Friends, we here at WaddyIsRight share our condolences with the family of Charlie Kirk, prominent conservative activist who was shot dead in Utah yesterday. It will be fascinating to see who did it and why, although the question of "why" does rather answer itself... The ramifications may be considerable! I personally didn't know much about Kirk, but I gather he was a big fish in right-wing circles. What are your thoughts?
Dr. Waddy from Jack: You are right to suggest caution in judging who is to blame for this but I think Pres. Trump was probably correct when he attributed it to the hate suffused "American" far left. One thing is for sure I think, Americans are not"all responsible , no matter our political beliefs, for the violence which engendered this outrage." That is touchy feely nonsense in my view. More later. . .
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack: I also knew little about Charlie Kirk. I saw him commenting on Fox several times but I didn't realize how influential he was. Possibly the far left feared him as a youthful and promising prospect for carrying on MAGA'S campaign to save America from the far left's onslaught on all we value. The obscene demonstrations, celebrations and oppositions to prayer over his murder which they have freely indulged in withal (even on the House floor)disgrace them beyond measure and fasten a gimlet eye upon them as the source of the immeasurably intense antipathy which plainly inspired this act.
ReplyDeleteApparently he urged and demonstrated the public confrontation of far leftists with willingness to courteously hear their views but with resolve to employ
superior reasoning and debating ability to discredit them if made necessary by their frantically dismissive reaction to any doubt of their "unquestionably just "positions. He was courageously willing to enter hostile settings to do this. Far leftists cannot abide principled debate because their emotionally based views are usually discredited by the objective and intellectually sound opposition which they interpret as insolent blasphemy. Eg. when far leftists casually drop what they consider conversation ending automatic condemnations chosen from their vast presumptuous glossary of "isms", a definition of the terms so used should be demanded of them. Having usually not had to think but rather only to "feel" these facilely pejorative terms, they are usually not up to it and often dissolve into paroxysms of emotion and castigation. My impression is that Charlie Kirk exemplified such reasoned reaction to their humbug. And that may well have focused on him their fundamental and totalitarian hatred for any contradiction.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: I've seen pictures of a student mob advancing on the National Guard during the Kent State incident; their faces were grotesquely contorted with HATE! Who put that on their faces in the late '60s? Far left subversives who saw in boomer naifs a promising way of introducing"revolutionary" loathing for American civilization into our political mainstream were the ones. And their comprehensive, gratuitous and vicious antipathy to their country consequently persists to this day in our polity with ever increasing openness about their intents.
ReplyDeleteA man like Charlie Kirk, especially in the American Renaissance which we are experiencing now, a young man who was able to exercise redeeming influence on youth, must have been an appalling and disheartening figure for "American" radicals. No, we don't yet know what motivated his killer but the "by any means necessary" far left has to be very suspect.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteNever knew much about Turning Point USA or Kirk. After checking him out on various sites, my tentative conclusion is that he is a Christian Nationalist working the high school and college campus crowds. I'm not a fan of this ideology because linking religion and politics rarely works very well. Looks like he made all the right connections on his way to becoming a celebrity in his area of expertise. I see where he attended a Pentecostal megachurch in Phoenix and was exploring the Catholic Church at the same time. I'm very surprised he was assassinated. I feel bad for his young kids.
A year from now, he will have faded out of the media, and will have been replaced by another Christian Nationalist "guru". Anyone remember Jerry Falwell? In the end, the "proof is in the pudding" will be a survey of to what extent he was really able to influence high school and college students on the benefits of capitalism or smaller government.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: BTW, where are the prerecruited, prepositioned well trained, well paid "spontaneous "demonstrators ? Its been full two days since the killing. They are tardy in commencing the usual car burnings, jewel store looting , attacks on police , Maxine Waters blatting and miscellaneous random acts of unkindness always manifested when their commissars "feel" that injustice was done and sic them on America.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's "right" isn't it. It was a common sense American spokesman and organizer who was killed and not an anarchic America hater. And we Americans don't protest terrible injustices by enacting more injustice. We follow what Charlie Kirk would probably have urged us to do; react to it constructively , culturally and politically. And we WILL follow up in the political arena and at the ballot "boxes", just as we did in '24 when you savaged a living DJT and an almost martyred one.You far left wingers have given yet again another affirmation of the fact of your fundamental barbarism both in the contrast between your ways of reform and ours and in your vicious and disgusting expectorations of satisfaction at Mr. Kirk's death ; you have only terrorism, anarchy, cynical seduction of callow youths to your historically condemned doctrine and "by all means necessary" incipient totalitarianism to offer America. The killing of Charlie Kirk, who dared to attempt to engage you in reasonable, principled political dialogue is your product, we can now reasonably discern. Those who may never have considered supporting anyone other than a "democrat" may now be brought far closer to decisive abandonment of the Dem party which has pusillanimously assented to be the vehicle for the radicals who inspired this terrible act; let your good willed support be directed otherwise. You will be welcomed.
