1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing with deep concern about the words of Vice President J.D. Vance on the "Charlie Kirk Show," in the aftermath of Mr. Kirk's tragic killing. In his remarks, Vice President Vance said: * "We have to talk about this incredibly destructive movement of left-wing extremism that has grown up over the last few years and, I believe, is part of the reason why Charlie was killed by an assassin's bullet." * He pledged to crack down on what he called "radical left lunatics." * He urged listeners to "call them out ... if you see someone celebrating Charlie's murder." While no one should ever celebrate a death, the Vice President's choice of words matters. Instead of focusing on unity, healing, or the broader problem of political violence, his comments framed this tragedy as an attack by an entire group of Americans. This is not leadership. This is the continued use of inflammatory rhetoric that keeps citizens suspicious of one another and ensures we remain divided. I want you to understand that ordinary Americans like myself see what is happening. We see how quickly tragedies are turned into weapons of blame. We see how repeated language about "radicals," "lunatics," and "the left" (or "the right," when it comes from the other side) is designed to create enemies where neighbors should stand. It is not about solutions, it is about keeping us locked in conflict. I am also alarmed at the double standard emerging around freedom of speech. Citizens who raise concerns about Charlie Kirk's own rhetoric are told to be silent or are publicly shamed, while Vice President Vance, President Trump, and others are permitted to use far harsher, more aggressive language without consequence. Freedom of speech cannot be defined or enforced selectively, based on who is speaking and which side of the political aisle they belong to. That is a dangerous precedent for any administration to set. I am no longer willing to accept this behavior from any politician or party. Division may serve political campaigns and corporate profits, but it is destroying our communities and our faith in democracy itself. From this point forward, I reject the labels that divide us. I will not reduce myself or my neighbors to categories meant to turn Americans against one another. I will only lend my support to leaders and corporations who choose unity over division, and humanity over rhetoric.