On Tuesday, September 9, I moderated an event with my friends Richard Brookhiser and his wife Dr. Jeanne Safer. The event, which was hosted by Braver Angels, centered around Jeanne's 2019 book, I Love You, But I Hate Your Politics. To anyone currently in a politically-mixed relationship or friendship, or for those otherwise curious about the topic, I encourage you to pick up a copy. It is rich with accounts of couples, friends, and family members that have had to navigate political difference. Jeanne's thesis is simple, but powerful: "...character, not political conviction, determines whether or not people can discuss controversial issues amicably."
The event was a ton of fun. We shared stories, laughed, and discussed some possible tactics for conversing with those who are politically different. The audience erupted in applause when Rick announced that September 12 would mark 45 years of marriage between him, a conservative American historian and writer for National Review, and Jeanne, a psychotherapist and life-long liberal.
Just one day after this panel, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University. The brutal killing by a coward, whom I shall not name, was broadcasted all over X and other social media. I don't recommend trying to find the footage; it is traumatizing. Kirk's wife and beautiful family will never be the same. To that point, much of the conservative movement won't be the same either. Kirk, since the age of 18, was a juggernaut, someone who, full-throatedly and unabashedly, defended conservative values on college campuses throughout the U.S. This, in turn, inspired young conservatives all over the country to start their own Turning Point chapters at their respective colleges.
You see, many young conservatives have been reticent to out themselves as right-of-center for fear of being ostracized by peers and faculty. This is a rational fear, but one that Kirk rejected. His courage inspired us all. And, while I never followed Kirk all that closely, I always marveled at what he had built.
This country is in such desperate need of spiritual healing.
I'd like to share with you all a couple of links from people much wiser than myself:
Read Lura Forcum's Substack entry on how listening to each other can help mend our political divide here.
Marianne Williamson calls for love and peace here.
Ross Douthat remarks that "the decisive battle, now as always, is inside the individual human heart." Watch that video here.
R.I.P., Charlie Kirk.
Let us strive for a better tomorrow.
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