Political violence and its devastating fallout seemed to be rising within the cultural framework of the United States. This unacceptable development must be reversed, and politicians of all parties and persuasions should feel entirely free to speak their beliefs openly and without censorship. Debate and the free exchange of ideas are a cornerstone of American democracy, and leaders must continue to both show courage and demonstrate conciliatory initiative.
In the hours following the assassination of conservative political figure Charlie Kirk, the Republican Governor of Utah Spencer Cox gave remarks regarding the murder that had taken place in his state. He commented, “Our nation is broken.” He highlighted some of the other extreme political violence that has taken place in recent months, including the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, the firebombing of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and the successful murders of Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
One of the primary issues appears to be that speech has been redefined as inherently violent, a position often repeated by young people who are shaping the culture of the future. In the College Free Speech Rankings, a survey put out shortly before Charlie's assassination, an astonishing 34% of current college students believe that violence is an appropriate response to speech that they do not like, up a whopping 10% from just four years ago. The trend is both accelerated and alarming.
The original intent of our national design was, in fact, the very opposite, with nearly unfettered expression extended to all Americans. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wrote on the matter, “Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins.” Particularly given how the American Revolution was initiated largely through debate, in opposition to the tyrannical oppression of the British crown, its guaranteed preservation should be a core apprehension of not only elected officials but of every patriot concerned with the future of their nation.
The President, who narrowly survived his own assassination attempt last summer, was quick to strongly condemn the ongoing rhetoric that typically manifests on the left. “It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree, day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible.”
However, even in the immediate aftermath of Kirk's murder, people spoke about him in the most negative manner possible. They applauded his death, his killer, and some even suggested his wife should be likewise murdered simply for having supported him in life. Not even the gruesome video, which shows the fatal neck shot, could cause these demons to hesitate or reflect on the sanctity of life.
While Charlie's strong Christian values would call on him to forgive both his killer and those who celebrate his untimely death, it is critical that Americans use his assassination as an opportunity for growth and a moment to take steps back towards each other.
What steps can be taken to facilitate political healing in the United States? Is social media to blame for the growing trend in political violence?
Hilary Gunn is a Connecticut native with a degree in Criminal Justice from the George Washington University. She works for a nonprofit and has previously collaborated with the CT GOP as an activist, political campaign manager and field director, and social media organizer. She is currently serving in her fourth term of municipal office and has previously acted as a delegate on the Republican Town Committee.