“Early tomorrow morning, even the most serious critics, even those who have never written a kind word about the [guy], will whisper ‘Oh no’ into their phones when they hear what has happened…because in grief we are reminded that we’re human beings. In life, we might be enemies, but when faced with death, we see the truth: we are one species, all we have is each other, and where you go, I shall follow.” – Fredrik Backman (My Friends)

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10. This news has had a profound impact on the world and affected many people, including myself.

Here’s the thing: last time I checked, America was a free country, right? The Constitution’s First Amendment outlines a U.S. citizen’s right to petition as well as to freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. All without government interference. We know this to be true; we’ve lived, as a nation, aware of this fact for over 200 years. Yet a man was killed for exercising these rights. Isn’t it odd?

Kirk was a conservative political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality who co-founded Turning Point USA. TPUSA’s mission is to advocate for Christian values and conservative politics, and to educate the next generation. As the organization’s executive, Kirk would often speak and debate on college campuses and on various media platforms (such as his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show). He never shied away from sharing even controversial opinions, and he died for them. 

I’m not here to bash anyone for their beliefs, get all political, or claim to know everything about everything. I definitely don’t. I know enough to be surely disgusted by the hate in the world. Why are we like this? 

It saddens me to think that, when it comes down to it, yes, he was a guy who some disagreed with. However, he was also a son, a father, a husband, and a friend. 

My point is, we don’t have to keep choosing hate. As the saying goes, we can be the change we wish to see in the world. We can choose to love, to be kind, to be a friend. Let’s respect each other, remember that we have a voice, and use that voice to love well. 

In whatever way you see fit, be the change.