By BEN WEST
Clackamas County Commissioner, Position 5
The last few weeks have been particularly challenging, touching not only the lives of many residents in Clackamas County and across Oregon but resonating with millions of Americans nationwide. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk—a conservative Christian activist and commentator, and founder of the organization Turning Point—has shocked and outraged many. For older generations who might not have been familiar with Charlie prior to his murder, his influence was undoubtedly known by their children or grandchildren. He rose to prominence as a cultural icon, effectively connecting with a generation that often feels overlooked or unheard, primarily through public discourse and the free exchange of ideas.
Tragically, Charlie’s life was cut short while he was deeply engaged in one of his signature online and in-person debates on a college campus, a setting where he regularly fostered open public dialogue. The violent act occurred as he sat beneath a banner that boldly proclaimed, “Prove me Wrong.” This phrase epitomized his commitment to free speech and the exchange of differing viewpoints.
Charlie was a staunch advocate for free expression, believing it was imperative to speak the truth openly and to persuade others through words rather than violence. Unfortunately, the purpose of the assassin’s bullet was to instill fear, aiming to silence dissent and extinguish any opportunity for debate. The stark contrast in worldviews is evident: one faction champions free speech in the public arena, while another resorts to brutal violence to protect their beliefs.
When people stop talking…
In a solemn reminder of this, during a campus visit in 2025, Charlie emphasized the importance of civil dialogue: “When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts. When marriages stop talking, divorce happens. When civilizations stop talking, civil war ensues. When you stop having a human connection with someone you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group… What we as a culture have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.”
This perspective is remarkably relevant in today’s political climate, where discourse has devolved into tribalism and divisiveness, often resembling a team sport. No individual should face violence or lose their life in a civil society simply for holding differing viewpoints. We need to prioritize debates and foster an environment for the free exchange of ideas in the public square, rather than suppress them.
As we navigate these turbulent times, Clackamas County has not been isolated from the scourge of extreme political violence perpetrated by groups such as Antifa. To this day, they continue to engage in direct action and violent criminal protests within the city limits of Portland. Whether or not one aligns with Charlie’s views is ultimately irrelevant. What must stand out clearly is our collective commitment to reject political violence as a means to resolve differences. Our political opponents are not our adversaries; we must remember that we share a common humanity.
Constructive dialogue must be our guiding principle, enabling us to bridge divides and coexist respectfully. As we face the complexities of our current cultural moment, let us channel our energy toward open discussions and mutual understanding rather than discord and violence. Charlie Kirk’s legacy serves as a sobering reminder of what is at stake and the urgent need for a recommitment to civil discourse in our society. •
Ben West has been a Clackamas County Commissioner since 2023.