To the editor:
I feel compelled to comment about some experiences and truths related to polarization and the political murder of Charlie Kirk. For the many that must designate all that they see and hear, as either left or right, I should disclose that I am a centrist; never a registered Republican, but once a Democrat; I dislike Trump and did not vote for him.
This letter was prompted by Seth Moulton being one of 58 congressmen who voted against the recent Charlie Kirk Memoriam, a resolution that did not have a partisan word in it and was about rejection of political violence stating an “unequivocal condemnation of political violence, regardless of ideology”. Seth, who I believe is more moderate than he lets us believe, will vote where his bread is buttered, meaning that he is ready to be our career politician and he does not want to jeopardize that, so he takes these heartless partisan stands/votes to reassure his base. He did go against party with his statement on biological males in women’s sports, which I applaud him for, but he most often unnecessarily takes the partisan stand/comment when compromise and altruism is clearly called for, not his needless divisive political points. He also did it recently with his comments at the 250th Marine Corps anniversary here in town. He doesn’t truly care about compromise or properly representing his constituents over making political points, and in the process continues the polarization, ineffectiveness of congress, and ultimately our disenfranchisement (when was the last time that we had a choice besides just him to vote for?).
Just like those that scream Israel is committing genocide when reality is the opposite, where the Palestinian constitution calls for the eradication of the Jewish state from the face of the earth, the truth is not that Charlie Kirk was vile, racist, homophobic and misogynistic.
When my sons started college, I came to the realization that free speech did not exist at our public universities and the far majority of our private universities. I came across some debates by this Christian guy who was the first to force his way onto our public universities in 3-hour open debate sessions on public commons. He was providing the first alternative views that most of these kids had ever heard; He was kind, fair and a strong advocate for free speech. He espoused objective discussion and some Christian values. I did not agree with all he said; he was provocative and dramatic, at times, but he always came back to advocating the acceptance of all, just like Christ would accept all his children regardless of what we are whether trans, gay or straight.
I have watched 100 of his debates in the US and UK before he was murdered and I can attest, apolitically, that he had a Christian agenda, but he was not what the media and democrats are saying he was. They are categorical lies; the clips I have seen are all designed to take only the damning strong points of his arguments out of context and do not depict this man and what he stood for, in any way. I do not believe Seth would only view these 5-second biased clips, designed specifically to discredit this man and keep us at each other’s throats, to make his NO vote; I think he knew better. It was a spineless partisan vote and he did all of us a disservice by making it. Our bipartisan system wins control over us with this polarization, where each side is convinced of their moral superiority and sole possession of the truth (nothing in our world is that black and white!). I have talked to people who never knew Charlie before September 10th, but they are convinced that he was evil incarnate, as well as anyone else who knows and says Charlie was entirely different. Do you all see how awful this is? Do you see how this designed for misinformation, which includes our congressman who supports it, is bad for all of our society, whether you are left or right? Don’t we all want the truth? Well, you aren’t going to get it from FOX, NPR, the Boston Globe or most of the mainstream media. They are all selling an agenda, it is insipid, concerted and designed to demonize one side over the other, at all costs.
We need elected representatives who do not foster this partisanship and polarization. It helps no one. It divides us. Charlie spoke for unity over diversity. Diversity is killing this country. That doesn’t mean not to accept those that are not like you, that means joining together with those not like you. We are Americans; that is our commonality that used to take precedence in our country. We need to come together. It is getting worse too…the self-righteous omnipotents who are convinced they alone possess the truth, the hate, the rancor, and attacks on everyone that doesn’t agree with your world view; they are all destroying American society. And if you want to know who Charlie was, then please watch some of his full debates and not just clips that highlight the dramatic points. The truth of Israel’s 80-year quest for peace and survival is also available for all to see when you attempt to get your information from those who are not trying to control you.
Kevin Maguire
Auburndale Road
