McRae: Freedom of Thought
By Treasurer David McRae
“Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.” -Benjamin Franklin
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk was more than the tragic killing of a young conservative father. It was an attack on freedom itself: the freedom to think, speak, and live according to one’s convictions.
For those who are unfamiliar, Charlie Kirk was a podcaster and activist who embodied the spirit of open debate. He didn’t fear disagreement; he welcomed it. He understood that without honest discussion, liberty dies. His death is not just a personal loss to his wife and children; it was an attack on the American tradition of free thought.
This cannot be our future.
Political violence is escalating at a pace that should alarm every American. Twice, assassins have taken aim at President Trump, one shot coming within centimeters of ending his life. A state lawmaker in Minnesota was murdered. A governor’s home was set ablaze. Now, Charlie Kirk has lost his life.
This is not normal. And it must never become the new normal. Every citizen, regardless of party or ideology, must stand and say: enough. Political violence has no place in a free republic.
Sadly, instead of universal outrage, we have witnessed apathy and even cruelty. Some opponents of Kirk’s politics and Christian beliefs (including university employees here in Mississippi) have spewed hate and venom in the wake of his death. That is shameful and inhumane.
Two children will grow up without their father. A wife is left without her husband. This family will no longer be able to create memories with this man. Their grief should be met with compassion and prayer.
We do not yet know all the details or motives behind this evil act. But one thing is already clear: America is at a crossroads. We must recommit ourselves to the principle that it is okay to disagree. It is okay to argue, to peacefully protest, to stand firm for your values. That is the American way. But murder must never be tolerated. To remain silent in the face of it – or worse, to scorn the victim – is to accept a future where freedom cannot survive.
The line must be drawn here. Freedom of thought and speech is unique and precious. We need not take for granted a right that so few have in this world.
With that, I want to close by asking everyone reading to say a short prayer for Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, his parents, and all who loved him.
Mississippi Treasurer David McRae is the 55th Treasurer for the State of Mississippi. In this role, he helps manage the state’s cash flow, oversees College and Career Savings Mississippi, and has returned more than $140 million in unclaimed money to Mississippians. For more information, visit Treasury.MS.gov.
