KIRK ASSASSINATION, POLARIZATION, AND THE ATTACK ON FREE SPEECH: WHAT ARE WE DOING?
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION SEPT. 12-14, 20250 — Prior to recent events, THE PLANET had never heard of Charlie Kirk. True. We don’t “follow” anyone on social media or YouTube, much less watch the endless political blather of talking heads, and so when we heard of the assassination of this darling of the far right, it slipped by as “just another shooting.” That there can even be such a thing as “just another shooting” provides its own commentary on the state of debate and First Amendment freedoms.
We only found out later that Kirk was considered by this millions of followers as a cultural icon. What hath social media wrought?
Reactions to his murder on both sides have been as polarizing as the actions of the dude’s trigger finger who shot Kirk through the neck from 200 yards. The killer wore all-black tactical gear, and it’s clear this cowardly act took some high-level planning. Was this a preordained hit? Time and the investigation will tell.
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THE PLANET has seen diatribes from both extremes of the political spectrum. They are as predictable as they are boiling over in rage and devoid of insight. The left particularly has the hypocritical custard smeared all over its face after weeks of showing President Trump lying dead in his coffin. The captions to these images invariably expresses some form of rejoicing or fervent hope. The ones who enjoy such images are the same ones dancing on Kirk’s yet-to-be-dug grave. They are the first to decry violence, of course. Hate has no home there, but it does have a plush apartment.
If anyone ever need proof that we’ve lost the ability to rationally air our differences, the Kirk killing provides it. We knew long ago. THE PLANET wasn’t shocked at what happened, only surprised … but even that, barely. We’ve become accustomed to the bullet over the ballot, or have you forgotten the assassinations JFK, Malcolm X, King, RFK, and the attempted murders of George Wallace, Pope John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, Gerry Ford, and Donald Trump and many more?
Lost in all this is its effect on First Amendment rights, particularly freedom of expression. One case caught our eye: the overreaction of the MSNBC brass, as described in this wire account:
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Political analyst Matthew Dowd has been fired from MSNBC after his comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to a network source.
During MSNBC’s coverage of Kirk’s shooting, anchor Katy Tur asked Dowd about “the environment in which a shooting like this happens.” Dowd responded with the following about Kirk: “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in. You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”
DAN VALENTI, in poison, DALTON LIBRARY, Sept. 18 from 1-2 p.m. He’ll be expecting you!
The remarks sparked outrage across social media, and MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued an apology in response. She slammed Dowd’s comments as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.”
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THE PLANET disagrees with the network’s chicken-livered reaction to Dowd expressing a response to a legitimate question. Of course, expecting network executives to stand by their people and act with character is futile, a bit like expecting a politicians to tell the truth.
We see nothing in what Dowd said that could be called “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.” Kutler’s apology smeared Dowd, took away his job, and spat on the First Amendment.
What are we doing?
Where are we as a nation going?
Have a great weekend, everybody.
—————————————————————–
“I think it’s worth it … some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment”–Charlie Kirk.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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The family- a wife and her young children – lost their loved one – Charlie Kirk – to gun violence.
The nation was distracted for a week from the Epstein files that has ensnared Donald Trump.
What are we experiencing here? Answer: Injustices!
Still haven’t moved to Ireland? Rosie misses you.
I’ll lead the chant FJM! FJM! FJM!
I’ll repost this for you.
Gunther Eagleman™ on X: “BREAKING: Former AG Bill Barr just told the House Oversight Committee that Trump is NOT IMPLICATED in any way with Epstein’s crimes! You know if that fcking traitor had ANYTHING that would hurt Trump, it would’ve come out. Wait for the absolute nuclear meltdowns coming! https://t.co/Jol0YV8Lh2” / X
He testified under oath.
That means he had to tell the truth and not lie, or risk going to jail.
Instead of jumping on here and immediately posting another screed about Lumpy, “the pot king,” or thanking me for my service, trying reading and comprehending my post.
Comprehend means to understand, learn, and look into (research).
Again, it doesn’t mean immediately replying with another “Level 5 schools,” “social service alley,” and all the other screeds we’ve read ad nauseam from you.
Then release the Epstein files already.
Release Trump’s tax returns already.
Release Trump’s NDA’s already.
Open the books!
