Recovering America

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:16

The murder of Charlie Kirk was an abomination. An abomination made worse by the cheering of those who have created the climate of hate that encouraged the very act of murder as a means of silencing those with whom they disagree.

Evil exists and has infiltrated virtually all of the organs of our democracy: the politicians, the judicial system, the media, the entertainment industry, the educational system, sports and even our philanthropic enterprises including religious organizations. In every instance it comes wrapped is the cloak of hope, of change, of equality, and promises of something better – often as the defender against injustice. It is deceptive and invasive. And in the end it is always about power, control, wealth and domination.

Apparently Mr. Kirk’s offense was not that he spoke but that people listened to him, joined him, admired him. And when he spoke about the principles upon which this nation was founded – God, individual liberty, accountability, private ownership and capitalism – those who saw the loss of their power ordained Mr. Kirk’s murder. Whether they encouraged the violence towards Mr. Kirk, pulled the trigger on the murder, assisted in the crime itself or gave active or tacit approval before, during or after the murder, they all aided and abetted in the furtherance of evil.

Do not look to government for a cure. Evil has so invaded and corrupted government that any action by government will be used by the corrupters to further impose their domination. Expecting a remedy from those who in large part are responsible for the current atmosphere of hate and violence is a fool’s errand. The remedy lies in the very foundation of democracy – individual freedom and accountability.

But hope abounds. The outrage expressed by most Americans at the assassination of a man simply because he dared to speak was heartening. The direct action taken by those appalled by the support for evil, responded by demanding accountability. Those who reveled in Mr. Kirk’s death were fired, contracts were terminated, appearances were canceled, associations – both economic and social – were halted and people braved further violence by gathering in support of Mr. Kirk and/or his messages. And that is precisely how evil will be overcome. That is precisely how evil will be removed from government – by ending support for the politicians who, by their actions, have supported hate and violence. That is precisely how the entertainment and sports entertainment industry will be rid of those who use their public adulation as a means to embrace the evil – by public refusal to support and or attend. And that is precisely how to end the domination of hate in our public education system by moving our children to public and private entities reflective of our own beliefs. And finally by disassociation – if you have a relationship with someone who actively or tacitly approves of the violence, find a new relationship.

This isn’t easy. Evil has used the every essence of democracy to capture and corrupt democracy. But the power still lies with you and yours. It simply requires a robust response much like Coach Herb Brooks used in encouraging the 1980 American hockey team to victory:

“Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned, tonight – one game.

“If we played ‘em ten time, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with ‘em, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players – everyone of ya. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. Its over.

Change is within our hands. A return to why and how America was born is ours for the taking. This is our time. Their time is done – it’s over.