As a wife, a mother and a friend, I mourn the assassination of Charlie Kirk. As a Utahn and a recent graduate of UVU’s master’s program in Constitutional Government, Civics, and Law, I am heartbroken that this violence occurred at a university that deliberately champions civil dialogue and robust, respectful discussion, hosting dozens of events dedicated to rigorous yet respectful dialogue. This killing is a violent rejection of everything UVU and our Constitution stand for. That this violence could occur in a community actively working to model a better way is a devastating irony. This act forces us to look inward.
While only one person pulled the trigger, any of us who have ever celebrated, minimized or excused violence against political opponents are contributing to a culture of hatred and hostility. We must reject this hatred. I plead with my fellow Utahns and Americans to disagree better; to listen with intent to understand; and to engage in civil dialogue with our family, friends and neighbors, both in person and on social media.
At heart, we all desire the same outcomes: a future where our children can thrive, safety for our communities and the freedom to pursue happiness. We simply disagree on how to achieve those goals. Our Founders gave us the tool to resolve these disagreements peacefully: Free speech is the time-tested vehicle for finding better solutions to our problems. It is the non-violent battlefield for ideas.
While I disagree with some of Kirk’s interpretations and often his argumentative style, I applaud his commitment to our founding document and his deep understanding of the structure of our government. It is well worth our time to study the Constitution and the Convention that created it, where our Founders debated nearly every word of that great document in robust, open and often emotional dialogue. Madison debated Hamilton, and they both argued with Patrick Henry. In studying that process and vibrant exchange of ideas, it is nearly impossible to not gain a deep and abiding respect for the free speech that made such a document possible.
If we stop listening to people we disagree with, we shut down the ability to find better solutions. As George Washington warned, “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
We can all do better. Take some time today to talk to someone who holds an opposing view. Listen more than you talk. Search for common ground. Talk to your family about civil dialogue. Make sure your children know that we do not condone or celebrate violence. Model civil dialogue among your family and friends. Visit UVU’s renowned Center for Constitutional Studies either in person or online. They will happily give you a pocket Constitution, answer your questions, and offer you a calendar of events designed to improve our collective constitutional literacy.
We live in contentious times, but every one of us can make a difference with our words and actions in our small circle of influence. We want the same things. We are Americans. We are brothers and sisters in this great nation. As Lincoln pleaded with our nation, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.”