With the killing of Charlie Kirk, commentators have been saying that high profile assassinations have always been a part of the United States history and that we are not to be alarmed at a new trend. Recent examples included President John Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the assassinations in our more distant past of President Lincoln, President Garfield, and President McKinley.

I disagree with this assessment. Unfortunately I see this as a new trend for our country. The Minnesota legislator murders happened in June, the mass killing of Catholic school children in Minnesota happened early this month, and now we have the murder of Charlie Kirk. Three ideological killings within three months.

One could point out that the murders of Robert Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. happened happened only two months apart. But the killings came to an abrupt end.

I would argue that two killings does not represent a trend, but that three is more indicative of a possible trend. Let’s not lure ourselves into a sense of false security.

Surveys have been taken of young adults, questionning whether or not killing someone for ideological reasons is justifiable. Since 2020, the results of this survey have shown a steady increase in the percentage of students responding “yes,” from about 20% to the most recent survey showing 28%.

This is serious. The decline of respect for law and due process is noticeable.

Part of the problem is with our society and I believe that part is also a result of a decline in the emphasis of civics instruction in elementary and high school curricula.