I am writing to Provost Baicker at Chicago about the comments made by Prof. Dowd. I am faculty at Chicago. I don't anticipate any substantive response other than a pointer to the Kalven Report and the Chicago Principles, but let's see.
Thanks! We will see. Chicago has been poor at actually defending what they stand for in the past several years. They put out statements but don't stand behind them.
These atrocities show us the Hell-world that the Democrats and the left have in store for us if they get the chance. Kirk was committed to dialogue, and his enemies laughed, jeered, and mocked him when he was murdered in front of his wife and children. They celebrate a “dialogue” consisting of bullets heading in one direction. For better or worse, people on the right in America tend to be middle-class, comparatively comfortable, and benign. Contrary to all the propaganda, they are not storm troopers looking forward to engaging in violent action. But the slaughter of Iryna and Charlie within a week may cause something to crack. It won’t come from me because I am too old and risk averse. Many others are not hampered by these considerations.
1) I am from Wapellla (as you know). Railroad town in central Illinois where the Irish work gangs landed on a good (bad?) day in 1849 or so. Everyone is Irish (Maybe 80% or so now). We have south, north, east and west Irish. Ireland wasn't a country when Wapella was founded. Our tribe (County Cork) is really violent. We just deal with it. The threat of violence is a really good way to prevent violence.
2) I have known Charlie Kirk since he was 15 or 16 years old. I was active in Republican politics in those days. We couldn't get anyone to show up for anything. Here comes this 6ft. 5in kid with 100% earnestness telling us we have to stick to our Reagan roots and not give in to the Left.
My pal (and hero) Tom Roeser took Charlie aside at least a time or two with a 'Kid, don't you play a sport or something? Why not give it a break till you get in to college'
I said on X just now: "Walter Russell Mead pointed out years ago that Jacksonian America is slow to anger, but when pushed its fury is incandescent & burns everything that dares oppose it. That point is coming nearer with each passing murder."
Like you, I don't relish it. But if that's the way they want it . . .
I am not smart enough to look into a crystal ball for what's next. The Republican Party in this next midterms not only need to beat Democrats, but winnow the RINOs out. Hard duty
Happy to winnow the RINO’s out in safe districts, but not at the expense of losing the slim majority in both chambers of Congress to enforce ideological purity. To win procedural votes requires a majority, and a big tent majority is better than an ineffective minority. And Speaker Johnson with Trump’s backing has been a master at enforcing party unity almost all the times it has been needed, particularly the BBB. Ideological litmus tests are a large part of the reason for the disastrous leftward shift and the Democratic Party and its increasing rejection by the voters.
It's not an issue of party, really. The institutional parties are squabbling co-dependents who are united in one thing--maintaining their status and power. This requires them to smother the hoi polloi.
The hard duty is routing the existing party establishments.
I'm not saying go all Nepal, but they are on to something.
“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Reminded me of the attempt on Congressman Steve Scalise in 2017 by a Bernie Bro. The media blamed Trump of course. When it came out the shooter was a Bernie fan it was memory holed as quickly as possible Have to wonder if the shooter was trans as that seems to becoming a trend. If silence is violence and words are violence then violence becomes justified as form of speech.
They killed the wrong guy. Kirk was the guy you hoped would move next door to you because you could tell he would be a good neighbor. He never met someone he wouldn't talk to and treated everyone, not matter how loony with respect. People who heard Kirk speak, attended campus events and listened to his exchanges with leftists or saw him at campaign events see this tragedy for what it is, and they will not forget.
I was introduced to Turning Point USA 3-4 years ago. Was given a tour of their offices/studios in Phoenix and became an instant supporter and admirer of Charlie Kirk. Right then I started to be less silent—so inspired by the courage of Charlie and this young staff. I am devastated, sad and angry. But I’m going to make my voice louder.
Cui bono? Who benefits from this despicable act? I can think of at least three state actors (capitals starting with M, B, and T ;)) who would love to see the US plunged into civil war, and may have recruited the assassin through layers of cutouts. Oh, and let's not forget the tiny "gutter" petrostate that's been bankrolling so many of the astroturf protests.
Yes, the left in the US is full of authoritarians and the bat guano insane, and it's 80% possible it was a lone "radicalized" whackjob, but I would not dismiss foreign black ops out of hand.
It does seem as though the selection of Charlie as the target was highly thought out. Prominent, yet relatively a soft target when compared to government figures: less security, open venue. His death deals a major blow to MAGA and the right in the US. These are the kinds of calculations at which certain capitals beginning in B excel.
Going against the state actor theory: chatter on TikTok directly pointing at him immediately before the assasination (See Libs of TikTok for the receipt) and the curious coincidence of the question he was asked immediately before the shot. This points to Trantifa. I assume the feds are smart enough to identify and interrogate whoever asked that question.
