Two days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, my inbox floods with death wishes, exposing a nation where democracy is unraveling and hatred now paints me and others the target.
I’ve always been a registered independent and a pacifist. And I condemn violence as a legitimate response in every situation.
But reporters, journalists, talking heads need to STOP calling this an assassination! That term elevates CK to a stature that he did not earn, and he does NOT deserve! It merely glorifies his hateful rhetoric and makes him look like a martyr.
Next trump will declare a national holiday in his name, insist that he lie in state in the congressional rotunda for seven days where trump will give a 3-hour eulogy, then be buried in Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. FFS
Except…Trump skipped over his death very quickly to call attention to the beginnings of construction of his (yes HIS) ballroom. So…water under the bridge, though JD put Charlie on AF2 to get him home. Maybe there will be the early Xian martyr on his beat.
Yes, I saw that. How is it possible that this man is so clearly less together on his best days than Joe Biden on his worst days, yet his cult has no problem with him having the nuclear codes?
He might have done all of the above, if a Democrat had been responsible, however, as it was another Republican, he's moved on, nothing to see here folks. Look how wonderful my ballroom is going to be.
I totally agree. Yes, when trump saw who the shooter was and some of the videos and pictures of him, including his family history as well as his most recent political views, trump did an immediate 180. He quickly “moved on” to other topics, like his gawky, cringe-worthy ballroom”.
I was thinking that the "lie in state" thing would be happening, too, and then I saw tonight on television that half a dozen or so NFL teams are going to honor him somehow?! wth?
“NFL franchises, including the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals all held moments of silence or special recognitions. In baseball, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees paid tribute.”
“Five teams on Sunday opted not to hold a moment of silence or tribute for Kirk: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings.”
And some people still claim that he isn’t being martyred. Geez…
And you’re right. “The NFL did not officially honor the assassinations of Minnesota politician Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. However, the Minnesota Vikings chose to honor the Hortmans locally rather than participate in league-wide tributes for another high-profile assassination that occurred in September 2025.”
My sister and friends have attacked me for asking why the president has not addressed the CO school shooting that took place on the same day as Kirk's. I was attacked for saying that we must come together to have conversations to improve the safety of children when it comes to guns. I was attacked for saying that I was against violence and killing of anyone for any reason, but at the same time, I was having some conflicting feelings about him being gone since his influence brought so much violence against so many: women, LGBTQ, minorities, etc. Then, I was attacked for reminding them to refrain from speaking prematurely about the shooter and his political leanings or motives for his action. This has been a trying period of time in deciding on maintaining relationships with family and friends. What does one do in these cases?
I'm sorry to say, but it sounds like you have terrible friends. I don't call people my friends that have such extremely different view points on life and justice than I do. It's just not a combination that makes for very good friends.
Ani, as one who had and has difficulty with family respecting my personal beliefs, I can give you anecdotes. It’s not everyone’s ideal, but if there is a difference in morals I just don’t speak to the member about anything pertinent unless they speak first. Even then it’s just to give a reply. I know what I stand for and if they don’t like it, I have other ways of spending my efforts, time, and emotions. Over the years I have asked perfect strangers, when they bring up the subject, how they might handle a similar situation, every time they say it has been better to remove them from their life than take in the arrows and judgements. Live a happy life the way YOU curate it. Maybe it is time to let go of those who keep you in the nest for their own purposes. You can also let them know exactly this and if any future conversations go that way, you are out. You must mean it, or they will drag you back in. I guarantee it.
Whether or not they're good friends, You're stuck with your family. Just silently bow out of any conversation regarding this! My father and I used to always get into huge arguments over pretty much all political situations, and then he and I just decided not to talk about it- I know his thoughts, he knows mine. The two of us can still have good conversations on different realms! (he died two years ago, and I can't say I miss him :(, but our conversations did become less fraught...)
Has the country become so NUMB to gun violence since “ normalizing “ it, Merry? That’s sooo COLD 🥶 black 🖤hearted, apathetic, indifferent and callous that it just ANGERS me to the core ‼️
I totally agree. Obviously the NRA has a tremendous grip on politicians, particularly on the right. It needs to STOP! And keeps getting worse. (We can thank SCOTUS and Citizens United for most of what’s happening now in America.)
There are literally now more guns than citizens in the USA! And Kirk actually said this:
On gun violence -
“I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the second amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”
– Event organized by TPUSA Faith, the religious arm of Kirk’s conservative group Turning Point USA, on 5 April 2023”
Just 2 months ago we had to Minnesotan lawmakers attacked. 1 killed, another seriously wounded. There was no outcry like this. This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side.
