By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The murder of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk, while a tragedy, has been swiftly followed by the right’s attempts to blame the left and weaponize the event to further their agenda. Despite Kirk’s history of making hateful and inflammatory statements, his death is being used to call for persecution of those on the left. Prominent figures are already scapegoating opposing political views. The article highlights the hypocrisy and potential dangers of this response, particularly the tendency to overlook Kirk’s problematic views in favor of a narrative that benefits the right.
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Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because it’s so easy to get lost in the aftermath of events, especially when emotions run high. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, it’s crucial to remember the man he was, the words he spoke, and the impact he had. Ignoring that reality, especially when the narrative tries to sanitize his legacy, would be a disservice to the truth.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because when you delve into his public statements, a clear picture emerges. He wasn’t just a conservative commentator; he was someone who often trafficked in divisive rhetoric, targeting vulnerable groups with hateful remarks. Consider his comments, for instance, about the value of gun deaths to preserve the Second Amendment, or his assertions about Black women and their “brain processing power.” These aren’t just disagreements on policy; they’re statements that dehumanize and marginalize.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because his views extended to social issues, revealing a deeply troubling perspective. His comments on LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for the stoning of gay people, for example, or his assertion that transgender people are essentially wearing “blackface,” highlight a bigotry that’s hard to overlook. His words, in essence, painted a vision of a society where certain groups are inherently less worthy, less deserving of respect, and, in his worldview, even less human.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because the context of his remarks often reveals a disturbing pattern. When he stated that Black people were “better” in the 1940s under Jim Crow laws, he wasn’t just being provocative; he was celebrating a time of systemic oppression. These weren’t slips of the tongue; they were carefully crafted statements designed to provoke and, frankly, to offend.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because the fact that he spread lies and hatred is a core point of consideration. He was not simply participating in the exchange of ideas; he was actively fueling animosity and creating a climate of division. And the targets of this hatred? Often the very young people who were most susceptible to propaganda.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, especially when considering his views on societal issues. For him, empathy was a “new age term that does a lot of damage.” He actively worked to tear down the concept of basic human compassion. He did not care about what it would cause when he attacked the less fortunate, as long as he could get a rise out of someone.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because while some might focus on his personal life – his role as a father and husband – it’s crucial to recognize that personal characteristics don’t negate the harm caused by his words and actions. We have to be able to acknowledge the good and the bad, but in this case, one side of the ledger is heavily weighted.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because his comments on the Second Amendment show his utter disregard for human life. “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year, so that we can have the Second Amendment,” he said. This is not the language of someone who values the lives of those impacted by gun violence, especially young people.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, as it also speaks to the broader political landscape. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of outrage, but we must remember that the fight for civil discourse is only ever a challenge when one party is creating hate speech. You are allowed to be wrong, but not at the expense of others’ humanity.
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was, because the attempts to rewrite his history, and ignore the harm he caused, should be resisted. It’s a disservice to the truth, and a disservice to those who were targeted by his words. This isn’t about celebrating his death; it’s about ensuring that the full truth is known and that history isn’t sanitized for the sake of political expedience.