Dowd is in deep doo doo. The MSNBC President just issued an apology for what Dowd said. "Inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable" is how she described his comments.
Thanks for posting. This is a good first step in recognizing what inappropriate and hateful comments have been made by several of their regular contributors on multiple occasions. But the least they should do to prove the rebuke was sincere and not just pro forma is remove him from appearing as a commentator for several months and better yet fire him for cause. These guys cannot exist without a platform that acts as a megaphone.
As I review, Mr. Dowd is a former fellow of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (2015). He's not in the Department of Political Science. He is not listed in our faculty directory. So a letter to our Provost will not do anything, as there is nothing for her to do.
the blatant mealy-mouthed hypocrisy of US academia is one of the reasons I sought and found a position abroad --- at less money, but with much more academic freedom. Yes, most of my colleagues here are libs too, but at least in the hard STEM subjects, they somehow can accept not everybody else is.
I’m seeing a surprising alliance of hate online between Muslims and the Leftists. I realized that their religions are very similar. No disagreement is allowed. Crushing your enemies and absolute power is the goal. This alliance will ultimately destroy the Left because Muslims despise them for their beliefs. We must realize that our enemies are religious zealots not political wonks. Head on a swivel.
I am writing to Provost Baicker at Chicago about the comments made by Prof. Dowd. I am faculty at Chicago. I don't anticipate any substantive response other than a pointer to the Kalven Report and the Chicago Principles, but let's see.
Thanks! We will see. Chicago has been poor at actually defending what they stand for in the past several years. They put out statements but don't stand behind them.
These atrocities show us the Hell-world that the Democrats and the left have in store for us if they get the chance. Kirk was committed to dialogue, and his enemies laughed, jeered, and mocked him when he was murdered in front of his wife and children. They celebrate a “dialogue” consisting of bullets heading in one direction. For better or worse, people on the right in America tend to be middle-class, comparatively comfortable, and benign. Contrary to all the propaganda, they are not storm troopers looking forward to engaging in violent action. But the slaughter of Iryna and Charlie within a week may cause something to crack. It won’t come from me because I am too old and risk averse. Many others are not hampered by these considerations.
Indeed.
Two points
1) I am from Wapellla (as you know). Railroad town in central Illinois where the Irish work gangs landed on a good (bad?) day in 1849 or so. Everyone is Irish (Maybe 80% or so now). We have south, north, east and west Irish. Ireland wasn't a country when Wapella was founded. Our tribe (County Cork) is really violent. We just deal with it. The threat of violence is a really good way to prevent violence.
2) I have known Charlie Kirk since he was 15 or 16 years old. I was active in Republican politics in those days. We couldn't get anyone to show up for anything. Here comes this 6ft. 5in kid with 100% earnestness telling us we have to stick to our Reagan roots and not give in to the Left.
My pal (and hero) Tom Roeser took Charlie aside at least a time or two with a 'Kid, don't you play a sport or something? Why not give it a break till you get in to college'
They both were right.
Charlie was a champ.
The late Andrew Breitbart saw this coming over a decade ago. <a href=https://streamable.com/zi3159>"Fuck you. War."</a>
I said on X just now: "Walter Russell Mead pointed out years ago that Jacksonian America is slow to anger, but when pushed its fury is incandescent & burns everything that dares oppose it. That point is coming nearer with each passing murder."
Like you, I don't relish it. But if that's the way they want it . . .
"Be careful what you ask for"--words to the wise
I am not smart enough to look into a crystal ball for what's next. The Republican Party in this next midterms not only need to beat Democrats, but winnow the RINOs out. Hard duty
Happy to winnow the RINO’s out in safe districts, but not at the expense of losing the slim majority in both chambers of Congress to enforce ideological purity. To win procedural votes requires a majority, and a big tent majority is better than an ineffective minority. And Speaker Johnson with Trump’s backing has been a master at enforcing party unity almost all the times it has been needed, particularly the BBB. Ideological litmus tests are a large part of the reason for the disastrous leftward shift and the Democratic Party and its increasing rejection by the voters.
Jeffrey , Loved this Substack post.
thx-I think in this day and age, there are RINOs in safe Republican districts. They can go.
Nor am I.
It's not an issue of party, really. The institutional parties are squabbling co-dependents who are united in one thing--maintaining their status and power. This requires them to smother the hoi polloi.
The hard duty is routing the existing party establishments.
I'm not saying go all Nepal, but they are on to something.
LInk didn't post correctly.
youtube.com/watch?v=FhSy-6VqIww&list=PLLKNGkzn1RXj7Q3K43u8IObvhdeqDak2P&index=1
I miss him. He was awesome. He was not only of the right, but right!
Me too.
And willing to fight for the right. That's what made him stand out.
I thought of him today.
