By GOV. MIKE DUNLEAVY
Throughout the history of the United States there have been moments of national loss that remind us of the values that bind us together as Americans. Today, I write this as not only your governor, but as a citizen of our great country who is mourning the passing of Charlie Kirk. He was a son, husband, and father of two small children whose life was cut short by an act of senseless violence. Yet his courage and the life he lived must call each of us to a higher standard of civic responsibility.
Charlie was a fierce defender of the First Amendment. Free speech was not an abstract principle to him, but a lived commitment. He understood that the right to speak freely, to debate, and to disagree without fear is not merely one freedom among many. It is the cornerstone on which our country was built, the very framework that allows every other freedom to exist. This God-given right and the others detailed in the Constitution separates America from the rest of the world. Tragically, Charlie paid the ultimate price reminding us of its importance.
From a very young age, Charlie recognized that we all have the responsibility to engage in civil dialogue. He did not choose safe ground or sympathetic audiences. Instead, he visited college campuses where he knew his ideas would be challenged, sometimes shouted down. He believed that truth must be spoken in every place, not just the comfortable ones, inviting those who disagreed with him to the front of the line so that he could give them an opportunity to disagree with him.
Kirk had an uncommon courage, rooted not in anger or resentment, but in principle. He willingly entered the arena of ideas even when hostility was certain because he believed in America’s founding ideals with a conviction that could not be shaken. He believed that our Constitution was not a relic to be ignored, but a living guarantee that ensures every voice, every faith, and every idea has the right to be heard. He demonstrated courage not by shouting people down but by his refusal to be silent when silence would have been easier.
Charlie believed that rational debate was not something to be feared but embraced. For Alaska, and for America, spreading this message could not come at a more critical time. Too often, we see neighbors treating each as enemies and the public square has been replaced with online shouting matches that solve nothing.
You couldn’t watch Charlie’s approach to a conversation without recognizing that it was special. He challenged people with grace to think critically about their beliefs. He often silenced his own supporters when they were being rude to a person with an opposing point of view. He was a model example of how to live his faith as a Christian, while fighting for the truth in the world.
Charlie never pretended that all Americans would agree about everything. Instead, he showed us that differences can be confronted with kindness, honesty, and civility. By his approach, he left behind a challenge to all of us: if you believe in something, speak it. If you disagree, do so with respect. And never allow fear of criticism or retaliation to keep you from standing firm in your convictions.
We must commit ourselves, as Alaskans and as Americans, to this same principle. The First Amendment is not a partisan value. It does not belong to one party or one ideology. It belongs to every citizen, whether conservative, liberal, or independent. It belongs to every faith and every background. When one voice is silenced, all voices are threatened.
As governor, I pledge to do everything I can to protect the First Amendment in Alaska. Whether in our schools, our universities, or our community halls, free speech must not only be protected but encouraged. We will not shy away from difficult conversations, and we will not silence those we disagree with. We will show America that dialogue is possible, even in disagreement, and that civility is not weakness but strength.
To honor Charlie, let us not simply mourn his loss, but also rise to the standard he set. Let us reject the temptation to retreat into silence or tribalism. We must recommit ourselves to protecting the First Amendment. We must teach our children that disagreement is not dangerous and that they should have the courage to face opposing points of view with conviction and grace.
Charlie Kirk’s time with us was too short, but his example will endure. May we in Alaska, and across this nation, live up to his example. May we guard the First Amendment with the same boldness that he carried into every room. Let’s honor Charlie Kirk by promoting what we all should believe that America is at its best when we are free to speak, debate, and seek truth together.
Governor Mike Dunleavy, 12th governor of Alaska.
Nicely composed thoughts.
Who wrote this for Governor Dunleavy?
Howdy Joe. Maybe Suzanne.
What makes you think he didn’t write it? He is a historian and actually writes quite well.
As far as I can see he was basically a conflict entrepreneur who accomplished little else in his life except to stir people up, and enrich himself in the process.
I am guessing you never actually watched any of the thousands of videos on line, nor actually listened to anything Charlie had to say.
Regardless of opinion Charlie stood out because he could out debate any Liberal out there. He did so without anger, yelling, vulgar language, or profanity that is so common with those who attempt to defend Leftwing ideals. You can still learn from him.
Our president could’ve learned a few things from Kirk.
That is a sentiment I absolutely agree with. Totally, and without reservation.
You sound like you’re just a peach at gatheringz.
“…..who accomplished little else in his life to stir people up, and enrich himself in the process”
While you are entitled to your opinion, it is clear that you really have never watched or listened to anything Charlie said. Charlie Kirk has a following around the globe with vigils across this country, Canada, Germany, Britain and many other places. An individual doesn’t engender this much love and support by being a hollow mouthpiece as you espouse, but by living a message that intrinsically resonates with people and is a universal truth. Charlie was kind and respectful to all.
Despite your best efforts his legacy will live on!
Well Hans, he probably accomplished much more than you in your life. You obviously have never heard him speak.
So, like you, only making money at it, unless you’re a paid troll
Well said Guv. Dunleavey. I know already that someone will post something poor about your words or past actions, but I am free to make my own decisions on you. I only take sides on what makes common sense and not what is hateful rhetoric.
Let us all strive to be the better and more sensible reason in this country and make it the best it can be. Life is short and being bitter doesn’t make it easier.
God Bless!