Actually 2 months ago we had four Minnesotan lawmakers attacked, a wife and husband killed, and their family members (in-laws, husband and wife seriously wounded). There was definitely no outcry from many of any on that side like this. The out cry came from democratic and independent parties. Trump waved off the reporters asking him for a response, if he was going to speak with the family, and if he was going to attend the funeral. You are right, stating "This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side."
"Just 2 months ago we had to Minnesotan lawmakers attacked. 1 killed, another seriously wounded. There was no outcry like this. This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side."
Greed is another terrible symptom that is destroying our country and the world. Another seemingly uncurable disease rotting the core foundations of society.
By a person who had mainly the same beliefs - so what exactly had Charlie proposed that this shooter didn't agree with ? It makes no sense to me ! Far too many young white males spending time with nothing positive in their heads ! Unless this was a shooting that was planned as a provocation to rile up the RW in their ambitions of a furious R/L war or merely a complete distraction from the Epstein 'problem' ? NOT successful as nobobdy has forgotten that issue !
The shooter may have agreed with everything Kirk said, including that deaths are necessary to preserve gun rights. Can't know what went on in his head so these are just guesses: trying to "help" Trump by getting the focus off Epstein, desire for fame, desire to stoke fury at Blues . . .
Apparently Groypers are very Nazi-ish, and they hate Charlie Kirk because he made some pro-Israel remarks, and they hate Ben Shapiro because he's a Jew.
Perhaps the parents of this shooter should also be arrested as co defendants...after all they reared him, they immersed him in gun culture..they are as much to blame - they are just as culpable
That was my first angry response. And then I reconsidered. Arresting the parents will solve nothing. If they were to speak out and say they were WRONG to have raised a family this way, perhaps people will listen. Wishful thinking I know.
Yep...he is being martyred for sure. Yep...he was shot, and he died from his wound. He should not have been shot, but it is what it is. Sorry if that sounds too calloused.
He was shot and killed. Much like the other what, hundred plus other people were the same day? Assassinated would proclaim he is a politician. He was a tick tock influencer who had strong connections with a lot of politicians. He was not one. So, let’s talk about the babies in schools, scared. To go, to play. To exist safely. Enough talk about this social media douche. Move on. Epstein files.
Keep writing the truth. Like you I hoped this was a moment when those in power could get together and condemn political violence in all forms but instead those currently in power seek to increase the hateful rhetoric. Thank you for speaking up and out and it concerns me that our political discourse is in jeopardy because of the violence encouraged by the right.
Tragic that Sandy Hook did nothing to rock the nation like the killing of a young Nazi has.
Exactly.
I’ve always been a registered independent and a pacifist. And I condemn violence as a legitimate response in every situation.
But reporters, journalists, talking heads need to STOP calling this an assassination! That term elevates CK to a stature that he did not earn, and he does NOT deserve! It merely glorifies his hateful rhetoric and makes him look like a martyr.
Next trump will declare a national holiday in his name, insist that he lie in state in the congressional rotunda for seven days where trump will give a 3-hour eulogy, then be buried in Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. FFS
A 3 hour eulogy of blathering nonsense since Drumpf is a motor mouthing babbling idiot, Merry.
I just told my husband these very thoughts!
Pam is spam
reported
Yep, thanks!
Except…Trump skipped over his death very quickly to call attention to the beginnings of construction of his (yes HIS) ballroom. So…water under the bridge, though JD put Charlie on AF2 to get him home. Maybe there will be the early Xian martyr on his beat.
Yes, I saw that. How is it possible that this man is so clearly less together on his best days than Joe Biden on his worst days, yet his cult has no problem with him having the nuclear codes?
He might have done all of the above, if a Democrat had been responsible, however, as it was another Republican, he's moved on, nothing to see here folks. Look how wonderful my ballroom is going to be.
I totally agree. Yes, when trump saw who the shooter was and some of the videos and pictures of him, including his family history as well as his most recent political views, trump did an immediate 180. He quickly “moved on” to other topics, like his gawky, cringe-worthy ballroom”.
Thank you!!!!! Exactly!!!
I was thinking that the "lie in state" thing would be happening, too, and then I saw tonight on television that half a dozen or so NFL teams are going to honor him somehow?! wth?
OMG - it’s true!
“NFL franchises, including the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals all held moments of silence or special recognitions. In baseball, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees paid tribute.”
“Five teams on Sunday opted not to hold a moment of silence or tribute for Kirk: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings.”
