Normally, I would write a paper or article about our foundation or differing ideas; however, this is not the time for that. I am not standing on one political ideology or another, but I am standing up for debate and the resolve to exchange ideas. This is dedicated to the reason I started down the road that took me to developing new ideas to apply to problems facing our time.
We are at a reflection point in our history with never ending change involving technology and ideology that is meant to conform us into binary thinking, us versus them, and if necessary, a violent act to keep the side we disagree silent by any means, including violence. Our dialogue should be based on sharing ideas, debating them with peaceful measures, and avoiding the trap of emotional attachment to our argument that we are always correct while preserving the fact through any means necessary. You may not agree with what Mr. Kirk stated throughout his life; however, you had the freedom to debate and confront him on any topic, and he would discuss it with you. This reflects the terms of where we are in the scientific community, should we be silent if our ideas and theories oppose others who may have more resources than us? Should we be silent to those who have threatened us with acts of unspeakable actions towards us or our families? Should we unite around an idea that is not based on politics or our own confirmation bias, or support one another as we may have different ideas; however, provide each other the space to have freedom of expression to share our viewpoints?
Time will tell from this point in history, just as it has many times in our violent past; however, if you wish to honor humanity and the civil discussion, this moment should bind us together under rigor and not fear.
Below is our official statement on the tragic events of this day:
Statement from the Third Way Alignment Foundation
The Third Way Alignment Foundation joins countless others in mourning the tragic and senseless death of Charlie Kirk. We extend our deepest prayers and thoughts to his wife, children, family, friends, and the organization he built.
Charlie was a man who, even with sharp differences of opinion, gave thoughtful responses and—importantly—listened to those who disagreed with him. He opened the microphone to opposing voices, providing a space for ideas to be tested and debated. That is the mark of true civic courage.
Today, violence was used to silence him. We do not and cannot understand this evil. It represents not only an assault on one man, but an assault on free discourse itself. To strike down someone who gave others—even his fiercest critics—a platform, is the ultimate act of cowardice and censorship.
Now his children have no father, his wife is without her husband, and a family grieves a beloved member. Evil may think it won today. But in truth, it has lost.
We stand in defiance of violence. We are angered that debate is being replaced with bullets, but we will not allow that anger to descend into vengeance. In Charlie’s honor, we call on all people—whether you agreed with his ideology or not—to commit to peaceful engagement and to resist those who would silence voices with violence.
Silence is what the perpetrators sought. Defiance, peace, and the unyielding defense of dialogue is what they will face.