I’m appalled less by the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk than I am about some of the responses, especially on Micro.Blog wherein pointing to his political views but nothing else serves as subtle but obvious implication that he had it coming.

Kirk was a great American because he was a man of conviction—who exercised the blessing of liberty in defense of views he was convinced was true. Indeed, yes, so were Melissa Hortman (and her husband, Mark), and John Hoffman (and his wife, Yvette) who were also great Americans who lived a life dedicated to the principles of advocating for policies and political views they were deeply convinced about. That Kirk was ardent Conservative and Hortman and Hoffman ardent Democrats does not diminish their greatness as models for civic living that the rest of living should emulate and follow.

Words and ideas are not violence, violence is violence. I disagreed with Kirk on much (especially Trump), agreed with him on some things. I had the pleasure of having TP kids in my class over the years (all of whom were deeply respectful of all views, loved engaging with their center-left and hard-left classmates in the spirit of free speech). Kirk had firm positions, but then, so does everyone else. Many will say Kirk was full of hate and bigotry because of an assumption that they’re the sober, moderate ones, but it’s possible that Kirk was moderate and his critics the radicals—that’s an uncomfortable proposition few on the left want to consider. (And, yes, one that few on the right will consider about themselves)

One thing that I noticed over the years is that once his first kid was born, he slowly began moderating himself from the agonistic contrarian to the leader of a movement that he wanted to direct toward better, higher, noble things (like family, faith, and open discourse). It is way too easy to point to a radical sounding clip or quote out of context from years gone by; it is too easy to make his death a clarion cry for more aggressive anti-constitutional policies in the name of righting the injustice.

What’s harder… much, much harder, is reflecting on the man as a man, the American as an American, on objective terms free of partisan bias.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Rest in Peace, Charlie… And may perpetual light shine upon you.