{"id":830,"date":"2025-09-22T16:37:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T16:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/?p=830"},"modified":"2025-09-22T18:45:33","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T18:45:33","slug":"a-sea-change-or-business-as-usual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/a-sea-change-or-business-as-usual\/","title":{"rendered":"A sea change — or business as usual?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The recent murder of Charlie Kirk, the \u201chighest<\/a> profile American political figure to be assassinated in nearly six decades<\/a>,\u201d[i]<\/sup><\/a> has been called \u201cthe <\/a>death<\/a> of free speech<\/a>,\u201d[ii]<\/sup><\/a> a \u201ctipping point<\/a>,\u201d[iii]<\/sup><\/a> a \u201cwatershed moment<\/a>,\u201d[iv]<\/sup><\/a>and \u201cone of the worst moments in recent American history<\/a>.\u201d[v]<\/sup><\/a> How did we get to this point, what happened, and what happens next? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First<\/em>, for over a decade<\/a>,[vi]<\/sup><\/a> America has experienced a <\/strong>campaign of increasingly extremist political rhetoric<\/a>,[vii]<\/sup><\/a> although there are varied opinions<\/a>.[viii]<\/sup><\/a> Some elected leaders have opted for demonization over debate<\/a>[ix]<\/sup><\/a> and overtly encouraged violence<\/a>[x]<\/sup><\/a> against political opponents and their supporters. Officials and candidates at every level have promulgated \u201celiminationist rhetoric<\/a>.\u201d[xi]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second<\/em>, in an <\/strong>eye-opening poll<\/strong><\/a>[xiii]<\/sup><\/a> published by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) in April 2025, a sizeable portion rated the prospective murder of Elon Musk (31%) or President Trump (38%) as somewhat justified. For respondents who self-identified left of center, the percentage rose to 50% (Musk) and 56% (Trump). Of those, 11% (Musk) and 14% (Trump) believed such murders would be \u201cCompletely Justified.\u201d If at all reflective of reality, the poll suggests that a majority of a political constituency in America considers murdering the sitting President of the United States a justifiable act.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third<\/em>, on September 10, 2025, known for promoting the \u201cvenerable tradition<\/a>\u201d[xv]<\/sup><\/a> of open debate and civil dialogue modeled by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle was assassinated while discussing gun violence with a college student. One person<\/a>,[xvi]<\/sup><\/a> and possible co-conspirators, appear to have acted as judge, jury, and executioner to brazenly murder an unarmed civilian in a crowded public venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth<\/em>, news about the event ignited a chain reaction celebrating Kirk’s violent death. Many were startled because millions of Americans hold similar beliefs about God, family, and country, including the First Amendment<\/a>[xvii]<\/sup><\/a> rights to free speech and peaceably assemble. The obvious comfort level exhibited by people euphorically applauding the homicide of a defenseless citizen holding a microphone<\/a>,[xviii]<\/sup><\/a> further shocked many. Celebrants not only felt comfortable publicly posting sentiments, many seemed surprised to receive negative feedback, much less lose contracts for projects<\/a>,[xix]<\/sup><\/a>their jobs<\/a>,[xx]<\/sup><\/a> sales outlets<\/a>,[xxi]<\/sup><\/a> TV shows<\/a>,[xxii]<\/sup><\/a> and more. The high degree of comfort\u2014the ambient environment, assumed culture, perceived shared value system\u2014wherein some felt so free, justified, and righteous is deeply revealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others sought to blame the victim or excuse celebrants by referencing Kirk\u2019s words or beliefs, although some quickly discovered their assertions were slanderous and untrue<\/a>.[xxiii]<\/sup><\/a> Such diversionary comments indicate tacit consensus for carrying out the death penalty<\/a>[xxiv]<\/sup><\/a> against people who say things others don\u2019t like. Yet, most of the 41 capital offenses punishable by death in the U.S.<\/a>[xxv]<\/sup><\/a> derive from murder, not talking. Such comments also further suggest implicit support for violating the 14th<\/sup> Amendment of the U.S. Constitution<\/a>[xxvi]<\/sup><\/a> and a key biblical principle of justice\u2014due process<\/a>.[xxvii]<\/sup><\/a> Due process and death penalty laws are very strict. Many celebrants probably oppose capital punishment. But, in Kirk\u2019s case, since he said things they didn\u2019t like, they championed it or offered excuses for others who did. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s more. Not content with one merciless injustice, a slew of hashtags, public lists, and even betting sites launched campaigns for next preferred victims. A high school teacher in Los Angeles, California posted this open call for more violence, \u201cFar right assholes have a target on their backs, and deserve to die. One down, millions to go.\u201d Alarmed, Elon Musk reacted<\/a>,[xxviii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cWe must fight back or be murdered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens next remains to be seen. The mindsets of many, good and bad across a wide spectrum, have been exposed. The soul of a nation is on display with the whole world watching. The question is not whether Kirk\u2019s assassination and massive reactions to it mark a seminal moment in American history — they do. The question is whether America will wake up, see more clearly, and experience a metamorphosis — a radically positive transformation that alters the actions, attitudes, goals, and rhetoric of millions of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cCharlie Kirk Assassination Stirs Fears of Risi<\/a>ng<\/a> Political Violence<\/a>,\u201d Janice Hisle, Savannah Hulsey Pointer, 9\/12\/2025, The Epoch Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cJay Leno Jay Leno calls Charlie Kirk assassination the ‘death of free speech’<\/a>,\u201d Hanna Panreck, 9\/14\/2025, Fox News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cCharlie Kirk assassination marks bad tipping point for US<\/a>,\u201d Stephen A. Smith with