A tragic national harbinger

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has revealed much about the state of our nation. Yes, Kirk was a public figure, but also a husband, father, and fellow citizen. His death should have inspired sympathy, even from critics of his politics. Instead, thousands took to social media to mock, ridicule, and celebrate his murder. That so many would cheer the death of a man simply because of his beliefs is a sobering reminder of how far society has fallen from even the most basic standards of decency. Scripture warns that when people do what is right in their own eyes, the result is corruption, chaos, and grief. Sadly, we are living in that reality. This single event is no doubt a national harbinger of a country at a crossroads.

The sheer number of celebratory posts was staggering. From cheer coaches to school board members, from employees at companies to ordinary citizens, many proudly displayed their joy that a man had been assassinated for his beliefs. Videos and memes were shared openly, mocking Kirk’s wife and family. Social media, once intended to connect communities, has become a tool for hate and destruction. What used to be whispered in dark corners is now shouted from digital rooftops without shame. The willingness of thousands to revel in another’s murder shows not only the hardness of hearts, but also the presence of a darker, more sinister cultural current rising within our nation.

This is more than mere political division. It is evidence of an evil spirit growing in the culture, one that despises God, family, and truth. And when a record of these disgraceful comments is compiled—such as the website gathering public posts of those who mocked Kirk—mainstream outlets like Wired rush to condemn the collectors as “right-wing extremists.” Think about that: the outrage is not over people rejoicing at an assassination, but that their words are being preserved as evidence. Fortunately, those who engaged in such vile mockery are already facing consequences, with several being fired or suspended from their jobs. Liberals decry this as an attack on free speech, yet they ignore the accountability that comes with exercising that freedom. They overlook that they celebrate a murder that silenced the free speech of a fellow citizen.

Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences. Every word carries weight. With rights come responsibilities, with responsibilities come accountability, and with accountability come consequences. Those who mock the dead, especially one’s husband, father, and fellow citizen, should not be surprised when their words cost them. The deeper tragedy, however, is not in the firings or suspensions. It is that our society has reached such a place where political animus overrides human decency. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Let us stand in solidarity with what is right and good in the sight of God, and hold accountability against the tide of darkness trying to overtake us.

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