And I must add to ". . . . constructively, culturally and politically . . . " : religiously, because that might well have been Charlie Kirk's most heart felt urging to us. Jack
ReplyDeleteRAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteVery interesting that is this case , the suspect is not some left-wing nut job, but a Latter-day Saint ("Mormon"), with a police officer as a Dad. I feel bad for the suspect's family, and especially in light of the possibility that their son could receive the death penalty. The last time I looked, the method of execution in Utah was getting shot, but that might have changed. My comment does not intend any slur on the LDS Church.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Our President is quoted as saying (approximately) "the violent far left radicals are to blame for this terrible act". Good for him. He pulls no punches and that is one very effective way to combat these America hating, "by any means necessary" totalitarians. Put the blame right where it belongs!
ReplyDeleteNow if they are willing to engage in some measure of halfway civilized dialogue then Charlie Kirk's was the way. Meet them,courteously but firmly ,with unapologetic reasoning and with no deference paid to their emotional outbursts and their smugly assumed automatic condemnations using their many proscribed "isms". They are unable to defend the historically proven undefendable ; they are quickly reduced thereby to spluttering castigation and encouragement of outright violence. The poor dears.
First, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Charlie Kirk – truly the leader of the conservative youth movement in America. He was a superb example of a man, husband, and father, and a mentor to countless young men (and women). He was an icon before this tragic act, and even more so now after his assassination.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dr. Waddy that the motive remains intriguing even days later. While details continue to emerge, it does appear to have been politically motivated, and at least in part sympathetic to the LGBTQ+ community.
I also share Jack’s surprise – though perhaps by now we should not be surprised – at how many on the left openly celebrate the killing of a respectful conservative voice. The gleeful reactions are without shame and heart revealing.
What stands out in the days since Charlie’s passing is how clearly he had his finger on something missing in America’s youth culture: The spiritual element. He recognized the moral depravity in our society and consistently pointed to the need for a Savior. That convicting message is powerful and enduring.
As a long-time follower of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA YouTube Channel, I must respectfully disagree with Ray’s suggestion that the movement will fade. America’s younger generations have been pushed so far left that the pendulum is bound to swing the other way for years to come. Charlie has become the icon of that shift, and rightfully so.
That said, I do share Ray’s concern about intertwining government and religion. History gives us numerous examples – whether under Islamic regimes or during eras of state-driven Christianity – where the fusion of politics and faith created oppression instead of liberty. It’s a valid caution.
One factual correction: the suspect’s father was not a police officer, but rather a business owner specializing in granite countertops (source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8wl2y66p9o).
In the end, the culture war in America is far from over. But the veil is now torn, exposing the debauchery and evil embedded in parts of our society. My hope is that conservative leadership can balance political realities with legitimate truth grounded in the Ultimate Purveyor of Truth.
RAY TO RICHIE
DeleteThe movement will not fade. What I said was that Kirk will fade out of media coverage. Meaning that after the funeral and whatnot, he will no longer be big news. How many people can now recall the shootings at the Catholic school in Minneapolis? That's my point. Hope I have clarified it. Thanks.
RAY TO RICHIE
DeleteThe religious part of the Turning Point USA, is, in my opinion, very dangerous. It is connected to the Seven Mountains Mandate and other heresies, posing as Christian. Basically it is Christian Nationalism. Suggest you do some research and start connecting the dots yourself. Also, check out President Trump's current spiritual advisor. In addition, start reading up on mainline Christian criticisms of Kirk and his religious involvements. The man attended a Pentecostal Church, but was dabbling with Catholicism. That's fine. He had the right to do so. Also check out Bethel Church in Redding California. Highly recommend you research and connect dots.
RAY TO RICHIE
DeleteCheck out David Cloud's "Way of Life Literature" site. Excellent, well researched site explaining the nonsense going on in Christianity, or what passes for it. Type in Kirk's name for articles applying to him. Loads of information on this site, AND not a wing-nut site. Cloud is a fundamentalist Baptist who tell it like it is. Cloud is not anti-Trump! But Cloud does zero on on the false environment that whacky religious movements have created, posing as Christian.
Ray – thank you for clarifying. I used the word “follower” simply to mean I subscribed to Charlie’s YouTube channel and enjoyed his campus debates. Obviously, Charlie was not divine. Christ alone is the one calling us individually to follow. Still, Charlie pointed many young people to what’s missing in today’s culture... the grounding of absolute truth.
DeleteI appreciate your concerns about the dangers of Christian Nationalism, and I agree we need to be discerning. Still, I believe Charlie’s emphasis on the spiritual void in American youth is what made his voice so influential and why his legacy won’t fade even if media coverage does.
Thanks for pointing me toward David Cloud’s site. I’ll check it out. While we may not see eye to eye on every aspect of Charlie’s faith involvement, I value your perspective and the resources you’ve shared.
RAY TO RICHIE
DeleteThanks for your courteous replies. I can see Mr. Kirk is your hero, no matter what. That's fine. People need heroes. Why not! The man has been endorsed by The President of The United States of America, and hob knobs with other rich and powerful figures.
Ray – thanks for your response.