Releasing NDA would void highly negotiated legal contracts and cause monetary damage to signers. Probably the recipients of the money would end up in court and have to return funds and pay damages and legal fees.
Tax returns already were illegally leaked by NYT. You can probably buy a copy for $5. You wouldnt understand them anyway.
It would be, conversationally speaking only, interesting to compare Trumps tax return to money aggregator currency manipulator-US-election tamperer-violent -riot-RICO-suspect Soros & Soros who actually may even be a Nazi, albeit a very little and young one at the time.
“Lost to gun violence”??? Drowning in liberal tears is the grossest way to go.
He was lost to terrorism.
Exactly!
Guns are not the problem. Human behavior is the problem.
And that BS came from a vet no less. American soldiers serve the Constitution of the USA. Just like the rest of us.
Hey Commie – Chicago has one of the strictest gun control policies in the nation, and yet it has crime statistics off the charts!
Kirk was murdered by a radical leftist.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/lefts-gun-control-narrative-exploits-charlie-kirks-death/
I don’t know whether it was right or wrong to fire Dowd from the network, but he wasn’t telling the truth about Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk was a nice guy who wanted to encourage critical thinking in college students. For this crime he was vilified by the liberal media and politicians. Charlie Kirk wasn’t promoting hate speech. The left doesn’t want free speech on college campuses. The media is supposed to report the facts which we know they constantly refuse to do so maybe his firing was more about the lies he was telling to push a political agenda.
Dan, I agree with you on the premise of free speech, but MSDNC canning Matthew Dowd, I 100% fully support them doing this. I want the news, not a journalist’s opinion.
Remember when news outlets used to be non-bias and just report the news from both sides of the aisle without their reporter’s opinion?
Dowd stated, “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups….”
No facts to back this claim up. Just opinion. I don’t recall news reporters voicing their negative opinions of the multiple felon, drug addicted, woman beater, democRAT hero, George Floyd, during the Summer of Love 2020.
Free speech is free, as long as you’re a democRAT and voicing your displeasure and hatred towards against President Trump and his “bag of deplorables,” also known as his supporters or “Nazi’s.”
If you’re not a democRAT and voice your opposing opinion against them, be prepared. You will be called a “Nazi,” a racist, a homophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic, and anything else to shame you and try and ruin your life.
Bathhouse Barry Obama in 2012, made sure this was acceptable when he “modernized” the Smith-Mundt Act (1948), prohibiting propaganda to be used against US Citizens by the US Government/MSM after WWII.
H.R.5736 – 112th Congress (2011-2012): Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Thanks, MARK. You raise good points.
Yeah BUT, he uses negative labels against me, among others who support the likes of Governor Maura Healey, former D.A. Andrea Harrington, for Mayor Joyce Craig, former V.P. Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, and so on. He is the pot calling the kettle black!
What “negative labels” do I call you?
The only name I’ve called you is Marxist Melle. That’s because YOU and every person you listed, is pro Marxism with your communist ideology.
Vote them all out.
Whine whine whine…..you make every issue about you.
Grow up little boy!
There are people actually celebrating the murder. Dan this is going to continue to the end of time because people are sick in the head. Though some ideology makes sense but you can’t get your point across by killing people that does nothing.
Israel is bombing just like Russia and that is what fuels violence and hatred, not free speech.
At the latest City Clowncil meeting people were calling the City Councilors fascists same as the Kirk murderer. Who’s to say these name callers that condemn our president aren’t as likely to take someone out.
Charlie practiced,argued, and taught conservatism. Do you think someone like Robinson or thousands of others are going to believe him (Kirk) when he’s aligned with a so called fascist billionaire giving tax breaks to billionaires?
Think again. These anti fascists believers are out there in the millions.
There we’re 80 million anti trump voters out there.
And if one 1000 of one percent was like the creepy murderer, then we have a major problem.
81 Million votes my ass!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go4JCxrS9hU
So Israel is bombarding Qatar a u s ally. Trump having dinner with the prime minister o& Qatar today? Uh ok. Nobel peace of shit prize. Bottom line radical liberals aren’t the problem with these assasinations.
Young people today don’t give a fuck about their lives and thus these radical assassinations. I’ve heard this a thousand times.
