Charlie Kirk and political division: who has free speech?

The death of Charlie Kirk has further divided political parties and added fear in what people believe they can say. Several have been fired or placed on leave indefinitely due to comments mainly made on social media.

 While it is not new for an employee to be fired due to a comment online, the tragedy has only heightened these incidents. While some are more violent and demeaning to Kirk, many acknowledge his death but dislike seeing others revise his words into positive comments. Many feel the pressure and fear of hateful rhetoric being showcased in Kirk's name.

To disagree with someone's morals is not a cosign on their death. Malicious speech will eventually lead to violence if it simmers enough within a community. Those who are terrified of public shootings are fearful that the hate seen online will lead to another incident. This goes for both Republicans and Democrats; fear is driving us all. Any form of violence will not solve the issue and must be criticized.

This shared fear of violence goes farther than just political matters. It is a fear that people who do not participate in politics have in their social life.

America has always been marketed as the land that encourages and allows free speech—the land where people can comfortably speak their opinions. That same America is now a minefield. No matter what you say, there is a chance of negative repercussions. Late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel is the most well-known example of this. Kimmel's comments on Kirk and the president's response led to a controversial temporary leave.

During his show, Kimmel said the "MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" and trying to "score political points from it." Kimmel also said, "This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish." While some agreed with his statements, others felt he went too far. Ultimately, Kimmel was taken off leave, and his show was put back on air.

Clemson University is now being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina on behalf of Joshua Bregy, an assistant professor who was fired in September after reposting a Facebook post related to Kirk's death.

The repost spoke about violence never being okay but also stated that "karma is sometimes swift and ironic." As Kirk said, 'Play certain games, win certain prizes.'” The social media posts came under scrutiny after Clemson College Republicans began flagging online reactions and social media posts from faculty members, which led to the suspension of two professors as well as the termination of Bregy.

Those examples call for a question to be answered: Who has free speech?

If Americans do not feel safe to speak their mind or feel as if their words are being suppressed, are we truly the land of the free?

It is those underlying factors and feelings that both sides, both Republicans and Democrats, must address. Differences in people and opinion have been a part of America since its foundation. This country is a melting pot of traditions, cultures, and ethnicities. Even the country's founding fathers believed that all citizens reserve the right to free speech. It is not a crime to speak your mind when you are in this country. Freedom of speech is not reserved for one specific party or people. It is and should continue to be for all.

As George Washington said, "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

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