Charlie Kirk's Death Will Be Politicized...and Maybe That's the Problem.
On this September 11, we didn't need another reminder that our world is a mess. I grieve Charlie's death as I do those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the countless other losses that keep the tally growing.
This may sound insensitive, but I'm not terribly surprised that Charlie was shot. No, I don't think he deserved it, and certainly his wife and children don't deserve to lose their husband and father. But while Charlie wasn't a politician, he was political, and politics these days is a dangerous arena.
Charlie Kirk's death is no doubt going to garner a lot of attention and by now your newsfeeds are likely filled with it too. There will be people who celebrate his death and those who mourn, but most will politicize his death in one way or another.
The news channels will be filled with talking heads who will offer up their feeble, politically motivated opinions on why another tragedy.
Yet, so many people I know are glued to their tv sets, tuning into the channel that best fits their politics or worldview. It's Fox, CNN or CBC (supported by taxpayers money, so you know it will be impartial)...all with an agenda to garner the most views and sponsors.
And we're the pawns who oblige by tuning in.
Facebook has become a political platform rather than a space for connection; and it's getting worse.
But it's filtering into everyday conversations too. My neighbour could not understand why I would travel to Troy, Ohio last week. Forget that I was attending the funeral of my life-long mentor and friend, but when I returned he said, "So, ICE didn't lock you up?" (Actually it was the Canadian border that gave me a hassle)
But then I hear so many Canadians rail against the USA, more specifically, Trump. But to me, they are like passengers on the Titanic, pointing out a passing boat has sprung a leak. But they are also the people who took the COVID vaccine so they could travel.
Virtually everything has become political, and I've never seen a more volatile time than the one we're in now.
My point is this. For me, what's wrong is politics itself. A part of our life that is suppose to be filled with people who serve their constituents, but from where I sit doesn't happen much. For some reason, we put so much hope in our political system and parties, when I just don't see why.
A former high school teacher, whose major was in political science, once told me that voting is always choosing the lesser of two evils. Then he told me who I should vote for in 2015. (I didn't take his advice)
But we're still choosing evil...and that's point. As soon as you prop up one party over another, you're still supporting evil.
But the Bible says, "Woe to them that call evil good and good evil..." Isaiah 5:20
People ask me where I stand politically, but I don't take the bait, except to say, I don't put my hope in any political party. They just don't do good.
I live in a country that is moving toward a totalitarian state, and most people don't seem to care. I've asked friends who support the current government, which policies they stand behind; and they can't answer me, except to say, "We think this PM will do better." History says that's not likely.
We're a wealthy country living in poverty and who do you think has helped us get here?
Consider any metric the government is responsible for...areas like education, healthcare, resources, or fiscal policy. Can you honestly tell me any one of those is functioning well?
I can't.
I'm not much of an artist, but this sums up my political views...
So what can we do?
I would start by turning off your TV set, and together you and I should focus on how we can love our neighbour, be generous, support those in need, protect those who can't protect themselves, work hard, and love others starting with our family and friends and branching out from there.
Because governments won't do this; I'm not sure they're capable. But you and I can, and we should.
Charlie' Kirk's death is another loss, that will be of little meaning unless we decide to change the world we live in...because no one else is going to do it for us.
Until next time - Dan