The Jews are so hated by everyone. People,young kids, I here this all the time.. They say the media is pro Israel and they don’t buy these latest actions by Netanyahu, for one.
Where the fuck is the uproar on the Ukraine woman stabbed to death on a Carolina?… transit ride? Passengers could give a crap. They just sat in their seats.
Nobody wins when violence or force is used as leverage to dispute political differences. In recent events in the US, both political extremes have been guilty of propagating violence and violent rhetoric. There’s plenty of examples of guilt and blame to go around on all sides. Dare to voice and stand in your opposition to those you disagree with, but stop condoning actions of violence and hate as a means to distinguish your opinion and beliefs.
That sounds like “both-ism”.
Simpler word is “bad apology”.
Very good observstions but you never mentioned FOX and the radical Don Trump for obvious reasons.
PMSNBC (ALL of the Leftist MSM) selectively edited Charlie Kirk’s widow’s first comments since her husband was assassinated, in an effort to portray her words as threatening. They aired a partial clip of ONE sentence.
Note: One of MSNBC’s commentators has since been fired.
“You may have seen that MSNBC recently ended its association with a contributor who made an unacceptable and insensitive comment about this horrific event.
That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions.” -Comcast CEO Brian Roberts
There were no threats by Mrs Kirk, just that the Left is (was) threatened by Charlie’s open uncensored and civil debates; a foundation of our Country’s freedoms.
Meanwhile the Left is gleefully cheering and celebrating a White Christian Man’s murder in front of his children.
Note the contrast to the Leftist “Summer of Love” 2020, when after just committing a crime, an intoxicated career criminal addict, died at the hands of police. Unlike 2020, there are no “peaceful protests”, er riots, with: assaults,murders, burning, looting (left’s term for “shopping”), carjacking, and mayhem lasting months.
Even some “Educators” within our school systems are taking to social media spewing vile filth and hate in celebration! These vermin are unfit and have no business indoctrinating, er “teaching”, the Nation’s children and youth. Some have already resigned or been fired.
Some of the Left’s “Creatures” infesting our Congress, are just as mean, spiteful and hateful. When Congresswoman Boebert asked for a moment of silence when Kirk’s murder was announced before a session of Congress, the Democrats booed and jeered.
That is the state of today’s “tolerant inclusive” Liberals.
^^^^this
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/lefts-gun-control-narrative-exploits-charlie-kirks-death/
“Charlie Kirk was assassinated on stage in front of a crowd. For millions of young conservatives, including myself, it was a personal loss.
He was a mentor, a leader, and a voice that reshaped the direction of American politics.
But in the days since his murder, many on the left have tried to use his death as a weapon in their political arguments. They are turning a moment of grief into a platform to push gun control and attack the very principles Kirk stood for.”
I agree. He was awesome at debating the issues.
Dan,
He was fired for suggesting the shot was just a fan celebrating by firing a rifle, stating “we don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration”, according to The Washington Post
Also, if you embarrass your employer publicly, you will be given marching orders. He’s free to start his own podcast and carry on on his own dime. I don’t see the problem there.
The Left is using already using this tragedy to push it’s ASSault upon the 2nd Amendment and American’s civil rights.
The fired MSNBC’s commentator’s obfuscation of the assassination, was an inherent insult to law abiding American gun owners. It is mirrored by the post just above yours, by TSC.
“Shootings are normal in Americas gun swamp.This has been normal in America for 35 years.America is led by radicals.” -TSC
The Left never lets a tragedy go to waste, trying to advance their agendas.
Trump will never lead in peace as he need his country divided.Putin has worked the racist propaganda for decades.
You are proof of this.
You can’t cure
s t o o p i d or ignorance.
Sick Pelosi, author/instigator of J6 …….
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/wow-evil-pelosi-defends-democrats-violent-rhetoric-after/
This is her for real!
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115168511297310412
Erika Kirk gave a very moving speech last night only 48 hours after her husband was assassinated. She said, “We are in a spiritual battle. It’s palpable. You can feel it.” We have evil people fighting for the hearts and minds of youth and her words ring so true. The words etched on the bullets that the shooter was carrying called Charlie Kirk a “fascist” so he deserved to die. Where is this hatred coming from? The educational system, the media, politicians, and even famous people like Stephen King who told huge lies about Charlie Kirk including that he wanted to stone gay people. King thought he would be a big hero for his lies, but the uproar over his comments caused him to remove his post. Politicians like Kamala Harris, AOC, Joe Biden, Ilhan Omar and the majority of politicians on the left are constantly calling conservatives “fascists, Nazis, and Hitler. Words matter and they know that idealistic young people are swayed by their rhetoric. Young men think they will be heroes for taking out the enemy conservatives and fighting evil not realizing they are being used to carry out evil. We are in a spiritual battle.
