The Big Lesson in Charlie Kirk's Death
"Good words are better than bad strokes" William Shakespeare, "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar", Act V, scene i
Yesterday, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (According to the college's website, the campus is closed until September 15.) Tyler Robinson has been taken into custody for the murder.
Kirk's appearance was his usual setup where he sits down with a microphone and invites people, liberal and conservative, to step up and debate him on any issue they please.
Charlie Kirk's Unique Style
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| Charlie Kirk (Photo: tpusa.com) |
What happened yesterday was unexpected to say the least. Kirk's last word, ironically, was "violence". People attending the event were there to listen what Kirk had to say. Maybe some were hoping to trap him with a question. Maybe some were supporters who wanted to see in person what they have seen on the internet countless times. Debate and ideas.
The Lost Art of Debating
I think back to my old neighborhood and the kids who inhabited it every time I see "The Fruit Loops". I hope theirs is a friendship that continues for years to come.
Debating has become a lost art, not only in the United States, but around the world. What was once explaining a belief and learning where the holder of that belief is coming from has now become a contest of "Gotcha moments" and trying to trap your "opponent" and walking away with a win.
This isn't how it's supposed to be. If you disagree with someone, hear them out. Find out what they have to say. They might have a slightly different take on your opinion. Who knows? What they have to say could educate and enlighten you. It could give you another angle to your own opinion and bolster your argument for supporting it.
The divide in this country is wide and appears to be growing. It is said that charity begins at home. Education also begins at home, and so does problem-solving and mediation. Daddies and mommies who stay home with the children have a long list of jobs and duties. The obvious ones include chef, chauffer and occasional therapist. Conflict manage management is another one. Growing up, there were constant arguments with other kids around the street. Unfortunately, these sometimes escalated into physical fights. These fights would lead to a talk after. Sometimes it was handled by the kids themselves, sometimes the parents would get involved.
Taking care of my own children, I would sometimes notice arguments in the house or in the yard. I don't know if there have been physical fights between my children. I certainly hope there haven't been. When people disagree and argue, it is important to make sure that things do not escalate into something worse. I think back to my old neighborhood and the kids who inhabited it every time I see the Fruit Loops. I hope theirs is a friendship that continues for years to come.
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| "The Fruit Loops". A friendship that I hope will last for years to come. |
It's Alright to Disagree, but Talk about it
There a lot going on in our lives. God knows it's given me plenty to write about. The idea of writing these stories is to give people a laugh and maybe help them out along the way. Of course, your feedback is welcome on anything and everything. You can comment on a story or email me. Either way is fine. I allow comments here because I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. All comments and messages are answered because I want to acknowledge the people who have something to say about the subjects and topics I write about. What's important is that people have the access and opportunity to answer something they read or hear. Keeping channels, ears, and minds open is important in life. If you disagree with someone, fine. You disagree with them. Talk things over and work it out. Talking things over doesn't mean you shout someone down or walk away with your hands over your ears so you can say you got the last word. Couples have problems. Families have problems. Life can be stressful and things can get to you. Sit down and take a deep breath.
Steve Harvey once said we need to bring back picnics. That's a great idea. People don't hang out anymore. People don't sit down and talk over a meal. We're getting further away from each other, too far away to see what people are, what they're doing, what they believe.
Wife and I wanted a front porch for a long time. We wanted a place to sit and talk, a place where people could stop and say hello. It's a place where people can sit, rest, and talk about what's on their mind. My job involves talking. I tell stories and answer questions to the best of my ability. Co-workers talk to me. We ask each other questions and share stories. My co-workers come from diverse backgrounds. Some were in the military, some have doctorates, some worked in the public sector, in education. We don't always agree on things, but the important thing is we take the time to hear each other out. We share our opinions. We talk. Sometimes it's behind the registers and sometimes it's over a beer after our shift. This is why I love what I do and where I do it.
Kirk's last word, ironically, was "violence".
You hear a lot of rhetoric about "differences making us stronger" and "robust debates". Unfortunately, some of these have grown into clichés, and lost their meaning. Charlie Kirk's tragic ending is not just a lesson, it is a warning. We must all try harder to understand each other. Our fabric is deteriorating. It has been for a long time, and both sides of the political spectrum are to blame. This is where moms and dads come in. It is our job to raise our children to be thoughtful, productive members of society. We are raising future leaders who will be responsible for determining the future of society, not just our country. All of that starts with listening and trying to understand. The dangerous alternative will destroy all of humanity. Trust me, nobody wants that.
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