As we approach the first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, what has really changed? The energy on the right following his death has dissipated into infighting. John Ehrett examines why. 

“There was no moment of avenging catharsis followed by national redemption. For one thing, the fantasy always depended on the notion that somewhere out there, waiting in the wings, were elite cadres of loyalists prepared to orchestrate something like de-Baathification. There weren’t, and—more to the point—American politics has never worked like this.”

George Weigel revisits the predictions he made in the weeks following 9/11. Twenty-five years later, some have borne out and some have not. The event did indeed usher in “a new world disorder,” though this was exacerbated by an unforeseen American “retreat from global responsibility.” Overall, the most important lesson of the day comes from the passengers on United 93, who “decided to risk dying as free men and women.”

Listen: On the latest episode of the Secret Third Thing podcast, we sat down with Fr. James Martin to discuss the Church under Pope Leo, moving on from old divisions, and writing as a vocation.

Upcoming Events

• November 2: The 39th Annual Erasmus Lecture, “Only the Old Testament Can Restore America” | Delivered by Yoram Hazony. Sign up here.

Until next time,

VIRGINIA AABRAM

Newsletter Editor