Clarksville Now publishes opinion pieces representing both sides of a variety of topics. Opinions presented do not necessarily reflect those of the newsroom or management. To join the conversation, email your opinion piece to news@clarksvillenow.com.
Contributed commentary by State Rep. Aron Maberry:
Charlie Kirk was a defining voice of a generation, and, like many Americans, I am deeply saddened by his heinous murder.
A few moments after I heard of the assassination, my daughter texted me, “Dad, he died.” Tears welled in my eyes as I read her words. I asked if she was OK. Her reply was simple: “Not really.” All I could say back was, “Me either. It’ll be OK, though. He is with Jesus.”
For my daughter, this was more than news. She started a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) club as a high school freshman. Kirk and TPUSA were a positive influence on her, and, by extension, our family. His loss hits close to home.
Most don’t know this, but I received two death threats in one weekend earlier this year, during my first term in the Tennessee General Assembly. Local law enforcement provided extra patrol of my normally peaceful neighborhood. At the same time, I required a state trooper escort at the Capitol in Nashville because of irrational and erratic protestors. Twice, angry demonstrators targeted the church I pastor, a sacred place of worship.
When I heard that Kirk was shot for speaking and standing for what he believed, it hit hard.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said recently in a PragerU video that “politics have become so toxic and contentious that decent people don’t want to run for office.” Those words echo loudly in my ears today.
It’s OK to disagree politically. It is not OK to respond with hatred, reckless rhetoric or violence. I’ve seen this ugliness up close. I’ve stood with people at the Capitol who refused to have a conversation, choosing instead to fume, shout and threaten. Moments like these make me fear for the future of our nation.
I will continue to pray for America and those who disagree with me. I will continue to walk in character. I will continue to be willing to have honest conversations about ideological differences.
As I tucked my 9-year-old son into bed recently, he whispered, “Dad, I heard a Republican was shot and died.”
I tried to shield him from the news, but he had already heard. “Yes, son,” I said. “His name is Charlie Kirk, and he was a really good person.” He paused, processing. Then I asked, “Avery, are you worried about me?”
Holding back tears, he whispered, “Yes. I heard he was speaking about Jesus, and that sounds a lot like you.” I told him that Kirk loved Jesus, spoke about him frequently and was now in his presence. As we said goodnight, we prayed together for his wife, Erika, and their two children.
He wanted me to tell him that I was special and this could never happen to me. But that wouldn’t be the truth. I received vitriol even after posting similar comments on social media about this devastating news, some from the very people who have contributed to the atmosphere that has fueled threats against me.
Charlie is gone. His wife and children will never get him back in this life. And my son’s question still lingers: Dad, are you safe?
We must do better. We can disagree passionately without hatred or violence. Protesters can and should make their voices heard without lies, escalation or violence. It’s OK to oppose each other’s politics. It is not OK to label someone a racist, fascist or threat to democracy simply because we don’t see the world the same way. Respect and fairness must guide our disagreements.
Kirk represented what terrifies the left: courage, conviction and influence. His ideas couldn’t be defeated, so there was an attempt to silence his voice. But ideas don’t die. They endure.
Rest in peace, Charlie. You fought the good fight, finished your race, and kept the faith. Now it’s our turn to carry the torch forward – not with hatred, but with truth, courage and conviction.
Aron Maberry
| GET YOUR MORNING NEWS: Sign up for the free daily Clarksville Now email newsletter