIA, nor this media outlet, its staff, members or underwriters. Mr. Cuniberti holds a BA in Economics with honors, 1979, and California Insurance License #0L34249. His insurance agency is BAP INC. insurance services. Email: news@moneymanagementradio.com