Dunleavy, you still don’t get it and never will. That is why you should be fired! So, you are fired!
Thank you, Mr. Governor, for your words.
Thanks Governor. Good piece.
Hope a few democrats read it.
If the Democrats don’t like your speech, Governor, they will call it “hate speech” to discredit you. Then, they will turn to violence. But there is no hate speech unless it leads directly to violence. This is how Democrats have decided to keep power and control when they have none.
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Thank you for a great essay on the First Amendment……which is the greatest weapon we have against the Democrats.
Thanks Governor for being one of the leaders that recognize common sense and respond with kindness
as opposed to the many elected leaders and media who have taken this opportunity to spew more hate and divisiveness.
This tragedy has shown what a nasty hateful position so many people in America have taken so easily and recklessly to a demonic act of public murder simply because of truthful words spoken by such a young man with a common sense message and approach the divisiveness across America.
Especially in college campuses that have been stomping grounds for protesting and burning of the American flag of the country they reside in.
It is such a far cry from the public reactions of public assassinations in the sixties.
I didnt hear of anyone publicly praising and celebrating the brutal slaughter of public figures in broad daylight in front of thousands of people.
I truly fear for America’s future not in the fact that a lone gunman derailed and is willing to sacrifice his life to take another persons life in a horrible public fashion but the rhetoric and public display of sympathy and even some of the public media’s response to it is completely despicable.
I would hate to see America on a path to another very bloody civil war simply over slavery but unfortunately history has a bad habit of repeating itself.
Bravo! Thank you Governor. Important message.
Governor Dunleavy is proving why he didn’t need ranked-choice voting: He is able to communicate clearly and directly to conservatives without insulting non-MAGA, or independents who “like Mike”. There is no need to suspend free speech or procecute rude people, only the need to lead. Excellent essay, Governor.
What are you smoking in your pipe? Dream on!!
And in keeping with the notion of ‘open and honest’ conversations, I reflect upon the paying subscribers at Powerlineblog.com, many of whom are using their real names rather than the online ‘handles,’ as a show of faith and trust in others at the blog. I herewith modify moniker.
P.S. Nice job guv’nah!
I completely agree we must all stand up for the First amendment. Those people who lost their jobs should not have lost their jobs for quoting Charlie Kirk or for their First Amendment views.
Teri, the First Amendment protects you from your GOVERNMENT censoring or suppressing your political speech when you speak out against it.
It however does not protect you from the consequences of saying false, stupid, mean or evil things. Charlie Kirk was not a government figure. He was a private person, leading a private organization.
If an employer feels that an employee’s conduct is incompatible with or brings negative publicity to their institution or business, it is their right to let them go.
Funny how the leftists knew that when they were cancelling folks on the right. How many people were cancelled that were simply expressing their first amendment rights. Alice Cooper, Scott Adams, and even JK Rowling, all on the persona non grata list because they said something the left did not like.
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But… now it is some kind of abhorrent violation of free speech because people who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death and calling for more assassinations are losing their jobs.
Good article, thank you Gov. Dunleavy!
They should not have “cancelled” Jimmy Kimmel.
I hate the guy personally, I think he’s a jerk and I never watch.
BUT! …… as the governor states above ……. 1st Amendment.
We shouldn’t be like the cancel culture, anti-speech left ….. we should be better.
It’s a slippery slope and we will slide down fast if this continues.
Kimmel’s words ARE awful imo, but they are his words and C. Kirk silenced no one.
Do what I do ….. don’t listen and don’t cancel.
George, Jimmy Kimmel’s show used the public airways. If he would have said the same thing on a blog or youtube, he would probably still be there. Public airways are there to promote public interest and are regulated by the FCC. Jimmy will find another venue (maybe Hulu will hire him to do a show) and nobody is going to stop that. He retains his First Amendment right to speak idiotic, nasty and unfunny things, just not on public airways.
You are free to say what you like, it does not mean that your employer has to tolerate your behavior, if they feel it brings negative publicity to their business.
Since there are public funding issues involved with the licensing is where there may be an issue with the outright lies being spewed and cheered by his cronies as that seems to be the phony crap they enjoy participating in.
To me it resembles the dark websites the warped assassin was dwelling in that spews the same level of hate and lies which as a result fanned the flames enough for him to give up his freedom and life to slaughter someone he had never met but only listened to lies about him.
Oswald had never met or knew John Kennedy either but was thoroughly convinced by “someone” that he did not deserve to live and his children did not deserve a father either.
It also is a prime example of public display of the lies the Democrat party seem to thrive on which is very telling of their motives and deception of their supporters.
“BUT! …… as the governor states above ……. 1st Amendment.
We shouldn’t be like the cancel culture, anti-speech left ….. we should be better.”
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Eight days ago, I would have agreed with you.
No more.
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The left has made it clear. The nation has to conform to their ideology, or they want us dead. The left has gotten away without suffering the consequences of their actions for too long. Many of the people who are all upset about losing their jobs had no problem celebrating when a conservative (or even liberals) were cancelled for solely wandering a little bit outside their their narrative. I need look no further than Alice Cooper, Scott Adams, and obviously, JK Rowling.
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Alinsky was correct. “Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.” That is exactly what is happening.
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And, a reminder. Talks and negotiations only work when both sides of the debate want them to work. Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death, and calling for more violence has clearly demonstrated the left has no interest in talking.
Ignore that at your own peril.