Good job Mr. Carter. I needed this and will be forwarding your cogent words to others.
Great post. RIP Charlie. 🙏🏼
Seems like time for a little Churchill about now:
“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Our institutions are littered with leftist trash. UC is no exception.
Reminded me of the attempt on Congressman Steve Scalise in 2017 by a Bernie Bro. The media blamed Trump of course. When it came out the shooter was a Bernie fan it was memory holed as quickly as possible Have to wonder if the shooter was trans as that seems to becoming a trend. If silence is violence and words are violence then violence becomes justified as form of speech.
Charlie Kirk was an amazing person, a man of principle, intellect, humor and faith.
Linking to a wonderful piece that discusses the importance of his faith in Christ, which helps, at least a bit, in this very sad (and maddening time).
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/charlie-kirk-his-own-words-i-want-be/
We went to the TPUSA event in AZ last December, which was impressive and very well run, a credit to Charlie Kirk and the organization he built.
Thanks, Jeff, for this good post. Also for including Don Jr.'s thoughts.
They killed the wrong guy. Kirk was the guy you hoped would move next door to you because you could tell he would be a good neighbor. He never met someone he wouldn't talk to and treated everyone, not matter how loony with respect. People who heard Kirk speak, attended campus events and listened to his exchanges with leftists or saw him at campaign events see this tragedy for what it is, and they will not forget.
I was introduced to Turning Point USA 3-4 years ago. Was given a tour of their offices/studios in Phoenix and became an instant supporter and admirer of Charlie Kirk. Right then I started to be less silent—so inspired by the courage of Charlie and this young staff. I am devastated, sad and angry. But I’m going to make my voice louder.
So sad. Where does TPUSA go from here?
Look for Tyler Bowyer of TP to move them forward.
You cannot kill a movement, especially one with youth on its side.
Cui bono? Who benefits from this despicable act? I can think of at least three state actors (capitals starting with M, B, and T ;)) who would love to see the US plunged into civil war, and may have recruited the assassin through layers of cutouts. Oh, and let's not forget the tiny "gutter" petrostate that's been bankrolling so many of the astroturf protests.
Yes, the left in the US is full of authoritarians and the bat guano insane, and it's 80% possible it was a lone "radicalized" whackjob, but I would not dismiss foreign black ops out of hand.
It is election season (again). They couldn't let him get momentum. He had momentum.
It does seem as though the selection of Charlie as the target was highly thought out. Prominent, yet relatively a soft target when compared to government figures: less security, open venue. His death deals a major blow to MAGA and the right in the US. These are the kinds of calculations at which certain capitals beginning in B excel.
Going against the state actor theory: chatter on TikTok directly pointing at him immediately before the assasination (See Libs of TikTok for the receipt) and the curious coincidence of the question he was asked immediately before the shot. This points to Trantifa. I assume the feds are smart enough to identify and interrogate whoever asked that question.
Dowd is in deep doo doo. The MSNBC President just issued an apology for what Dowd said. "Inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable" is how she described his comments.
not on their main X site.
https://x.com/MSNBCPR/status/1965913652671754280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1965913652671754280%7Ctwgr%5E2d3ea99dd5987bd2c25296309747025b5b4236ab%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fmedia%2Fafter-charlie-kirk-shot-msnbc-analyst-blames-kirks-hateful-words-causing-hateful-actions
28K followers....https://x.com/MSNBC this one has 5M....NO POSTING.
But yeah. Typical of the Left - apologies are on the bottom of the second to last page of Section B.
Thanks for posting. This is a good first step in recognizing what inappropriate and hateful comments have been made by several of their regular contributors on multiple occasions. But the least they should do to prove the rebuke was sincere and not just pro forma is remove him from appearing as a commentator for several months and better yet fire him for cause. These guys cannot exist without a platform that acts as a megaphone.
I believe Dowd has now been fired from MSNBC
GOOD. He should never work in media or on a college campus again
Thank you.
As I review, Mr. Dowd is a former fellow of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (2015). He's not in the Department of Political Science. He is not listed in our faculty directory. So a letter to our Provost will not do anything, as there is nothing for her to do.
Was on the website.....how many profs at UChicago were crowing on Bluesky or other platforms. I bet a few....
the blatant mealy-mouthed hypocrisy of US academia is one of the reasons I sought and found a position abroad --- at less money, but with much more academic freedom. Yes, most of my colleagues here are libs too, but at least in the hard STEM subjects, they somehow can accept not everybody else is.
I’m seeing a surprising alliance of hate online between Muslims and the Leftists. I realized that their religions are very similar. No disagreement is allowed. Crushing your enemies and absolute power is the goal. This alliance will ultimately destroy the Left because Muslims despise them for their beliefs. We must realize that our enemies are religious zealots not political wonks. Head on a swivel.