Why does politics turn to violence?

Politics has been a controversial issue because most of the time it involves unconventional and inhuman practices. The most common act of violence that involves the majority of people is war. It has been an issue all throughout human existence because many people have died for and because of war. But why does politics turn to violence? What are factors that lead people to evil means in attaining power? Why does it seem that it is just the only way to solve certain issues about politics?
Just a few months ago, one of the most unbelievable acts of violence due to politics has happened here in our country, the Maguindanao Massacre. Many people have been killed; most of them are women and journalists. The accused leaders of this massacre are the Ampatuan Clan. When I found out about this heart breaking incident, I felt so much grief and at the same time confusion. It got me thinking of how someone can be so heartless and evil to do such a heinous crime. And to think the people killed were innocent people who were just doing their jobs and fighting for what they think are right. Of course everything happens for a reason but I don’t think there would be reasons enough to justify such action.
In a larger context, mass killing has been a cultural phenomenon due to different factors (Bourke). In the book, it has been described that war or mass killing happens greatly in many places, any time because it is intentional. Killing can happen anywhere, anytime because everyone it is inflicted to most people. It was also said that because of history textbooks, the real cause or intention of war is being redefined to make it a justifiable action.
As I’ve said everything happens for a reason, everyone has their own opinion and intentions of acting. Bourke in the book gave three main reasons or excuses why people kill or hurt other people. First, there is retribution, during war soldiers would kill their enemies or shoot them. They do this instead of taking their enemies as prisoners because they feel obliged to kill those that have killed their own men. The second would be due to obedience, the main excuse soldiers or army men would say that they are just obeying what they were asked to do. They feel that they are obliged to do so by their leaders to also lessen the guilt. And the final excuse would be parallel response; this means that soldiers or men would be more willing to kill someone before they are killed themselves. I think this is a natural initiative for men to inflict pain to others. As described we strive to survive and even if we have to use or take advantage of other people, we will do it just so that we can survive and live. I think people, especially those that have been tasked to inflict violence, should provide themselves with sufficient reasons for doing their actions to keep them sane and to feed their conscience.
But when you think of it, of course not anyone would do such violent actions unless they are told to by someone who has the power. The people who would declare war most of the time are politicians, the leader of the country or certain state. Bourke described that war only takes place if the leaders feel that they would benefit from such or a threat is arising and so they have to protect their country or state from it. Economically speaking, sometimes war can benefit the country. It has been discussed in class that war can enrich the economical status of the country involved. There are also declarations of war due to territories. I think this has been one of the oldest reasons for war to happen. During ancient times, it has been an essential matter to declare war against other territories to gain that territory. And of course, sometimes there would be just some evil leaders who would lead his people to war due to evil reasons or evil thinking. Lately, competing political ideologies has been one of the most popular reasons why people fight against each other. Due to differences in ideas people would go against each other just to protect or defend their own beliefs. I think this is due to the reason that people are just really stubborn and we always have this intention to prove that we are better than others and such.
As I read all these facts about reasons people give to justify their actions, I can’t help but think that violence and aggression really runs in the nature of human beings. I guess for survival and also because of the reason that we have been deceived by the true intentions of war. I think violence is sometimes the answer to political issues because people can’t just think of other ways to solve it. Maybe because throughout history it has been an idea that gives good outcomes, except of course the fact that many people suffer and die. I don’t know and I will never understand the reason why violence still occurs but I do hope that this kind of acts will lessen. People have become more modern and rational and barbaric means should be eliminated in my opinion.