slowwavesleep@pm.me
September 13, 2025•267 words
It is a dark place in American politics that we have come to that this is what people think they have to resort to.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed — an act of horrific violence — a living tragedy for his wife and kids and the nation.
President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast this weekend. There are problems with this. Charlie Kirk was instrumental in President Trump securing a second term. A reporter asked of the president yesterday along the lines of: "Mr President, my condolences, how are you holding up?" to which the president's reply was (not a paraphrase): “I think very good. And by the way, right there, you see all the trucks? They’ve just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they’ve been trying to get, as you know, for about 150 years.” Flags flying at half-mast and the tragic death of one of his staunchest supporters doesn't seem to be near and dear to the president's heart.
Most of Charlie Kirk's views are of the far-right, and pretty horrific overall and anathema to views held by many liberals and conservatives. This young man must not be martyred—it is unnecessary, and unwise—we can mourn his death as another senseless murder by gun violence—a painful death for Charlie and the nation that shouldn't have happened. Heightened emotions must not amplify extremist views.
Will there be a day, soon, when gun violence will be relatively rare?
Let's hope so—we can do better than this.
Shootings every day in America: it doesn't have to be this way.