I know, it’s been a year since I’ve posted. This blog has been effectively unmaintained. And it’s been a year!
Trump got elected, after having been shot at by mostly peaceful opponents. He apparently survived.
Charlie Kirk, a conservative firebrand, also got shot at. And killed. I surprised myself by watching his memorial, which was attended by a lot of conservative politicians and a few preachers.
It was a good memorial, as thing go. I was moved by many of the speakers; they offered straight up testimony for Christ in many cases, actually really well done; Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, gave by far the best speech in Charlie’s memory, and was one of the most effective speakers overall.
She was followed by Trump, who echoed many of the Christian sentiments – which surprised me, because they were actually pretty earnest and theologically compliant if not exactly complex or deep – and included many of his own political purposes. I actually thought Trump and Tucker Carlson – who seemed unhinged – were the least effective speakers at the memorial, although I respect Trump’s honesty in saying that he admired Ms. Kirk’s willingness to seek forgiveness for her husband’s murder – followed by him saying bluntly that he resented his enemies and would not forgive them.
It’s an interesting observation, really. As the Chief Executive, his purpose is to pursue justice – which means that justice for murderers and the like should be applied, not mercy. Yet in my opinion, that should be his role as President and applied properly, but his personal position should be to extend grace where possible.
Ms. Kirk was a far better witness and inspiration than Trump.
This should surprise nobody.