And some people still claim that he isn’t being martyred. Geez…
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/charlie-kirk-nfl-moment-of-silence/
Beyond disgusting. Did they do this for Melissa and Mark Hortman, murdered in Minnesota? I highly doubt it.
And you’re right. “The NFL did not officially honor the assassinations of Minnesota politician Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. However, the Minnesota Vikings chose to honor the Hortmans locally rather than participate in league-wide tributes for another high-profile assassination that occurred in September 2025.”
Do you condemn using the graves of Nazis as public all-gender bathrooms?
Well, that’s a leap. Why would you even ask me that question?
Because they’re a troll.
Apparently
Because it's non-violent
I guess that depends on intent. In any case it’s a ridiculous question, particularly considering the context of this whole discussion.
Not at all........no stalls.....just open pits and rolls of paper.
My sister and friends have attacked me for asking why the president has not addressed the CO school shooting that took place on the same day as Kirk's. I was attacked for saying that we must come together to have conversations to improve the safety of children when it comes to guns. I was attacked for saying that I was against violence and killing of anyone for any reason, but at the same time, I was having some conflicting feelings about him being gone since his influence brought so much violence against so many: women, LGBTQ, minorities, etc. Then, I was attacked for reminding them to refrain from speaking prematurely about the shooter and his political leanings or motives for his action. This has been a trying period of time in deciding on maintaining relationships with family and friends. What does one do in these cases?
I'm sorry to say, but it sounds like you have terrible friends. I don't call people my friends that have such extremely different view points on life and justice than I do. It's just not a combination that makes for very good friends.
Ani, as one who had and has difficulty with family respecting my personal beliefs, I can give you anecdotes. It’s not everyone’s ideal, but if there is a difference in morals I just don’t speak to the member about anything pertinent unless they speak first. Even then it’s just to give a reply. I know what I stand for and if they don’t like it, I have other ways of spending my efforts, time, and emotions. Over the years I have asked perfect strangers, when they bring up the subject, how they might handle a similar situation, every time they say it has been better to remove them from their life than take in the arrows and judgements. Live a happy life the way YOU curate it. Maybe it is time to let go of those who keep you in the nest for their own purposes. You can also let them know exactly this and if any future conversations go that way, you are out. You must mean it, or they will drag you back in. I guarantee it.
Wise words, and so true.
Whether or not they're good friends, You're stuck with your family. Just silently bow out of any conversation regarding this! My father and I used to always get into huge arguments over pretty much all political situations, and then he and I just decided not to talk about it- I know his thoughts, he knows mine. The two of us can still have good conversations on different realms! (he died two years ago, and I can't say I miss him :(, but our conversations did become less fraught...)
You'd think he was JFK from the reaction.
Has the country become so NUMB to gun violence since “ normalizing “ it, Merry? That’s sooo COLD 🥶 black 🖤hearted, apathetic, indifferent and callous that it just ANGERS me to the core ‼️
I totally agree. Obviously the NRA has a tremendous grip on politicians, particularly on the right. It needs to STOP! And keeps getting worse. (We can thank SCOTUS and Citizens United for most of what’s happening now in America.)
There are literally now more guns than citizens in the USA! And Kirk actually said this:
On gun violence -
“I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the second amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”
– Event organized by TPUSA Faith, the religious arm of Kirk’s conservative group Turning Point USA, on 5 April 2023”
https://www.everytown.org/press/what-you-need-to-know-about-trump-and-the-nra-ahead-of-his-speech-at-the-convention/
https://www.opensecrets.org/outside-spending/detail/2024?cmte=National+Rifle+Assn&tab=summary
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/11/charlie-kirk-quotes-beliefs
As John Pavlovitz said: they decry empathy as a weakness and a sin, but now the same people are demanding it from those they vilified for having h it.
Thank you!!! Exactly!!!!
Wishing you and your family the best. We live in a very ugly world. Glad my parents and grandparents can’t see what is going on. Stay safe
Agree
Just 2 months ago we had to Minnesotan lawmakers attacked. 1 killed, another seriously wounded. There was no outcry like this. This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side.
Actually 2 months ago we had four Minnesotan lawmakers attacked, a wife and husband killed, and their family members (in-laws, husband and wife seriously wounded). There was definitely no outcry from many of any on that side like this. The out cry came from democratic and independent parties. Trump waved off the reporters asking him for a response, if he was going to speak with the family, and if he was going to attend the funeral. You are right, stating "This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side."
