Albuquerque Muslim Killings: Likely Not Hate Crime but Possible Mental Health and Violence

Interesting turn of events in the case of The Albuquerque killing of 4 Muslim. At the current time it does not appear the killings were hate related but stemming from other events (Still undefined). We never really know something until there is an investigation and we understand events from a more hindsight and factual basis. That is why it is often best before making definitive conclusions and statements (Possibilities and probabilities are more accurate.)

Apparently, there were three other prior domestic violence charges brought against the alleged perpetrator and subsequently dismissed. Likewise, some movement of rifles and weaponry (Was this related to easy access? We probably have people who study these issues.). No indication yet of mental health issues (Looking at each case leads to greater understanding of why and how certain behaviors unfold. I have seen the destructiveness of hate sparked by mental health. We need better systems of managing it and holding to account poor behavior in an empathetic way.)

It will be interesting to find out if there was a specific issues that caused the dispute. We may also want to understand if there was prior violence overseas (Historical perspective). In other words, a full understanding of the history of such individual could tell us about how we vet and manage such issues in the future.

There is a point to be made here. Assumptions are hard to make in many cases. One could easily jump to conclusions, and I do this sometimes as well, but should always be open to the possibility of alternative explanations. Having an open mind and willing to accept facts, and their strength, as they come is important for better decision making. 

In this case, targeting 4 Muslim men was all over the news. It is still a factual statement, however it may not be a hate crime or indicative of what actually happened (It happens. Its part of journalism to explain and we often explain concepts based on limited information.). Before we can solve our problems we must see things for what they are and that means being open to objective facts. The more detail we have, the more we can define the issue.

Let us see what the case brings....

Suspect in the killings of Muslim men in Albuquerque makes his first court appearance

You may want to look at a study on community based violence. While the study doesn't specifically state this and focuses on kids within communities there is a sense of community inclusion and exclusion factors (Another argument for universalization of values and institutions so that major sectors of society are tied to a shared perspective). Studying these factors helps us to think about how individuals and groups are formed and why they select their target(s). That also leads to the creation of better detection methods that in turn helps families targeted by hate and rage. 

Community Violence in Context: Risk and Resilience in Children and Families

(Before you get all excited I and write about those things in our society that are of a major concern. You will find posts on science, economy, politics, and extremism which are all national development issues. I am trying to understand and I think along that process it could be helpful to others. Perhaps someday we may get lucky and find a solution or two. I know In know!!! I do have a Muslim sounding name!)

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Aisenberg E, Herrenkohl T. Community Violence in Context: Risk and Resilience in Children and Families. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 2008;23(3):296-315. doi:10.1177/0886260507312287

Death Threats Against Public Officials (DOJ)? The implications

Recently we have had death threats against public officials of all types that include politicians, judges, law enforcement and others (Notice intentional fear creation and risk of violence. Its important for categorization reasons). That anger is directed against the FBI among groups of what appears to be far right extremism. See FBI agents, Garland and Wray see increased death threats after Trump Mar-a-Lago raid: sources. What happens next is going to be interesting and the way in which we step will be an important one.

The threats indicate increased online chatter and with a background of paramilitary sacking of our Capital we should probably start taking domestic extremism/terrorism seriously. (Notice how domestic threats follow similar patterns. One could analyze that chatter and the people involved to ensure they are actual people/profiles and what other associations they may have with each other and other outside entities. None of this is new. Contingency planning for various scenarios and situations is important.)

For example, when groups begin to chatter about violence, group norms seem to indicate a level of heightened aggression and some of the groups have the potential to create violence we should be concerned. Its the same on a national level as it is on a local level and one often filters to the other. 

The same social mechanics of socialization, normalization and radicalization seem to occur in the online and offline world. Any ideology can be twisted for political gain. The key is how social connections spread information and who it reaches and how those groups form their identities. Depending on their chatter it could easily lead to violence as individual responsibility is minimized in the group's head.

What we will want to see is if there are questions about why a raid has occurred that we trust in a process and people will review that process to ensure accuracy/purpose. Such process can create more insight into behaviors such as innocence or guilt (For example, both sides many benefit by whatever the truth is and lead to increased transparency of government in general.). They are not yet a determination but only an investigation.

In this country everyone is innocent until proven guilty (That is everyone!). Furthermore, we should hope our politicians will support processes, change if they don't like, but work within the system. As soon as members of governance split to work outside the system, we might see a second round of problems. 

