People gather at a vigil in Seattle, Washington, on Sept. 10, 2025, after the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah earlier that day.

In a free and democratic society, we do not settle our differences with violence.

That should go without saying. And yet, here we are, once again, having to say it.

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We find ourselves watching as some of our leaders struggle to say it, too.

The shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was a despicable act of political violence. Its stark brutality should shock anyone with a shred of empathy for their fellow human beings.

But there is more here than the sheer horror and pain. With every assassination, and every attempted one, comes a deep sense of dismay: Is this what we have come to?

Please, no. If not for the sake of our humanity, then at least for the sake of our freedom.

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Free speech is not just a great liberty we enjoy. It comes with a responsibility to protect it. That........

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