"Just 2 months ago we had to Minnesotan lawmakers attacked. 1 killed, another seriously wounded. There was no outcry like this. This man said That some gun deaths are our penance for the god given right to own guns. Fate seems to have an ironical side."
I don’t recall hearing about the 2 family members. Must have missed that on the nightly news.
And the dog.
Dog must have been a Democrat, too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_shootings_of_Minnesota_legislators
Michael, thinking Trump will ever do the right thing is pure insanity.
Folks like Trump, and his regime, who feed on the hate, chaos, and fear created by greed, racism, and religious bigotry are not going to change.
I hope you can stay the course, Michael, your honest and forthright opinions are a beacon of light in these horribly dark times.
I think it's important to focus on what we know and state it succinctly:
A 22 year old, a white male skilled shooter & Nick Fuentes fanboy (aka groyper) murdered Kirk.
Correct?
Live by hate, die, accordingly -- irrespective of it not being a 'sword' because the instrument of death is just that, an instrument.
The disease that motivates its use is the issue.
When humans halt those who PROFIT by HATE the species will actually have evolved.
Current indications are that extinction is far more likely the outcome for our species.
Greed is another terrible symptom that is destroying our country and the world. Another seemingly uncurable disease rotting the core foundations of society.
Hang in there Michael. I appreciate your writing and your voice.
Sadly, I think MAGA just wants to stoke revenge.
Not an assassination, but a murder. He was not an elected leader, he was a private citizen. He was killed for his beliefs.
By a person who had mainly the same beliefs - so what exactly had Charlie proposed that this shooter didn't agree with ? It makes no sense to me ! Far too many young white males spending time with nothing positive in their heads ! Unless this was a shooting that was planned as a provocation to rile up the RW in their ambitions of a furious R/L war or merely a complete distraction from the Epstein 'problem' ? NOT successful as nobobdy has forgotten that issue !
The shooter was a Groyper. They're rabid followers of Nick Fuentes, and they hate Charlie Kirk.
Yep! They don't think Kirk was extreme enough.
Where did you find that Tyler was a Groyper? All I could find was that they "thought" he was one.
The shooter may have agreed with everything Kirk said, including that deaths are necessary to preserve gun rights. Can't know what went on in his head so these are just guesses: trying to "help" Trump by getting the focus off Epstein, desire for fame, desire to stoke fury at Blues . . .
Apparently Groypers are very Nazi-ish, and they hate Charlie Kirk because he made some pro-Israel remarks, and they hate Ben Shapiro because he's a Jew.
If you'll look up the definition of assassination, you'll see that Charlie Kirk's murder does meet the definition.
I did. And you are correct. Thanks.
I'd like to see the Republucan gun-toting parents who raised the murderer of Charlie Kirk step forward and call for all of this to stop.
I would like to see Kirk’s widow step forward and say the same.
Don't hold your breath. . .
I would never want a child I raised to have a moment of believing this okay.✅
Perhaps the parents of this shooter should also be arrested as co defendants...after all they reared him, they immersed him in gun culture..they are as much to blame - they are just as culpable
That was my first angry response. And then I reconsidered. Arresting the parents will solve nothing. If they were to speak out and say they were WRONG to have raised a family this way, perhaps people will listen. Wishful thinking I know.
He was not assassinated. He was shot and died from his wound.
Please don't elevate his death to assassination level.
Exactly. Using the word “assassination” elevates him and his violent rhetoric to a level of martyrdom that he did not earn and does not deserve.
Yep...he is being martyred for sure. Yep...he was shot, and he died from his wound. He should not have been shot, but it is what it is. Sorry if that sounds too calloused.
Very good understanding of the topic at hand. One thing I disagree with is the notion that we are still living in a Democracy. Sadly, we are not
He was shot and killed. Much like the other what, hundred plus other people were the same day? Assassinated would proclaim he is a politician. He was a tick tock influencer who had strong connections with a lot of politicians. He was not one. So, let’s talk about the babies in schools, scared. To go, to play. To exist safely. Enough talk about this social media douche. Move on. Epstein files.
Keep writing the truth. Like you I hoped this was a moment when those in power could get together and condemn political violence in all forms but instead those currently in power seek to increase the hateful rhetoric. Thank you for speaking up and out and it concerns me that our political discourse is in jeopardy because of the violence encouraged by the right.
Michael, you do what is right for you. We, of course, want to hear from you....but if you step away for a bit for your own mental health, go for it.
We all need to step away for a moment.
Tomorrow is another day - a new opportunity to set things right.
“…human life is more sacred than political power…” !!!!!!!