The assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk is more than just a crime – it is a tragedy. It is a tragedy obviously for his young wife and children, for his friends, and his many followers. But it is also a tragedy for this country, yet another step along the road that is making America less America.

I agreed with almost nothing that Kirk said or stood for. I found much of what he said to be hateful and divisive. But the answer to opinions that one disagrees with, even hateful and divisive opinions, is never political violence. If someone says something you don’t like, the response should be to disagree, tell them they are wrong, debate, criticize, and reason. Change people’s minds. Laugh at them even.  Or just ignore them. But the answer is not murder.  

As someone who makes a living debating about public policy, I have seen firsthand the deep and emotional divisions in this country – and collected my share of death threats along the way. And I can tell you it’s getting worse.

The last few years have seen:

• The shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise during a congressional softball practice;
• A plot to kidnap and possibly murder Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer;
• A riot and attempt to storm the U.S. Capitol;
• The brutal beating of Paul Pelosi;
• At least two assassination attempts on President Trump;
• An attempt to kill Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro;
• The assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband (and the shooting of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife);
• The murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson;
• And, now, the killing of Charle Kirk

No doubt I’m forgetting some, which shows just how bad this has gotten.

The essence of this country is the open and free discussion of our differences.  It is part of what makes us who we are. Violence, censorship, and other forms of intolerance make us – all of us – less than we should aspire to. When we demonize opponents as enemies, or traffic in dehumanizing language, and tolerate threats as a normal part of politics, it contributes to a climate in which violence becomes an inevitable result.

Now is not the time for excuses, arguing over who is more blameworthy, or seeking retribution. Rather all of us should pause, take a deep breath, and recommit ourselves to the liberal principles of free speech, the rule of law, and the democratic process.