The aftermath of Kirk’s murder reveals the microcosm of a struggling country

The governor of Utah had a hard time finding the right words to explain the questions many people were asking. What’s going on in America?

The silence lasted nearly ten seconds. He looked down. He opened his mouth and closed his mouth.

“Our country is broken.” Spencer Cox Finally, I said it a few hours later Charlie Kirk’s public murder. The governor described the violent attacks against both Democrats and Republicans. Murder of Minnesota Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband, President Donald Trump Fire Bombing Official home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

His words stood out not only for harsh words about America’s troubles, but also for his plain recognition that violence reaches beyond political inequality.

It may be difficult to remember every scene of political violence over the past few years. Butler, Pennsylvania, Minneapolis suburbs, San Francisco, New York City, West Palm Beach. more. In summary, they are enough to wonder about Americans: Are there any paths to come? What does that look like?

“Nothing I say can unite us as a nation,” said Cox, a Republican. “Now, nothing I can say will fix that is broken.”

Countries with problems

Of course, many people feel that America is broken. You can hear about many troubles in the country – its ideological division, its anger, its lack of courtesy – Conservatives and Liberalsfrom the brand of socialist fire and evangelical preachers, from Democrats and Republicans. Perhaps one of the few beliefs that bring Americans together right now.

It seems many people really want to fix those splits so that the nation is knitted together. But what about why America is broken, who is responsible, and how to fix it? That’s where things get complicated.

Even if you believe today – the countless reactions to Kirk’s violent public death and generally you can choose the America you want. You can choose America you believe in.

You can see a president systematically removing American rights, or a president standing up for the forgotten middle class. You can see signs of masked fascism Immigration Agent Carry people on the streets or ultimately a regime that enforces immigration laws for the benefit of all citizens.

in Charlie KirkYou can see the polite boy next door type, with a fascinating discussion style that loves America, the church, his family, and brings back conservatism across the country, especially among young people. Or you can see the political hybrids of the social media era, the powerful political operatives who are pleased Utilize racial disparities in America In pursuit of support, who incorrectly claimed that voter fraud had sacrificed Trump in the 2020 election.

When Cox sadly spoke about America’s plight, he clearly wanted Kirk’s death to help bring America together. However, the killing could drive the wedge deeper.

Listen to how people reacted to his death. Choose the take you want to believe in.

Divided society, divided reactions

In the moment just after the shooting, officials on both parties appeared eager to show repression and courtesy to express sadness, support for Kirk’s family and backlash against political violence.

“The words cannot explain the shock and fear we felt today,” Arizona Republican Chairman Gina Suboda said in a statement, saying the United States should not “tolerate or excuse any acts of political violence.”

Maine Democratic Governor, Janet Millswho has it? Sparred with cardsshe said, “I’m terrified of what happened to Charlie Kirk.”

“Different views should not be met with violence regardless of who holds them and how much you dislike them,” she wrote.

But soon, even with only the most despicable facts about known shootings, the rage began to ripple. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene She said she prayed, “This country will rise up and end this.” Others then began to speak, with politicians warning that Christians were under attack, “a brown shirt on the left.”

Trump quickly awarded Kirk the status of a martian, ordered a flag hanging in federal buildings, and denounced left-wing rhetoric for Kirk’s assassination in a lengthy video statement released on social media late Wednesday. “For years, radical leftists have compared great Americans like Charlie with Nazis to criminals with the worst massive murders in the world,” Trump said from his oval office, citing only attacks on Republicans.

Democrat politicians seemed eager to avoid any indications that they were demonizing Kirk for most of the time. But that wasn’t the case in some left-wing neighborhoods on social media. “Charlie Kirk is not a martian,” the X commentator wrote with 130,000 followers, reflecting many other followers. “He is the victim of the violence he incited.”

It carried an echo of praise Luigi MangioneThe man accused Killed Manhattan’s UnitedHealthcare CEO An explosion of social media memes celebrating the July shooting death of a prominent real estate executive in the same borough last year.

The country’s politicians strive to balance everything

Of course, online, it is easy to maintain anonymity, and it is impossible to distinguish between adolescent trolling and true adolescent praise for political violence and vigilance. Unlike politicians who can’t continue anonymous, they are often seen to help them show their supporters and constituents the way in moments like these.

Unlike Trump, his predecessor spoke much more gently, following a certain style. With former President Joe Biden Barack Obama They said they were praying for Kirk’s family. George W. Bush sought God’s guidance to transfer the nation to courtesy. Their statements sounded like much of what they said during their presidency, not surprising.

Such messages have taken root in several places. In Connecticut, university Republicans and university Democrats issued a joint statement denounced violence. And on Wednesday, Republican politician Cox, like many civil servants before him, has been in the spotlight by tragedy, as he has been in the spotlight – spoke emotionally about his belief in freedom of speech, dating back to America’s founding, and how hatred can lead to violence.

“Is this?” he asked. “Is this the 250 years born to us?”

“I hope that’s not the case.”

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