DeleteIf by “hero” you mean I admire some of Charlie’s character traits, then sure, I’m down with that. But not in the more extreme sense of the word. Additionally, my respect isn’t about putting him on a pedestal, and it’s certainly not because of endorsements or supposed associations.
If nothing else, this tragedy highlights the dangers and potential consequences of mischaracterizing people we don’t really know.
At the end of the day, it seems we both care about truth in public life. A worthy pursuit, even if we may see it from slightly different perspectives.
RAY TO RICHIE
DeleteI'm surprised that Kirk's assassin suspect is a Latter-day Saint ('Mormon"). Hardly the type to murder a religious/political icon.
With that said, and with all due respect to Kirk, and his family, in the wake of his death, I'm looking at the man thru the realistic lens of what and who he was. I see him as a young man who was encouraged to use his obvious talents, and made the decision to engage in politics and link himself to those who could promote his career. He was groomed to be a power broker, among other words I can use for that. Why not! He was a complete success in that regard. The POTUS is attending his funeral, and big bucks are flowing in to help his family financially. Hope a POTUS will be attending my last rites. Ha!
So, no harm in having him as your "hero". Far better than SuperMan, BatMan, or SpiderMan. Actually, Turning Point USA is kind of like Campus Crusade for Christ, with generous dollops of politics.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Richie: Glad to see your comments.
ReplyDeleteI'd respectfully suggest that intertwining of religion and government is evident throughout our history; its a prime factor, I think, in our on balance progress as a just nation providing unprecedented material well being(eg. the Protestant Ethic and the Abolitionist Movement).
Perhaps religion becoming institutionalized in government is what we should beware of. We have avoided it so far and I don't see in the demonstrated Rennaissance of common sense American verities championed by Maga and Charlie Kirk a probability yet of it being manifested. I think freedom and responsibility must go hand in hand and patriotism, belief in the rule of law and fear of God's wrath are prime promoters of voluntary positive and constructive behavior.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteWhat college students in The U.S. really need, is more Native American Church religion, with special attention to Comanche beliefs.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
ReplyDeleteThe title of your article "Cut Down in His Prime" is appropriate as a tribute to the late (and lamented) Charlie Kirk. It should also be kept in mind that many good men and women are cut down in their prime every day, globally.
Dr. Waddy from Jack : The "American" far left has taken three devastating blows since 2016: the denial to Hillary of her "right" to be President ; second, the loss of a Scotus which theretofore had been their remedy for the democratic process and its deplorable populism which had blocked so many of their inarguably just, emotionally affirmed goals; third, the incomprehensible reaccension of a terribly experienced DJT after their all out gallant campaign to ruin him "by any means necessary".
ReplyDeleteBeing emotionally most fragile each blow staggered them all the more. Now a grimly purposeful President Trump and Charlie Kirk presented the appalling prospect of them losing the power many of their obsequious campus foot soldiers on whom they have relied for coercion since the '60s and recently in their Jew hating abominations at "elite" 'universities.
Maybe sometime soon all this comeuppance is going to break their brittle psyches and pitch them even beyond the abyss they rose from in the '60s. Until the mid 60's when the first of the boomers started their dramatic intellectual odyssey, these Marxist /Leninist prospective Pol Pots had had to keep their heads down after their well deserved persecution in the '50s. The boomers arrival on campus gave them hope of eventual success in destroying antithetical America. And they have run with it since then. Now they stand to lose it and perhaps ALL, with it.
Let Charlie Kirk's crusade to reinspire a decisive part of that lost faction of our youth to embrace proven sound American verities like the vitality of the Judaeo-Christian tradition and America's redeeming democracy, CONTINUE to advance!
True, Jack: Charlie Kirk exemplified Stengelian conservatism, i.e. a willingness to engage with leftists on rational terms, but an uncompromising devotion to conservative principles all the same.
ReplyDeleteRay, I wouldn't hazard a guess as to the limits of Charlie Kirk's practical influence (before his death), but the importance of reaching out to America's (brainwashed) youth can't be overstated!!!
Ray/Richie, that was a very fruitful conversation about the benefits and perils of bringing a spiritual perspective to politics, and vice versa. As so many leftists are saying, I'm sure Kirk was no saint. So what? He was attempting to fill a void that so many young Americans feel in their hearts. No doubt he could have done it better, but he was a mere mortal, like you and I, so that isn't saying much.
Ray, I share your disquiet with the fact that so few deaths are ever noted by the general public, but it has always been so, and always will be. The fact that some deaths are exploited for political advantage is also more than a little obscene, but again -- get used to it! It ain't goin' away.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
DeleteNo matter what, Kirk's death is a tragedy, and I feel sorry for his wife and children. Political violence of any type is inexcusable.
RAY TO DR. WADDY
DeleteI also feel badly for the assassins family. They have to bear the shame of what their family member did. In addition, they will probably have to bear the grief of his execution. It's a sad time all around. Looking on the positive side, Mr. Kirk's legacy will no doubt be honored by someone who will be capable to carry it on.