In “The Murder of Charlie Kirk” by the WSJ:
This is all the more tragic because Kirk built his movement, Turning Point USA, the old-fashioned way: through political debate. His method was to appear on college campuses and welcome all comers to take him on with questions and opposing points of view. He did this amid the height of cancel culture and the worst of screaming mobs on campus who wanted to shut down conservative speakers.
This is a now dangerous moment for the country, which could descend into a cycle of political violence that would be hard to arrest. President Trump survived two assassination attempts. In June two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota were shot, one of whom was killed. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home was firebombed in April. Three years ago a contemplated assassin gave himself up outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s house. Rep. Steve Scalise was shot in 2017 and Rep. Gabby Giffords in 2011.
At the same time, the political rhetoric is at a pitch that could hardly be higher. Losing the next election means the end of America, each side says, and the political opposition is often portrayed as not merely profoundly wrong or mistaken but intentionally trying to destroy the country, shred the Constitution, institute fascist rule. The crazy rage on the political left is especially acute at the moment given Mr. Trump’s polarizing Presidency.
Unbelievable news.
I feel despair by the tragic murder of Mr Kirk.
I liked him - even if I disagreed with some of his views - because he advocated for and engaged in dialogue, and held in-person debates so as to challenge those with opposing views. He was also a right-winger strongly opposed antisemitism.
Today, college students - more than ever - are in need of debate.
What happened in Utah was evil - people should not be living in fear for their lives for engaging in public discourse.
Violence must never be the answer.
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I really like Bill Maher’s podcast, and I enjoyed listening to his recent interview with Mr Kirk.
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