Charlie Kirk

 

Victim of political assassination and modern Christian martyr Charlie Kirk had many fine ideas, but perhaps his best was his advice for us to keep talking to those on the other side of the culture war.

 

This cultural war could degenerate into a new Civil War, and none of us that have any sense would desire that.

 

We must reach out to our enemies, we must reach out to those that hate us, and who gnash their teeth every time we speak. We may not be able to reach the hard-core minority among the opposition, but towards their more reasonable or at least respectful followers and onlooking neutrals, we can be—and can be observed to be--conciliatory, peaceful, respectful, nonviolent—except unless physically attacked—and committed to ongoing, frank, open dialogue and radical free speech enjoyed by all in the discussions, often heated.

 

If we are civil, we may win allies and converts, and, more importantly, we may keep society from exploding into unrest due to white-hot divisive, political, factional quarreling.

 

There must be no final word, no situation where both sides arm themselves and oppose each other from opposing sets of barricades.

 

Charlie would advise that we keep talking to the opposition, that civil discourse civilly and peacefully conducted, with sincere mutual regard, can help the masses stay calm, not stampede or revolt us into chaos, anarchy or a police state, while seeking meaning and resolution in these trying times.