The appalling assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk [on Sept. 10] shook the nation to its core and must be a wake-up call to all Americans. Political violence is a dire threat to us all, and endangers Americans everywhere, regardless of where they live or what they believe. For the sake of our families, our […]
The appalling assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk [on Sept. 10] shook the nation to its core and must be a wake-up call to all Americans. Political violence is a dire threat to us all, and endangers Americans everywhere, regardless of where they live or what they believe. For the sake of our families, our children, and future generations of Americans, we cannot tolerate it under any circumstances.
Charlie Kirk was a father, a husband, a devout Christian, and someone who loved his country. He held strong opinions on controversial topics, and actively engaged in conversations with those who disagreed with his perspectives. That was his right, and his appearances on college campuses embodied a core component of American democracy — civil discourse.
But one’s stance on controversial policies should never amount to a death sentence. Charlie Kirk once said, “What we have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.” I encourage all Americans to stand united in the face of the violence and choose unity, not vengeance, compassion, not cruelty.
We are at a crossroads today. Political temperatures and tensions are running extremely high, fueled in large part by rhetoric that is not just blatantly false, but highly dangerous. The images of the events in Utah were shocking beyond words. And the vile reactions seen online, coming from radical leftists publicly celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk, show how deranged some have become and the significant challenges we have in front of us.
It is our duty as Americans to find a way to overcome them together. We must not let this heinous act spark further division of an increasingly fractured electorate. We must not allow violence to continue to escalate in the name of ideology.
Charlie Kirk’s wife and children must find a way forward without him. That’s what political violence does; it brings nothing but endless pain, suffering, and despair to all in its wake. It is a disgraceful means to an end, and we have all seen firsthand the devastation it brings to families, communities, and countries.
Today, as you go about your business at home, in school, or at work, remember what makes America so special: We are a nation full of diverse ideas and opinions, and they make us stronger. We have a tremendous capacity to set aside our differences and confront hatred while united as Americans. We did it after 9/11, and, unfortunately, today we must do it again. I am calling on all New Yorkers to put peace and understanding ahead of hatred and anger. I believe that is the only way forward after the recent tragic events.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 56, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
Will Barclay
