Bridging after violence

Charlie Kirk held strong opinions. Whether you agree or disagree with those opinions, he deserved to live, to speak, and to engage in the messy work of democracy. His assassination is a tragedy and an assault on our democratic values.

Democracy requires difference. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, the “other side” is not a rival to be eliminated but a vital organ of our body politic.

Hate begets hate. Violence begets violence. And neither lead to a fair and free society.

When violence tries to silence voices, we must respond by building bridges, actively choosing to live shoulder to shoulder both with those we cherish and those who challenge us.

In moments like this, when anger and grief make us want immediate answers and quick solutions, a Civic Bridger chooses a slower path.

At Civic Bridgers, we pursue systemic change in an unpopular way — through incrementalism, compromise, and deliberation — undergirded by three values — humanity, humility, and accountability. Political scientist Charles E. Lindblom dubbed it "The Science of Muddling Through," and muddling is what we do.

Magical muddling: choosing listening when it is difficult, choosing a healthy social media diet, choosing to see things in a new way when presented with new information, choosing to stop rolling my eyes. We do all this (imperfectly) while still maintaining very strong personal opinions and very clear values. Because a plural democracy requires your voice. And my voice. And Charlie’s voice.