YOU WERE A GOOD SPORT, CHARLIE KIRK

It’s hard not to suspect that the violent, dehumanising rhetoric of the radical left—on the rise since 2016, that year of Brexit and Trump—has somehow led to the cold-blooded assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk earlier today. But given that the climate of division is already febrile enough in both the USA and the UK, what good does it do to add more poison to the rotten apple that is the illusion of democracy, tolerance and free speech in the West right now?

Nothing.

What matters most is that a precious human life was unforgivably taken too soon. A young man of 31, he leaves behind a wife and two young children, as well as a generation of young men and women whom he played a pivotal role in persuading toward a more patriotic and optimistic vision for America’s future in the 21st century—even if many of his detractors might argue otherwise. It’s even possible he might have been president one day. Charlie’s future was unquestionably bright, and now the future of the country he loved seems increasingly dark. For what does it say about these times that someone as decent as Kirk could be targeted simply for reaching across the table to talk to those who loved to hate him?

Whether you agreed or disagreed with Kirk, no one with any intelligence could possibly dispute his good grace and absolute reasonableness in demonstrating the importance of engaging with those who didn’t share his views, and inviting them—regardless of hostilities—to join him in debate.

This Christian man, who would talk to anyone without malice or aggression, was dangerous only because he was indefatigable—unswayed by insults or screaming protestations on university campuses across America.

We can only hope this disturbing event doesn’t act as a lightning rod for greater division in America—though judging by the gleeful celebration of his murder on many social media platforms tonight, it’s hard to see that as being remotely possible.

But if Charlie’s legacy means anything in the wake of his brutal death, it is that it is always better to engage than to retreat, and always better to speak your truth—even when others refuse to listen—for one day they may hear the message in the quiet doubt of their troubled minds.

Rest in peace, Charlie.