This week, the entire conservative movement and the nation mourns the loss of one of its brightest lights and greatest sons, Charlie Kirk.
Born Charles James Kirk in 1993, the visionary founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated on Wednesday at the age of 31. Charlie’s life was cut short in an act of violence while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. His assassination has shaken the nation to the core and broken a young family.
Kirk launched Turning Point USA at the age of 18. From the beginning, TPUSA was an organization dedicated to empowering young conservatives on college campuses across America. In an era when leftist ideologies dominate in nearly every corner of America’s universities and academia, Charlie saw the urgent need to equip the next generation with the tools and resources to defend freedom, limit government, and pursue personal responsibility. His commitment to conservative values was a lifeline for countless students who felt isolated in environments hostile to their own.
But then his work ballooned into so much more.
Charlie was a relentless champion against bloated bureaucracy and fiscal irresponsibility that devours hard-earned paychecks. He railed against excessive government spending, sky-high taxes, and the endless cycle of debt that burdens future generations. Charlie understood that every dollar taken by government is one less in the pockets of families and entrepreneurs. He fought tirelessly for policies that promote economic freedom, like lower taxes, deregulation, and balanced budgets, knowing that these are the bedrock of a prosperous society. In his speeches and writings, he exposed the folly of big-government socialism, which stifles innovation but erodes the soul of American exceptionalism.
Yet, Charlie’s vision extended far beyond economics. He was a fierce defender of traditional values: faith, family, and patriotism. He spoke life into the message that conservatism should not be about preserving a sense of the status quo, but rather about building a better future. He didn’t shy away from tough fights, whether confronting woke campus radicals, calling out fiscal irresponsibility, or even tenured, powerful politicians and bureaucrats, always in a peaceful and respectable manner.
He was also an unorganized organizer of the highest order. His debates, demonstrations, conferences, seminars, and political rallies were high and above those of even some Presidential campaigns and the Republican National Convention. Kirk never let gatekeepers, obstructionists, or establishmentarians prevent him from giving the grassroots the tools to stand up and engage.
Charlie was also resolute and unwavering in his commitment to share the Gospel and be firm in his faith. He spoke frequently, perhaps incessantly, about what Jesus Christ had done in his own life and the true freedom that is available to all who would repent and believe in the Gospel. He placed his faith at the forefront of all he did and recognized that changed hearts were more important than changed minds. He was humble, but joyful. He was honest, and he was kind. Charlie demonstrated what faith in the public square should strive to look like.
He embodied the sorrowful truth that freedom isn’t free; it requires constant vigilance against those who would seek to oppress. His political assassination and murder underscores the dangers facing those who dare to speak the truth. Even still, we must reflect on what Charlie recognized and even articulated before his death: that courage is a prerequisite for victory, and those who have it are often the chief targets in a conflict of any kind, but especially one of ideas.
We grieve not just for the man but for the void left in our common cause. Charlie’s passing is a stark reminder of the stakes: a nation teetering on the edge.
We grieve especially for his family. For his wife and young children, who had their husband and father so viciously taken from them. We grieve for the injustice that was done, and we pray that justice and peace may prevail.
But sorrow must not paralyze us; it must propel us forward with resolve. Charlie Kirk didn’t build his movement on despair, but rather on hope and action. Let his passing ignite a renewed commitment to the principles he held dear. As we continue to mourn and pray, we stand with resolute determination to honor his legacy by redoubling our efforts in the battles he so passionately waged, and to strive for a future where sanity prevails.
Charlie, your fight on this earth may have ended, but your mission and your love endures.
Thank you for your life, your love, and your sacrifice.
Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
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