This 9/11 We Must Find a Way to Return to Civility and Peace (Opinion)

September 11, 2001 was likely one of the saddest days in recent history, but the following day, September 12, 2001, was probably one of the greatest. The attacks on September 11 were an absolute tragedy, followed by a surge of national unity and coming together. And now, 24 years later, we’re a country so divided that it has become acceptable to some people to gun down a 31-year-old father in cold blood for the crime of speaking out and encouraging young people to challenge the way they think. A country so divided that some people are actually celebrating this senseless death.

I was never a big fan of his content, but for those not familiar, Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and the co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was widely known for holding his campus events in which those with opposing viewpoints could take the microphone in front of thousands and attempt to “Prove Me Wrong”. At yesterday’s event at Utah Valley University, Kirk was shot and killed with a single gunshot wound to the neck from a rifle. The event comes shortly after the stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, which had already created significant political discourse, especially among accusations that initial media coverage was delayed for political reasons. These events may have lit the fuse on a powderkeg which we’ve seen in this country for some time now.

And these absolutely aren’t isolated incidents. The entire country really has been on edge since July 13 of last year, with the attempted assassination of then Presidential candidate Donald Trump, this year’s April 13 firebombing of Governor Shaprio’s residence, or the June 14 assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Over and over, we’re continuing to see acts of political violence.

Locally, while we haven’t seen violence, we have seen escalating tensions between local residents Shaun Porter and Justin Holder against Washington County Government. Not only have defamation lawsuits been filed, but a County Commissioner candidate charged for refusal to leave a public meeting, and a sitting County Commissioner accused of assault by Holder. And while I do not believe Holder or Porter to be violent men, I do have concerns that their words and actions might inspire others to take things to the next level.

We need to defuse this ticking time bomb that has become politics in the United States. I very much fear we are quickly approaching the point of no return. Not the Bee has recently published an interesting article highlighting how bad things could possibly get, and I’m afraid we’re getting there very quickly.

It’s important to note that finding civility and peace should not mean silencing dissenting voices. Just like Charlie Kirk had a right to speak his views, Kirk provided an opportunity for those with opposing viewpoints to challenge his own views and express their own. There is no better peaceful solution than civil discourse, and Kirk embraced that idea. This attack was not just an attack on Kirk, but an attack on opposing viewpoints. And let me be clear, if you cannot win a battle of words and must resort to violence, then not only are you a coward, but you have also proven that your viewpoint was the one that was flawed.

I hope, and pray, that we find a way to return to civility and peace. But I am very afraid that darker times are ahead.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:9-12

Opinion article by Ken Buckler, President of Radio Free Hub City. All opinions are his own and do not reflect those of our clients or sponsors.

Video Spotlight