Conservative Valor Amid Leftist Venom 

In the annals of American conservatism, few figures shone as brightly as Charlie Kirk, the indefatigable founder of Turning Point USA. At just 31, Kirk, a beacon of unyielding principle, was gunned down on September 10, 2025, while bravely speaking the truth to a large crowd at Utah Valley University. His assassination at the hands of Tyler Robinson, a radical ideologue steeped in leftist extremism, was not merely a tragedy—it was a stark indictment of the venomous undercurrents that have poisoned our national discourse. 

Yet, in death, Kirk’s virtues endure, a testament to the timeless strength of conservative ideals, while exposing the grotesque hypocrisy and moral rot festering on the left.

Charlie Kirk embodied the core tenets of conservatism with a fervor that inspired millions. He championed free speech, the bedrock of a free society, relentlessly defending the right to dissent in an era where campuses have become echo chambers of ideological conformity. Through Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Kirk mobilized young Americans to embrace patriotism, fiscal responsibility, and traditional values—family, faith, and individual liberty—against the onslaught of woke indoctrination. He exposed the absurdities of identity politics, gender ideology, and unchecked government overreach, always with a sharp wit and unwavering optimism. Kirk wasn’t a divider; he was a unifier, urging dialogue over destruction, as evidenced by his campus tours that fostered open debate. His life was a masterclass in resilience: from founding TPUSA at 18 to becoming a national voice for the voiceless, Kirk proved that conviction triumphs over complacency. In an age of moral relativism, he stood firm for absolute truths, reminding us that conservatism isn’t just politics—it’s a safeguard for the soul of America.

Contrast this nobility with the left’s despicable response to his murder. 

Where conservatives mourn a fallen warrior and rally for justice, the left has reveled in depravity. Jimmy Kimmel’s sneering monologue mocked the grief of Kirk’s allies, dismissing their outrage as childish while humanizing the assassin through “touching” texts with his partner. Polls reveal a chilling truth: 26% of young adults, marinated in progressive propaganda, believe America is “better off” without Kirk—a sentiment echoed in online cesspools where leftists celebrate the silencing of a conservative voice. This isn’t mere insensitivity; it’s the evil fruit of an ideology that preaches tolerance yet endorses violence against those who challenge it. The hypocrisy is glaring: the same voices who wail about “hate speech,” now gloat over an execution-style killing, revealing their true colors. They decry MAGA as dangerous, yet nurture assassins in their ranks, from campus radicals to media enablers who whitewash terror as “passion.” This celebration of death isn’t politics; it’s a descent into barbarism, a betrayal of the very empathy they claim to monopolize.

Kirk’s assassination demands we confront this darkness. His virtues—courage, clarity, and commitment to principle—must galvanize us to redouble our defense of freedom. The left’s jubilation over his demise exposes their hollow core: a movement rotten with envy and authoritarian impulses. Let Kirk’s legacy be our clarion call: conservatism prevails not through vengeance, but through the enduring power of truth. In honoring him, we reject the left’s evil and reclaim America’s promise.

Duane Jones, Chairman
Manistee County Republicans