The danger of forgetting history
The killing of Charlie Kirk and the ensuing debate points out how easily we forget history. People call for a kinder debate without violence. Laudible? Possibly. Let me first ask several questions. Were Revolutionary Americans wrong in taking up arms against King George and his supporters. Note here that American militias executed many Tory colonials, both before and during the war. Was Thomas Paine wrong? It is established history that violence was necessary to protect America from English tyranny in a bloody war that lasted years.
How did we deal with fascism? After international pacification failed, we were forced to take up arms. Millions died.
So the question I pose is how do we fight tyranny and fascism and their supporters? The historical proof is that brutal methods are the only thing that might prevent the deaths of millions. Kirk was a fascist populist, charismatic in the way Hitler was. Both were poorly educated. He was far greater a threat to humanity than Trump. That is a sad truth. Kirk advocated violence and defended guns over people, including children. He advocated death for all Trans people. He was evil incarnate. Was his death justified as a means of fighting tyranny? Only time will tell.
As a side note I believe that Tyler Robinson's defense team should, as part of the defense, claim self defense as Kirk was clearly an existential threat to Robinson and his girlfriend, a Trans woman. Kirk's rhetoric had increased the already high rate of assaults on Trans people, especially Trans women.
Do I like violence? No. However, will not idly stand by while tyrants in the making advocate my death or the deaths of people I love or respect.
