by Tony Hudson, Stevensville
Charlie Kirk single-handedly built one of the greatest movements of young Americans in our nation’s history — a fearless debater with an unequaled love of family, God, and country. Now he is gone, assassinated.
How does this happen? How does a 22-year-old become an assassin? It happens when the constant drumbeat of extremist ideology takes hold of those in our society who lack balance. The death of Charlie Kirk lies squarely at the feet of such ideological extremism.
Let me be clear: Charlie Kirk’s assassin was clearly influenced by leftist ideology. But make no mistake — this is not confined to one political party. There are extremists and globalists hiding behind both “R” and “D” labels, spewing hateful rhetoric. These self-proclaimed “righteous” voices, who seek to purge all who disagree, unleash their own brand of fire, fury, and dehumanizing language on anyone who dares to dissent. They are no different than Stalin or Robespierre.
Even more disturbing are those who hide their extremism beneath the steeple of a church, twisting our Christian faith for political ends. This not only mocks our politics but also desecrates Christianity itself.
Sadly, this American tragedy has no end in sight. The parents of this young assassin have now handed their son over to the state for execution. Another family destroyed. Another failure in America.
We would all do well to remember the words of John Donne: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” Are we not all part of humanity? Are we not all connected? You cannot cut away part of your country — part of your soul — without suffering the loss yourself.
Do not let yourself be consumed by hate, fear, or revenge. Do not allow fear, frustration, or convenience to replace conscience. Do not sleep while the foundation of liberty crumbles beneath us. Among you are the future leaders of this great nation — for you are greater than you know.
This, my fellow Americans, is a time to act. A time for the calm and thoughtful to lead the silent majority — the 85% of us who live in the middle — and to defeat the extremists who hide behind the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the very country they seek to destroy, whether through intent or ignorance.
If you want to honor Charlie Kirk, engage. Stand up. And make this truly a turning point for the USA.