The very freedoms that have enabled our Nation to achieve greatness have always created a vulnerability to be used against the law-abiding in an evil manner. Unfortunately, last week, as we remembered 9/11, the 10th of September became another day we must not forget.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the wife and children of Charlie Kirk. As they continue their journey in the mortal world, I can’t even imagine dealing with the aftermath of what occurred. Charlie was, by all accounts, a good Christian man and a great husband and father. His seat will never again be filled for birthdays, special events, and life’s milestones as his young children grow up. As I have learned about Charlie, I have no doubt his beliefs and life’s work have earned him a spot in heaven. I have trouble wrapping my mind around the senseless pain his family, along with all those who loved him, must now face.
To me, this is the greatest tragedy about what occurred on the campus of Utah Valley University as he began the American Comeback Tour. As I am penning this, the killer has just been apprehended, and I will not discuss the how, what, and whys or turn this into any type of political discussion.
On the day Charlie left us, he was doing what he loved: sharing his heart, mind, and beliefs, fueled by his Christian faith, with young Americans. He used his unbelievable passion and work ethic to take these ideas to places he would receive resistance, college and high school campuses. He would engage in open discussion with anybody and asked those with the greatest disagreement to move to the front. He had to know he would never change some points of view, but he never wavered and, from all that I watched, remained respectful and encouraging without backing down.
Charlie Kirk, as we learned, was a champion within the party he believed in. From the President on down the ladder, I have not heard anyone not praise and state the importance of his young presence and beliefs. He had climbed the ladder quickly after dropping out of college by earning respect. His Turning Point journey of investing himself with America’s young people has helped keep many enrolled at college while educating a future generation.
This is an amazing story with an ending we should have never witnessed. Let alone to have the brutality of his execution be witnessed live and then viewed by anyone interested on the internet. Think about the haunting effect of this on his children.
This takes me back to that vulnerability for individuals to do the most heinous evil acts to their fellow man. This was also witnessed by the Ukrainian woman who lost her life at the hands of a knife-wielding individual in a Charlotte subway car. God rest her soul. Whether it’s planes into buildings, a bullet or knife in the hands of a deranged or determined evil predator, that’s the world we live in. Evil can find a way and a weapon. The internet and technology of today create an opportunity for criminals to learn how and be celebrated for evil. It encourages copycat killers and pure hatred.
Americans must unite and come together in the name of self-preservation of everything that makes our Nation who we are. This disgusting violence cannot continue to be used for political power or viewership, whether it be the major networks or social media. No one should ever lose their life while using their freedom of speech, no matter their political views. As Americans, we must be smarter and use our common sense to see the truth, rather than letting it be tainted by personal political agendas. We must respect and mourn the tragedy of our fellow men, not share it in the negative manner I’ve watched by some.
Law-abiding American citizens must unite in the name of good to prevent this political division and violence from continuing. This idea of hate over agreeing to disagree must end. There must always be open conversation, honesty, and weighing of the facts available to everyone.
The inability to set aside political differences is dividing families, friends, and, of course, those who serve as elected officials. I’ve written many times that compromise has become a four-letter word. I have no doubt hate is a four-letter word. The big winner over division, whether it be family or country, is any adversary. Can you imagine how our enemies, from China to any lone wolf terrorists, view last week’s violence?
Hopefully, September 10th is viewed in the future as a day that opened Americans’ eyes for the good through unification as the world watches.
May God Bless and help our Nation.