Chris Cuomo, 9\/12\/2025, NewsNation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cUtah governor calls Charlie Kirk killing a ‘watershed moment’ for America<\/a>,\u201d Anderson Cooper 360, 9\/12\/2025, CNN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cPolitical Violence Could Devour Us All<\/a>,\u201d Graeme Wood, 9\/11\/2025, The Atlantic<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cNolte \u2014 Open Season On Us Began in 2015: 639 Acts of Violence\/Harassment Over 3 Years<\/a>,\u201d John Nolte, 9\/15\/2025, Breitbart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cAddressing political violence to protect American democra<\/a>cy,\u201d Jonathan Katz, Renee Rippberger, and Eric Urby; 8\/21\/2025, The Brookings Institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[viii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201c10 Political Violence Experts on What Comes Next for America<\/a>,\u201d 9\/12\/2025, Politico Magazine<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ix]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cThe Charlie Kirk assassination is a warning we cannot ignore \u2013 opinion<\/a>,\u201d Gabriel Rosenburg, 9\/15\/2025, The Jerusalem Post<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[x]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cH.Res.327 – Expel Maxine Waters Resolution for Incitement of Violence and Rioting against the United States<\/a>,\u201d 4\/19\/2021, Congress.gov.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xi]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cStephen Miller: We Are Going To Do What It Takes To Dismantle Radical Left Organizations That Foment Riots And Inspire Terrorism<\/a>,\u201d Ian Schwartz, 9\/13\/2025, RealClearPolitics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cAssassination Culture: How Burning Teslas and Killing Billionaires Became a Meme Aesthetic for Political Violence<\/a>,\u201d NCRI Assassination Culture Brief, 4\/7\/2025, Network Contagion Research Institute and Rutgers University Social Perception Lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiv]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cDirector Patel’s Remarks at the September 12, 2025, Press Conference on the Utah Valley University Shooting<\/a>,\u201d Kash Patel, 9\/12\/2025, FBI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xv]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cHe Died with a Microphone in His Hand<\/a>,\u201d Robert Barron, 9\/15\/2025, First Things<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvi]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cThe manhunt in Charlie Kirk\u2019s killing ended with the suspect\u2019s parents walking him up to their local sheriff\u2019s office<\/a>,\u201d Lauren Mascarenhas, 9\/19\/2025, CNN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cConstitution of the United States: First Amendment<\/a>,\u201d Congress.gov.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xviii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cHe Died with a Microphone in His Hand<\/a>,\u201d Robert Barron, 9\/15\/2025, First Things<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xix]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cDC Cancels \u2018Red Hood\u2019 Comic Book Series After Writer Shares Inflammatory Post Following Charlie Kirk Shootin<\/a>g,\u201d Aaron Couch, 9\/11\/2025, The Hollywood Reporter<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xx]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cMultiple people lose jobs after posts, comments about Charlie Kirk assassination<\/a>,\u201d Julia Gomez, Melina Khan, and Phaedra Trethan; 9\/13\/2025, USA TODAY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxi]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cIrish bookstore bans all Stephen King books after ‘abhorrent’ Charlie Kirk comments<\/a>,\u201d Alex West, 9\/14\/2025, Irish Star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cABC preempts \u2018Jimmy Kimmel Live!,\u2019 network says<\/a>,\u201d 9\/17\/2025, ABC News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxiii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cAuthor Stephen King issues rare apology after Charlie Kirk comments<\/a>,\u201d NBC New York Staff, 9\/15\/2025, NBC New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxiv]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cThe Death Penalty<\/a>,\u201d Prison Fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxv]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cDeath Penalty<\/a>,\u201d The Editors of ProCon, 8\/20\/2025, Britannica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxvi]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cConstitution of the United States: Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>,\u201d Congress.gov.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxvii]<\/sup><\/a> \u201cThe Importance of Due Process<\/a>,\u201d BibleHub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxviii]<\/sup><\/a> @Elon <\/a>Musk<\/a>, 9\/14\/2025, X.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Original version published at American Thinker, “A sea change — or business as usual?<\/a>” 9\/20\/2025<\/p>\n\n\n

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The recent murder of Charlie Kirk, the \u201chighest profile American political figure to be assassinated in nearly six decades,\u201d[i] has been called \u201cthe death of free speech,\u201d[ii] a \u201ctipping point,\u201d[iii] a \u201cwatershed moment,\u201d[iv]and \u201cone of the worst moments in recent American history.\u201d[v] How did we get to this point, what happened, and what happens next?  First, for over a decade,[vi] America…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,4],"tags":[20,12,13,29,11,21,14],"class_list":["post-830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maybles","category-non-fiction","tag-attitude","tag-christianity","tag-leadership","tag-life","tag-maybles","tag-politics","tag-society"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=830"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":842,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/830\/revisions\/842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klynnlewis.com\/maybles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}