Will Kirk’s death be a turning point in political discourse?

“We’re in a war … Do whatever is necessary to save our democracy,” Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy urged. Shortly after, Charlie Kirk’s assassin(s) did just that. The flawed perception that MAGA supporters are threats to our republic runs rampant among indoctrinated college students, mainstream and social media, and leftists who excuse, rationalize, justify or applaud his murder. A patriot and Christian who patiently listened to, dialogued and debated with students was shot while exercising freedom of speech.

The mentality, rhetoric and obsession of radicals can lead to punishing and murdering those who disagree with their party line narrative. This is in lockstep with Marxism and its goals, turning antagonism into chaos, then revolution. All the while accusing their opponents what they themselves are ignorantly or knowingly doing themselves (projection). One strategy is create a “boogeyman,” then denigrate, sue, punish, and destroy him and his followers.

The father of the assassin helped turn in his own son, hard but right. I’d rather have a guilty and potentially repentant son face whatever penalty here than a far worse judgment for eternity.

Meanwhile, people who’ve been gaslit to believe Republicans and MAGA supporters are hell-bent on destroying our country, please learn from history, reexamine the realities of fascism, Nazism, dictatorship. These incendiary labels arouse anger and ignite violence, destruction and death. Will this tragedy awaken the conscience of our country? Or now be a returning point to sanity and civility when all people mourned the assassination of JFK and who valued human life?

Tim Bickel

Cedar Rapids