In the end, our central American values will win out because it is the best and most prosperous way forward. It could be a constructive lesson on who we are supporting (not party specific) and the danger of hyper politics (not party specific). Freedom isn't free and talk should have purpose and meaning. There should be limits to some types of behaviors.

My side is always with the Constitution, the needs of the whole society, my own moral conscious (perspective of God) and working through problems such as these to improve the entire democratic system. Dealing with the sleeping monster under our beds in a thoughtful national renewal that seeks to find bi-partisan solutions and clearer definition of the core values that make one an American/"American" (i.e. build our collective consciousness around key values we all share).

Let where everyone starts walking. Me, I'm going straight forward and encouraging people to think wisely about politics, people, and our futures as a system. We shall overcome and be better for it!

The Chip and Science Act of 2022: Its not the details but the general legislation that is necessary.

The Chips and Science Act of 2022 $52 billion to bolster the semiconductor industry and general $280 billion to compete against China. Here is some Information from the Commerce, Science and Transportation Senate Committee HERE. They are a little long and I sort of briefed them in review. You will want to read through yourself to understand the bill. It is important to be a knowledgeable citizen (Who says democracy doesn't required informed choices. This is one reason why we support Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.)

Its not the specifics of the legislation that is my main issue but the need for such types of legislation to push our innovative industries forward. That is if we want to be at the center of the Digital Era (...and likely the next platform of economic development) and advanced manufacturing we need to make our nation is the center of innovation and new products. 

In other words, if we want to lead markets we need to be the best ROI return place on the planet (i.e. pack investing in clusters that can push things like semiconductors and associated industries forward. See innovative clusters.). Investors, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals/scientists come to the U.S. (i.e. Delta County Model) because they trust our values, infrastructure, institutions and they have a higher likelihood to succeed here based on actual performance (not nepotism). Such investment acts to help to push us to the center of the investment world by ensuring retention and development of local domestic talent (That can help, among other things, create a cycle of investment and development as seen in perpetual economic development. I know! I know! Another stupid idea!).

Murder of 4 Muslim Men in Albuquerque, New Mexico Violates Our Values

In this country we have freedom of religion and freedom of speech. You can worship any way you want as long as you are not hurting or harming people (Think of the bigger issue as it relates to our core values.). The religion doesn't matter (Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc. etc.) what does matter is certain rules that apply across society. The murder of 4 Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico violates those values.

The investigation may find one person or a small group of people engaged in the crimes. I have also experienced a level of radicalism and hate (The Muslim sounding name just throws everything into haywire. Meaning we have inappropriate anchoring when we hear certain terms and words. That also means there may be people with inappropriate anchors and metal health aggression out there trying to hurt people. Whether its a single individual and/or a group of extremists I believe there are very similar mechanics behind both).  

Its not fair and its no place for others to determine who should live, how people should worship, or whether or not they can even get to the grocery store without having a problem (Whether individuals or groups. Most of these people can't run their own lives so take it out on others. They are not qualified to determine how others should live their lives.) Once Individuals/groups sort of "normalize" distorted values it is up to society (and its institutions. i.e. police, judges, etc..) to resocialize them to our central American values. 

This is why we don't give free pass to hate because certain values and beliefs percolate in society and then become long term embedded. I'm very curious that when/if we find this person (s) what he/her/they say was the reason. Was there mental health issues involved? Multiple failures to put this person in mental health (i.e. MI. Track and Solve) to help save themselves and others from the emotional rampage of hate and rage? 

This may also be a place where Muslims work closely with local police to help build bridges, develop protective strategies, and support our ideals as a nation.

Where Does the Manafort and Russia Trail Lead? (Maybe Somewhere, Maybe No Where)

Where does the bread crumb trail lead and does it circle back into a January 6th, 2022 riot? The potential mass uploading of data, coordinated para military extremist activities, Russian election interference, a few public comments that make your head scratch, pre knowledge of events, color coordination during the capital sacking, a few geopolitical issues and a couple more things? None of that means anything until there is a fairly clear line drawn between these different activities (Its far out there and maybe none of it ends up being true. Its just a remote remote possibility.). 

