The Death of Charlie Kirk
and Warning Signs for Free Speech
News of Charlie Kirk’s murder reverberated through the nation like thunder warning of storms to come. For the online generations, Kirk was an iconic superstar, a self-taught young man with endless energy, a quick wit, and a charming, boyish smile that attracted massive crowds at college campuses. His trademark was to sit behind a table with a microphone and “debate anyone.” Students would challenge him on everything from hot-button topics like abortion, transgender policies, and DEI to his support for capitalism, his religion -- even which Star Wars sequel was best.
In an age of cable news “debates” in which opposition rarely gets time to make a full point, Kirk stood out. His online videos show him speaking his position boldly but then asking his challengers for their story or giving them the chance for follow-ups or counter-challenges. He’d quiet crowds so that opponents' full points could be heard. He engaged his detractors and even seemed to like them.
Throughout the country, young people inspired by Charlie Kirk wept. His videos, which had already been seen by millions, are now being seen by tens of millions more. Politicians from President Trump to former Presidents Obama and Clinton, expressed sympathy for Charlie Kirk’s family and outrage that someone in the United States of America could be shot for speaking his mind.
Indeed, the bullet that silenced Mr. Kirk seemed aimed at the First Amendment.
Concerns Over $2 Billion in Tariff Costs Seem Empty After $9 Billion Tax Increase,,, By Mark Harmsworth
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson (D) expressed grave concerns about the potential economic fallout from President Trump’s proposed tariffs, projected to cost WA residents $2.2 billion over four years. But this year, Gov. Ferguson signed into law a staggering $9 billion in tax increases on WA residents. READ MORE
State Department of Ecology: 91 Pages of Climate Politics, 0 Pages of Legally Required Data By Todd Myers
The release of this new report makes it clear that Ecology has enough resources to attack political opponents but not to comply with the law and meet their own obligations to address the risks of climate change in Washington state. READ MORE
Back-to-School Season Comes With a Side of Strike By Elizabeth New These types of school strikes are becoming more common at the start of school years. Are they being encouraged? READ MORE
AEWR Methodology Roll Back is a Step in the Right Direction for the H-2A Program By Pam Lewison Misunderstandings of how the agriculture sector operates has long obfuscated meaningful reforms in farmworker wage policy. READ MORE
Want to Be in a Relationship With WA Cares? It’s Complicated By Elizabeth New WA Cares isn't allowing the freedom of provider choice one might expect from a long-term care program. READ MORE
THIS WEEKEND ONLY - WPC is at the State Fair! If you're "doing the Puyallup" this weekend, come by the Green Gate and say hi at WPC's tent! Don't forget to bring scones!
Don't miss this exciting Young Professionals Annual Dinner event! Whether you're a Young Professional, want to support the program, or want to send young people in your life, get the event details here!
Our next Annual Policy Dinner event will be held in Spokane on October 10th. Come and support accountability and the principles of free enterprise for Washington! Get your tickets while they're still available!
Join The Woman Panel on October 22nd from 5-8 PM in Spokane, WA. This exciting series gives voice to today’s female experts – sharing thoughts, ideas and concerns to raise up the next generation of female leaders. At this event, you’ll hear female executives in banking and women in government address key issues for Eastern Washington. Don’t miss your opportunity, this event will sell out! Get your tickets today.
By embracing free-market principles in our research and initiatives, WPC provides the knowledge and tools you need to actively shape positive outcomes in our state. Together, let's pave the way towards a prosperous future for all Washingtonians.