R.I.P. CK……
https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/12/charlie-kirks-assassination-should-herald-the-end-of-the-american-left/
Dan
Charlie Kirk was assassinated to silence the truth. Just like JFK,MLK….. You suggest celebrating, minimizing or propagandizing any assassins evil deeds is warranted ?
I’m sure this post will also be censored, by and for same reason as Charlies killer.
Dan still censoring , comments
9/13 @ 4:40
TB
I don’t know how many times I need to say this, but THE PLANET doesn’t censor anything. We edit when needed. You seem to think that when you post, it will be seen instantaneously. That is not the case for reasons that won’t make sense to you involving firewalls, the amount of traffic we receive, and other considerations, mostly technical. We also have AI and AOR in play. And as you can see, your post made it through, as written.
Yet another transgender mentally ill shooter. Anyone seeing the pattern?
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/president-trump-confirms-kirk-assassin-tyler-robinson-has/
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/13/exclusive-alex-bruesewitz-says-transgender-inspired-violence-must-be-dealt-with/
Kirk “believed in the ideals of the American founding”
https://www.infowars.com/posts/rest-in-peace-charlie-kirk-honor-his-sacrifice-by-saving-america
Marxism must be rooted out…..
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/end-political-violence-marxist-framework-legitimizes-it-must-be-rooted-out
I know nothing literally of the man, but his murder even appalls me and disgusts me. I wish his family peace and comfort in living for the Light.
The Pittsfield City Council and Mayor Peter Marchetti are always excessively raising local taxes and fees, while they want the city’s Board of Health (BoH) to expand its duties – and budget – to deal with the homeless residents who cannot afford a roof over their heads.
https://www.iberkshires.com/story/80266/Pittsfield-Public-Camping-Ban-Proposal-Sent-to-Health-Board.html
Don’t they realize that if they cut the city’s excessively high fiscal year 2026 operating budget, then the landlords would be able to charge less in monthly rents due to would-be lower local taxes and fees.
They are similar to a chain smoker telling people not to smoke.
They are similar to an alcoholic telling people not to drink alcohol.
They are similar to an average person who weighs over 300 pounds telling people to eat healthy diets.
They are spending over $62 million more per fiscal year 2026 than the similarly sized small Western Massachusetts City of Westfield.
They don’t get it!
On a lighter note. Pittsfield City Council caps short term rentals (Airbnb) at 150 days a year. This from a City that is desperate for Revenue and Tourists. This new ordinance will insure Pittsfield gets less of both. Only in Pittsfield!
A wise insight, JOE.
Tourism season, while the other 7 months are as dead as Nothing on North Street.
They will make it up by raising taxes on everybody else. Mostly senior citizens. When you continue to hand out generous raises to already way overpaid employees you need to continue to tax tax tax. It is the hallmark of Pittsfield and that is the biggest reason people are leaving in droves.
Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak here (Indiana University) on 10/21. I’m the advisor for IU’s Turning Point chapter and we were going over the details of the visit when he was murdered.
Here’s what I wrote the 96 students in my classes (none are in Turning Point) over the weekend:
” Whatever you think about the views of Charlie Kirk we should agree that he was a tireless advocate for open discussion of views. He was scheduled to spend four hours on Dunn Meadow on Oct 21 where he intended to take questions from anyone about anything. When I was your age in college, this was not rare. There were many people who would engage in discussions about different views without thinking that differences mean “hate” or without personalizing the discussion. We can all honor his commitment to exchanging ideas–without agreeing to everything he believed– by treating each other with respect and trying to listen to each other. This means working out why you believe whatever you believe and it probably requires getting off social media and simply talking to each other. ”
I had several thanking me for it…
You sent a great letter to your students, CT! Bravo! ” … a tireless advocate for open discussion of views.” That describes THE PLANET.