By Matthew Hayward Buddhists are committed to the principles of non-violence, compassion, and non-harm. Every living being has inherent worth and dignity, and our actions should be guided by a deep sense of empathy and responsibility for the well-being of all. For these reasons, it is antithetical to support any political organization or philosophy that relies on force or the threat of force to achieve its goals. This includes, but is not limited to, governments and political systems founded on the principles of coercion, domination, or control. The use of force is inherently violent and coercive, running counter to the core principles of Buddhism. Buddhism teaches that our actions should be guided by a deep sense of ethical responsibility and a commitment to non-harm. It encourages us to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and understanding and to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts whenever possible. Moreover, using force by governments and political organizations often leads to the viola...

 By Matthew Hayward Throughout history, countless examples of governments and other entities have attempted to exert control over populations. The results have often been disastrous, whether through gun control laws, censorship, or other means. Here are just a few historical examples that demonstrate control's dangers. The Armenian Genocide: During World War I, the Ottoman Empire carried out a genocide against its Armenian population. The government disarmed Armenians and other minority groups before the massacre, making it easier for the government to carry out the genocide. Black Slavery: For centuries, slave owners in the United States and other countries used force and control to maintain their power over enslaved people. Slaves were often denied the right to bear arms or any other means of defending themselves, making it easier for their oppressors to maintain control. Soviet Terror Famine: In the 1930s, the Soviet government carried out a famine, (in a country I cannot mentio...