We don't know....lets let the concept of ruling for the people by the people make its way through our American system to reclaim ground in revitalizing our democratic principles (Constitution). This is a necessary investigation to ferret out any misunderstandings in terms of risks both foreign and domestic to our democracy in alignment with national oaths (Yaaa I know sometimes oaths are inconvenient but that is why we maintain them as a higher standard of duty.). Institutions become conduits of values from one generation and era to the next in a way that creates generation stability (i.e. why politicians shouldn't devalue or politicize our institutions. Pushing them to change and adjust is normal but to devalue them unnecessarily also starts to devalue that which holds us together.)

Now let us not jump to conclusions on everything that is happening with this investigation (I admit it doesn't look good and the trajectory has important implications). People are innocent in this country until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt (I think that is how people say it. Justice is such a confusing word sometimes. 💨). Thus objective investigations lead to objective results. 

The law is the supporter of societal values to ensure accountability and continuity of consensus in democratic decision making (i.e. Congress and Senate)  "Men submit from habit to everything that seeks power." Friedrich Nietzsche

Our justice system is clunky and in need of an overhaul but its heart is in the right place. As long as it continues forward to adjust more closely with each generation to focus on truth, wisdom, and moral conscious everything will turn out as it should (Its a kooky thing to say. There actually is a little philosophical basis to that comment rooted in our time honored traditions of respect for the inherent value of life/freedom as individuals. i.e. democracy is an individually empowered system with collective outcomes versus other forms of governance such as communism which emphasizes collective decision making and collective outcomes. Its philosophical in orientation I think. 🤓).

What would concern me is that if one were to sort of step back and see Russia involved in various places and times that could be an indication of the possibility, however remotely, of a constructed coup attempt (Now...you can't just make a statement like that and it is an unsubstantiated hypothesis. Russia may not be involved at all but thus far it looks like at various places their finger prints were found...but you can't say that for certain until its supported by evidence. So I'm saying a possibility that is not backed by fact {...be careful with the deeper meaning of fact}. It is only a possibility should further investigation lead to greater insight as to a plausible association of actors and events. If research/investigations can't find further connections to support such a hypothesis then we would have to look for more accurate explanations. If one were to find further connections between actors and events it would be important to chase them down to visualize any strategies being used and in turn patch our holes {When a strategy is used it is also played and can be learned from}. In general, we should always seek to understand phenomenon/events in our world. Scientists, philosophers, historians, are part of the same functions needed by society. They push us to grow and change by asking the question "What if?"  Only time and truth will answer that question. Lets sit back and watch how things unfold.)

Manafort Owns Up to Passing Campaign Data to Suspected Russian Agent

China and Taiwan: Escalation and Display

China's escalatory behavior in response to a recent visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicates a level of seriousness as it relates to the island of Taiwan and as a display of China's growing military strength. The strategy of isolation is a simulation but definitely a sign they would isolate the island under certain circumstances. There were multiple purposes that include signaling intent, displaying capabilities, and a direct challenge over their "sphere of influence".

We are at a place where as a nation we should become increasingly strategic about our choices and options. Thus behaviors should be deliberate and well thought out. Our time to start moving down the line of national development is needed. While we still hold some strategic advantages economically and militarily they are not in a comfortable margin. Doing nothing is no longer an option (We had this complacency problem for 20+ years and move our knowledge overseas, didn't maximize our human capital, and in many ways didn't see opportunities that would have allowed for smaller corrections.)

The problem is that from a political standpoint we have a hard time getting different sides to focus on what is most important for their country and people (Many are interested more in pleasing personalities within their specific demographic supporters or party stakeholders without thinking about the wider needs of society and democracy in general). National development should be a primary concern (Economic, innovation, education, advanced manufacturing, research, etc...basically some national development concepts I have been bringing up from time to time. Economic Cluster), bi-partisan solutions will get us moving (Greatest Threats Decisions and Human Capital), and universalizing our institutions will grease the wheels of human motivation and restore the power of Capitalism (Econ-Psychological Needs). 

