Radicalization has many forms

By Robert Blanner, North Las Vegas

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 | 2 a.m.

We are hearing a lot about people becoming radicalized. The killers in San Bernardino were radicalized, but becoming radicalized is not limited to extreme groups. Countries can become radicalized. Adolf Hitler was successful in radicalizing a country to the point that hatred toward certain groups led to many atrocities in Germany. One might accuse Donald Trump of radicalizing a large group of vulnerable people in the U.S.

Webster’s dictionary defines radicalization as extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions or institutions.

Parents can radicalize their children, whether intentional or not. It is like a parent becoming upset with their child when they hear the child say a vulgar word. When asked where they heard that word, they say, “From you, Dad.”

When Hitler was cleverly rising in Germany, most Germans were saying there was no way he would ever become chancellor of Germany. History can be a great teacher.

Be careful what you wish for. Believe me, I am not trying to radicalize you.