Charlie Ferdinand

It feels like the gun powder keg on a path to crush democracy is picking up speed. Last week’s killing of Charlie Kirk, a man I knew little about prior to his death, but far too much about posthumously, just might be the act that blows up this country.

I’ve taken steps in the past few days to preserve myself and my mental health, avoiding news coverage and social media. I’m not able to ingest anymore hypercritical nonsense about how the lunatic liberals are the party of violence, how I am to be held responsible for the murder of a man who espoused hatred towards women, Black people, the LGBTQ community and immigrants.

How rich is that? Liberals and Democrats are being told that we are the reason that a young man took it upon himself to commit an act of gun violence, in a country where guns are the number one cause of death of young people.

So, I’m supposed to own the death of this man? In the very same country that I’ve spent years of my life protesting against current gun laws in favor of sensible change in the hope of saving lives?

Nope. I’m not having it.

Charlie Kirk’s death means no more to me than the death of a single child slaughtered in their classroom.

Charlie Kirk’s death means no more to me than the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and their dog, for that matter.

Charlie Kirk’s death means no more to me than the deaths of the grocery store customers in upstate NY, the concert goers in Las Vegas, the dancers at Pulse, the theater goers in CO, the countless, but never forgotten by their loved ones, humans killed by bullets in this country.

I will not be told that his blood is on my hands while the POTUS bears no responsibility for an attempted coup on January 6, 2021.

I cannot stand to watch the prayer vigils lead by people who have attacked survivors of school gun violence.

I refuse to engage or interact with another person who claims mental health is the issue, when access to weapons is the actual problem.

Charlie Kirk’s death holds weight for many. It might even be a turning point in this country’s history but, the question remains – in what direction are we going?

I’m afraid things are going to get worse before they get better. How are you coping?