The Mentor I Never Met: Honoring Charlie Kirk’s Example | Editorial

A Tribute by Tommy Butzerin.

When you’re a young person, it often feels difficult to make a difference in the world. Current events and politics seem too big and imposing for a young citizen to meaningfully change. I’ve long been interested in politics and social issues, but this feeling of helplessness in the face of an uncaring world used to discourage me from getting involved.

Then I listened to Charlie Kirk.

As a young person in America, wanting to make a difference but not knowing how, Charlie Kirk’s message inspired me. With just $10,000 and a dream, at eighteen years old, he started a massive youth movement, Turning Point USA. His organization now boasts over 250,000 members and chapters in 3,500 different schools across the nation. He advocated for open and honest debate of issues, most often in places that were openly ideologically hostile to him. As a young Christian man trying to understand my world, Charlie Kirk was a role model to follow. I learned from listening to his speeches and debates that, as a young person, you can still make a difference in your community. Perhaps you can’t influence major national issues, but you can get involved in your own neighborhood and your own city.

I credit Charlie Kirk with inspiring me to get involved in Burien News. I hope that my writing for this news media will help to keep Burien citizens informed on the events and issues in their community. Charlie Kirk sought truth and wanted our leaders held accountable, and it is my wish that my work at Burien News will help accomplish those goals. Even though my impact may be small and local, I’m honored to be making a difference in my community.

Charlie Kirk’s death is so deeply disturbing to me for so many different reasons, the greatest of which is that he was killed for his beliefs. To see such a brilliant, fairly young person whom I looked up to be martyred for his opinions was horrifying. I don’t remember ever crying over the death of someone I had never met. But with Charlie, I felt as if I did know him. I knew him by his powerful Christian message, his advocacy for peaceful discussion of issues, and his unwavering hope in my generation. A tragedy like this can make a person lose faith in humanity, but that is why I’m glad that I have faith in God. And I know Charlie did too. His faith, more than anything, clearly motivated him to do his incredible work.

Whatever you may think about Charlie’s politics, it’s important to acknowledge that our modern political discourse is far too hostile. I have noticed a disturbing amount of name-calling and demonization of people based on their opinions happening lately. Historically, dehumanizing language has been used to justify some of the worst events in history. We can not allow violence like this to become normal in America, a nation that depends on peaceful and respectful dialogue. I am shocked, angry, and heartbroken by Charlie’s tragic death, but I know he would want me to persevere and continue the fight for truth. I’m sure his assassin meant to shut him down, to silence him. But Charlie left behind a powerful, unstoppable movement that will continue to empower America’s youth, and we will not be silenced. 

Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk, and thank you for inspiring me to be the best man I can be.