As an Iranian-American with deep roots in both the Safavid Dynasty and the Cilician Crusaders, my understanding of history has been shaped by both the grandeur of my ancestry and the brutal realities of political violence. As a former vegan, former socialist, and someone who served as Executive Director of CAIR-Columbus, my journey through different ideologies has been complex. However, what remains clear to me is that radical ideologies—whether from the far-left or far-right—are a direct threat to the fabric of our society. The recent shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO has brought this issue to the forefront, and the suspect’s admiration for the Unabomber highlights a dangerous trend in extremist thought.
The suspect in the UnitedHealthcare shooting was found to have left a Goodreads review that described Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, as an “extreme political revolutionary.” This admiration is particularly chilling, as Kaczynski’s manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future, advocates for the violent dismantling of modern technological society and the return to a more primitive existence. Kaczynski's belief that technology is the root of human suffering resonated with him so strongly that he became infamous for his violent campaign against those he deemed responsible for the destruction of humanity.
Kaczynski’s manifesto is an insightful yet deeply troubling text, and the fact that someone could see him as a “revolutionary” rather than a criminal terrorist is a testament to the allure of radical ideologies. In my own journey, I have witnessed how radical movements, often masquerading as movements of liberation or resistance, can lead individuals down a dangerous path. As an ex-Muslim and former socialist, I have come to realize that such ideologies, in their extremism, offer little but division, violence, and destruction.
The Unabomber’s ideology, like many of the ideologies I once subscribed to, is built on resentment. It thrives on disillusionment with society and its systems, promoting the belief that the world must be destroyed in order to be saved. This mindset is not only harmful, but it also erodes the foundations of civilization. As a Christian conservative LDS and Freemason, I believe in the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the sanctity of life. Radical ideologies that promote violence, such as the ones Kaczynski espoused, are fundamentally incompatible with these values.
It’s not just the left-wing anarchism of Kaczynski that should concern us—extremism, in any form, is dangerous. The radicalization of individuals can often be traced back to a failure of society to provide the support, education, and moral foundation necessary to combat such extremes. In my experiences, whether in the Islamic world, among the far-left, or even in some radical elements of the far-right, I have seen how ideologies that reject traditional values, faith, and unity create fertile ground for extremism to thrive.
The suspect’s fixation on Kaczynski should serve as a warning. We must recognize that, just as radical left-wing ideologies can breed violence, so too can the radical right, and both must be equally condemned. As a society, we must encourage critical thinking, religious faith, and the values that promote peace and order over destruction. From my personal perspective, the growth of radical ideologies can be curtailed not through further division, but through education, faith in a higher power, and commitment to justice.
In conclusion, while it’s easy to see radical extremists as isolated cases or fringe elements, the reality is that ideologies like Kaczynski’s have gained traction among certain segments of society. This is why we must confront such ideologies head-on, understanding their seductive power while rejecting their violent conclusions. It is through embracing the values of compassion, faith, and respect for life that we can prevent such tragedies from becoming more common.
Citations:
- Kaczynski, T. (1995). Industrial Society and Its Future.
- "Unabomber’s Manifesto: A Revolutionary or a Terrorist?" The Guardian, 2021.
- "UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting: A Case of Radical Ideology." Fox News, 2024.
- "The Dangers of Extremist Ideologies in Society." Psychology Today, 2023.
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