(I think we will master these challenges but will do so as response to increased environmental pressure versus proactive looking "over the horizon" intentionality. Once the ball starts rolling it will grow because we know its really the only path forward that leads to the greatest options. If there is one thing Americans are good at is putting the full force of human freedom to overcome unique challenges. I advocate for general national development and solidarity of purpose in preserving our democratic way of life. This isn't specific to any conflict (China or Russia) but to the need to continuously develop and grow. i.e. learning organization that evolves Red Queen. We will need our leaders to be serious about governance, the type of people we select to those lead positions (best and brightest versus "connected"), and our ability to rally around our central American values. We don't need people tearing us apart for their own selfish needs or eroding our strength through political nepotism. We have to perform in these positions to maximize our resources. I know! I know! I'm an "idealist" with a Muslim sounding name....probably a dumb idea! Some don't feel with that with a Muslim sounding name I'm not even qualified to work a part-time adjunct class at a local community college. 🤔 So you might want to think things through for yourself and come to your own conclusions.  🤷)

The Hierarchy of Thought and Its Use for Marketing

 The mind is an amazing entity and researchers don't have all the answers when it comes to understanding the complexity of our internal environment. In the world of marketing, having a basic sense of cognitive science helps us to understand how such things like thought categorization can lead to real dollars in corporate pockets. Science isn't passive, its more active and can be used to solve all types of problems of which some we can see and some we are not even aware (I have a DBA so I'm applied in science and like to see how things function in their natural environments. This is why I advocate for greater university-industry-government coordination on key areas of development. Studies like this may not seem important but can be useful in innovative thought, attracting innovative thinkers, designing websites that lead to tangible results, attracting investors, etc. We exist and function more in digital world and online thought processes count.)

Thought categorization allows us to ponder the way in which people process information and recall that information for use and utility. When advertising to potential customers you will want to know how they interpret information on your website and in turn the reasoning/networks used to motivate a purchase (i.e. a purchase prediction). With a proper site you can not only attract the right kind of people with pre-existing interest but also move them down a line of thinking that leads to an eventual purchase.

Our neocortex is a computational structured prediction machine that uses conceptual thought and common sense reasoning to make decisions (Williams, 2019). We constantly take in information from our surroundings and then move toward greater awareness of life, ourselves and the world around us. This is why humans adapt to master new challenges and incorporate new knowledge into their mental banks.

There is going to be variability in terms of awareness between different peoples. This is why we have different kinds of advertisements focused on attracting certain people from various backgrounds. Different people will see different things in their environment based on their personal make up and level of development. For example, there could also be issues as they relate to intelligence and perception. If one is not exposed, doesn't have the intelligence to understand, the biological sensory equipment to pick recognize details in their environment, or is so rooted in false assumptions they may not see their environment accurately. 

As of yet we are not stagnant creatures. One can improve their ability to understand their environment, increase the ways in which they categories information, and improve the pathways for information recall. The brain is like a muscle and the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. Perception is also a learned and the more we reflect on our environment, the wider and deeper our perception becomes. We can be active or passive about our environmental mastery. You can tell the difference between goal directed behaviors (i.e. in need a new pair of socks) and non specific goal directed (i.e. I feel like I want to buy something today.)

What does all that have to do with marketing?

Our world is full of different marketing and information pieces that compete for our cognitive attention. That attention allows the ideas to penetrate a hierarchy of thought and activate associated networks. For example, you might think of red, then an apple, then your aunt's apple cider because the apple construct was associated with your aunt. Perhaps something as small as a single word or image (an associated image can be placed) pushed the association down one path such as aunt's apple cider versus the apple pie you had at a friends house last Thanksgiving. 

We create advertisements to tap into some of our inner experiences, emotions, symbolisms and feelings to produce a psychological and physical response. This is one reasons why some advertisements appeal to different ages and demographics. Thinking of how different advertisements appeal to teenagers and some appeal to more seasoned adults based on messages, imagery, symbolism and meaning. When we add further information that attracts cognitive style and personality we have deeper Neuromarketing through psychographics (The tools are different then the process). 

How do categories help marketing?

When one becomes familiar with the hierarchy of different symbols, values, and perceptions of groups and customers they can improve ROI on marketing activities through focused campaigns. This is one reason why marketers slice and carve the market. It is also why marketing has fundamentally changed in the online world. There will be the possibility of create ever so slight differences in marketing to activate specific neural networks (i.e. As a side point, this is why we want to protect data, break it into smaller storage databases, not collect some types of data and encrypt the information we already have. The era of Wild West on data is coming to a close because its powerful. There is too much important stuff out there.)

Bloom, B.S. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives. Vol. 1: Cognitive domain. New York: David Mckay Company, Inc.

Daniel Williams (2019) Hierarchical minds and the perception/cognition distinction, Inquiry, DOI: 10.1080/0020174X.2019.1610045