I was only vaguely aware of his existence until the murder. I don't keep up with the podcast/tiktok/social media/outrage farmer/snake-oil/crypto-bro/snake-oil hawkers/religious evangelist/trad-wife/... herds. I'm not saying Mr. Kirk was any/all of those categories, just that I lumped him into that overarching group of "things I don't bother with", and moved on with my life the first few times I heard of him.

Quote Originally Posted by iris lilies View Post
I agree that most media talking heads have shown appropriate horror and sadness at Kirk‘s murder. Part of that could be because they identify with him, a professional political talker. He wasn’t an elected official, he was (likely) shot simply for expressing his opinions.
I have been in public service, as an elected or appointed official, for decades now. I have had people make credible threats of violence against me and my colleagues. (I may have recounted some of these here in the past.). I have had to have law enforcement and security present at some meetings/hearings. In 2024 I had to hire my own private armed security during a particularly troublesome period here. I have carried a firearm continually during my service because of this, though that certainly wouldn't protect me from a situation like Mr. Kirk encountered.

Threats of violence, and actual violence, against elected and unelected officials, and their supporters and staff, is incredibly damaging to society, on many fronts. People need to calm the BLEEEP down and act in a civil fashion.

I am concerned about the reaction to, and use of, Kirk's assassination by people on all fronts. It is disgusting.

I will likely be stepping down from public service, and participation in most civic activities, as soon as my current term expires.