The Revolution Chronicles- Part XV

Charlie Kirk & 911 Edition

This chronicle is different from the others. My typical approach is to link news accounts without comment. After reflecting on the terrible event yesterday, and on the terrorist attack so many years ago, my heartfelt commentary is offered to you.

Yesterday, on September 10, 2025, I attended a meeting at the Memphis city hall where an extraordinary piece depicting Dr. King was positioned overlooking a long, beautiful conference table. During this meeting, Charles Kirk was shot in Utah.

Thinking back on my life, I will never forget hearing about Dr. King assassination during a confirmation ceremony at Annunciata church on the southside of Chicago. Being in Memphis yesterday brought these memories back. The poignance of these memories were magnified realizing that Kirk was shot while I was sitting overlooking Dr. King’s image in the city where he was killed.

Thinking about the connection of these tragic events, I see the extraordinary commonality between Dr. King and Charlie Kirk.

First, just compare their names. These four letter sir names look and sound similar. Kirk means “church.” King can reference many things, including a sovereign leader and even the future title of Christ as the King of Kings. Both names connect church and government. Though Charlie or Martin were employed in government, both had dramatic influence on public policy and social discourse.

• King

• Kirk
  

Second, both men had Christian worldviews. Their messages revolved around God, freedom, and character. Though many contend that Kirk was a “hater,” Dr. King was tagged with the same unfounded label. Despite the hateful accusations, both men conveyed biblical messages, as they fearlessly stood up against the dominant cultural and institutional forces of their time.

Third, the underlying premise of my latest book was premised on the revolutionary climate that percolated during the 1960’s. I contend this is directly and dangerously tied to violent ideological forces in contemporary America. Assassination and terrorism are predictable consequences of the ideological civil war that I fear awaits us.

Turning Point = Tipping Point…?

As the founder and leader of Turning Point, USA, the name of Charlie Kirk’s organization may portend what lies ahead. Kirk’s organization revolutionized the discourse in college campuses. Data showing a huge percentage of Gen Z support of MAGA is just one indication. Kirk’s message turned many people to conservative and godly thinking. Dr. King’s message was similarly filled with biblical and godly principles and references. His message was also widely embraced in colleges.

King’s death, though initially meet with violent riots and even terroristic action, ultimately fueled the civil rights movement and help turn American society to embrace the ideals articulated by Dr. King. These same principles were promised by our Declaration of Independence–which was a revolutionary document leading to the American revolution.

Now one can hope that Kirk’s assassination does not result in more violence. As much as we can hope for this, the notion that violence begets violence cannot be ignored. My concern is that we are nearing a tipping point, which once crossed may be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. Crossing the Rubicon resulting in the Roman civil war is both a historical fact and a contemporary parallel.

Wishing vs. Warning

“Revolution” was published a little over three years ago. I was inspired to write it during the “summer of love.” The book was written to convey what I saw coming. I needed to get the message off my chest. I cared about the country so I put my time and effort into getting the word out. I did so without any realistic expectation that anyone would care enough to read it and to change. The past three years has shown that the “R” word is so radioactive that even my “friends” ignored it. Though predictable, my larger purpose enabled me to rest knowing I tried.

So, my default position is and was to warn. I do this again now. Seeing ample evidence that thousands cheered Kirk’s death speaks volumes on where we are as a country. One can only hope and pray that reasonable minds will prevail.

On September 10, 2001, I defended my doctoral dissertation at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The next day, the world blew up.

Twenty-four years ago, we promised yourselves that we would “never forget.” Watching the ceremonies today, and the celebratory response to Kirk’s killing, one can wonder if we will ever “forgive and forget”…? Can we? Should we?

So, here we are. More violence, terrorism, and political assassination? Or E Pluribus Unum–out of many, one? Much more can be said. None of us can undo what was done. Yet, each of us could be part of the problem or solution. What will you do…?