Just hours after the tragic news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, MSNBC pundit Matthew Dowd went on air with this astonishing response: “He (Kirk) has been one of the most divisive – especially divisive younger figures… who has constantly… pushed hate speech… I always go back to ‘hateful thoughts lead to hateful actions.’”

At a moment that called for respect and empathy, Dowd chose to disparage a man who had just lost his life. That is not responsible journalism — it is unkind.  When tragedy strikes, our first duty should be compassion, not condemnation. In a society already strained by division, we need fewer cheap shots and more humanity.

Dowd’s characterization was not only inappropriate but false. Charlie Kirk spent more than a decade speaking to young people across America, urging them to think critically, engage in civic life, and value freedom, faith, and the responsibilities of citizenship. He welcomed debate, giving time at his rallies for attendees to openly challenge his views.  He believed in young people, and he believed their voices mattered. 

Charlie was doing exactly that – engaging with a student – when his life was taken.  That is the legacy we should remember.

Jack Sultze, Claremont

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