Like many, I find myself thinking about Kirk's murder which leaves me with a myriad of thoughts and questions:
- Senseless violence is never the answer - no one should die from senseless violence.
- It's far more challenging to work collaboratively and peacefully with others to make change than it is to pick up a weapon and harm someone--we must meet the challenge of making peaceful, productive, positive change where we see the need.
- I'm curious about the life of the killer - what led him to plan and execute such a violent act.
- I'm curious about reports of his relationship, and how his family reacted to that relationship. The killer said he was tired of the hate Kirk espoused, and I'm wondering if the killer's family reacted with hate towards him or love towards him in light of his relationship?
- I'm curious about whether the killer ever talked about his feelings and processed those feelings with anyone.
- I can't understand why the USA doesn't institute more sensible gun laws, the kinds of laws that have translated to very few gun deaths in other countries that have those laws.
- As far as Kirk's ideals--I do believe in free speech for all, and when we support people, we support what they say, what they incite, what they inspire and who they are. Many supported Kirk's ideals with their dollars, time, and actions. Many did not as well.
- I wonder if it's worse to be Kirk's parents who have lost a son or the killer's parents who have to withstand all that will happen and has happened to him in light of the murder. Neither position is enviable.
I guess that my final reaction is to choose love and to be as loving, peaceful, and positive as I can be. Onward.
