Kirk murder, reaction reflect troubling rift in America

I took a deep breath before sitting down to share thoughts on the horrific chain of events that gripped our nation last week. Days later, we as a nation are still left wondering how we arrived at this ugly moment in time, and more importantly, how we move forward. No matter your perspective, this is a troubling time, a divisive atmosphere, and by all accounts an ugly chapter in American history.
The killing of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah was devastating on many levels. First and foremost, an innocent man was gunned down by a disturbed individual because he disagreed with what Kirk had to say. We watched in graphic detail as an assassination unfolded in real time, replayed endlessly on social media. 
This man of faith left behind a wife and two young children, yet images of his death were broadcast for the world to consume without regard for decency or respect for human life. In a culture where the impulse is to post anything and everything simply because we can, the boundaries of decency have all but vanished.
Perhaps most shocking has been the reaction in some corners, with voices from the left celebrating his murder, claiming he got what he deserved. That level of callousness reflects a sickness, and a nation divided to its core. 
Equally disturbing is the chilling effect this may have on public life. Fear will cause some to hesitate before speaking out or stepping into leadership, a dangerous threat to democracy itself. Freedom of speech, and the open exchange of ideas are cornerstones of our republic. 
Kirk himself once noted that death threats have become a measure of whether one is “moving the needle” in public discourse. He was courageous in facing that reality, but how many potential leaders might now choose silence for the sake of their own safety and that of their families?
Love him or loathe his views, Kirk was among the few willing to engage opponents personally and respectfully. He thrived in open debate and dialogue, and tragically it was in that very setting that he lost his life.
Political violence is becoming normalized in our culture, and that should alarm us all. We like to believe “this is not who we are,” yet this week’s murder, and the reactions to it, suggest otherwise, at least at this moment in time.
Let this be a turning point. Our nation was founded on principles of faith, liberty and human dignity. At this moment of crisis, we need those guiding values more than ever.
-- Kurt Johnson