I’ll be honest. I had never heard of Charlie Kirk before yesterday. That makes me mostly uninformed. I knew not one thing about him.
I have taken the last several hours to read his thoughts and beliefs on a variety of subjects. They are, at best, dehumanizing. Kirk used those who disagree with his points of view as a springboard for those who worshipped him, creating converts to his often misogynistic, antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ beliefs. He will become a symbol and a martyr for those who believed his vitriol.
With that said, Kirk did not deserve to die for his beliefs — his beliefs — just like I don’t deserve to die for mine. Just like six million Jews didn’t deserve to die for theirs. Just like nearly 3,000 people didn’t deserve to die 24 years ago on this day, Sept. 11.
John Wise
Portland
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less