Charlie Kirk was more than just a colleague; he was a true friend. He was dedicated, worked tirelessly, and had a profound love for his family and country. His life mattered. As I confront the tragic reality of his death, I can’t help but consider the uncomfortable truth that contributed to it: the prevailing media climate.

For years, American media outlets have portrayed conservatives as threats, regressive and, frankly, less than human. Every night, news programs, editorial pages, and analyses seem to be filled with disdain for anyone who challenges progressive views. It’s not enough to just disagree with the left; now, you risk being labeled as prejudiced or even fascist.

This kind of persistent demonization isn’t just empty rhetoric. It cultivates an environment that’s not only hostile towards the right, but also quite self-righteous. When the press casts millions of Americans as villains, and when certain individuals escalate that narrative to violence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Words definitely have consequences. And the media is fully aware of this, especially when they lecture conservatives about speeches that are supposedly “dangerous” or filled with “dog whistles.” I can’t really look in the mirror here. When major news outlets continuously inform the public that Republicans threaten democracy, equating extremism with conservative views, it goes beyond biased journalism. There’s a palpable venom behind those words, and sometimes the hatred spills over.

Take a look at how mainstream coverage presents conservative beliefs. If you oppose open borders, suddenly you’re categorized as “anti-immigrant.” If you voice concerns about parental rights in schools, you’re labeled “anti-LGBT.” Want to discuss election integrity? Well, you must be a “conspiracy theorist.” This flattening of complex conservative views into hostile stereotypes strips people like Charlie of their humanity. When someone is dehumanized, it becomes far too easy to justify aggression against them.

This narrative has transformed countless law-abiding Americans into caricatures of evil. For years, conservatives have been warning about this mentality: if you keep insisting that an entire class of citizens is monstrous, don’t be shocked when some take that to heart and act on it.

The double standards are remarkable. If leftist activists were attacked, you can bet the media would react with alarm, framing it as a national crisis. You’d see around-the-clock coverage detailing the “Soul of America” and endless discussions about the dangerous climate fostered by conservative rhetoric. Yet, when conservatives are the victims? Silence—or worse, justification: “They had it coming,” the implication suggests.

This creates bias and encourages division. Many Americans feel that the media doesn’t value their lives or freedoms, leading to feelings of alienation. And what comes next? Anger. Anger that can escalate into violence if left unchecked.

Violence, on any level, is unacceptable. Personal responsibility matters. But individuals operate within a culture influenced by institutions, and the media has significant power in shaping that culture. When major outlets label conservatives as an existential threat to democracy, they legitimize hostility. When commentators paint half the country as racists or extremists, they provide a rationale for contempt.

In this environment, it seems like the media is complicit. Their actions are anything but noble.

Conservatives are calling for a return to fairness, respect, and genuine debate. We don’t expect agreement, but we hope for acknowledgment of our humanity—rather than always being cast as the villains. Continuing this cycle of dehumanization will only lead to more tragedies like Charlie’s.

Charlie stood out. He didn’t shy away from his beliefs, fought for those who couldn’t speak up, and called out injustice without hesitation. His bravery came at a cost, but it inspired those around him to be courageous and steadfast.

Now, his absence creates a void, not just personally but on a national level. We cannot afford to lose people like Charlie, who saw behind the lies propagated by a corrupt media and refused to conform. His absence serves as a reminder for all of us: to articulate clearly, to stand firm, and to demand an end to the divisive narratives tearing this country apart.

Charlie’s life was a testament to his convictions. His passing should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.