Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

A Turning Point? The Death of Charlie Kirk and the Possible Collapse of Progressive Ideology
Essay by me, CIB-173RDABN | September 15, 2025 | CIB-173RDABN

Posted on 09/15/2025 2:10:13 AM PDT by CIB-173RDABN

A Turning Point? The Death of Charlie Kirk and the Possible Collapse of Progressive Ideology By CIB-173RDABN

History often moves not in steady, predictable steps but in sudden lurches—shaped by moments so symbolic, so emotionally charged, that they become catalysts for greater change. For some, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 marked such a turning point: the end of postwar American innocence, the beginning of deep national mistrust, and the slow unraveling of the consensus that had defined mid-century America.

Now, six decades later, we may be witnessing the other bookend to that era.

The death of Charlie Kirk, a leading voice of youthful conservative activism, has sent shockwaves through American political culture. While history will need time to assign meaning to this event, one must ask: could this be the moment when conservatives finally say, “Enough”? Could it mark the beginning of the end of Progressive ideological dominance in the United States?

The Context of a Fractured Nation

For years, the American political left—broadly represented by progressive ideology—has expanded its influence across nearly all major institutions: education, media, entertainment, corporate HR departments, even certain religious communities. In many of these areas, dissenting views were not just discouraged but aggressively marginalized. Conservatives, for the most part, either adapted quietly or withdrew—sometimes creating their own spaces, sometimes conceding ground entirely.

But there's a growing sense that something fundamental has shifted. The quiet majority is no longer so quiet. The outrage over cultural upheaval, institutional overreach, and the erosion of national identity has turned into a simmering anger. And now, with the death of Charlie Kirk, that anger may reach a boiling point.

Charlie Kirk as a Symbol

Charlie Kirk was not just a political commentator—he was a symbol of generational pushback. Unlike older conservatives often on the defensive, Kirk represented a new, unapologetic right that refused to cede moral ground to progressivism. He spoke directly to young people, challenged the left's control of academia, and dared to confront institutional narratives. Whether one agreed with his rhetoric or not, his influence was undeniable.

If JFK’s death accelerated the fragmentation of American unity and opened the door to the cultural revolution of the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Kirk’s death may have the inverse effect: a unifying event for conservative resurgence, a moment of collective realization that passivity is no longer an option.

Is Progressivism Now Overextended?

Every ideology, when pushed too far, begins to falter under the weight of its own contradictions. Progressivism once stood for noble goals: civil rights, equality under the law, and fair opportunity. But in recent years, many believe it has mutated into something far more divisive—redefining language, punishing dissent, and promoting a moral superiority that alienates as much as it persuades.

We see this overreach in policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over citizens, in efforts to rewrite history, and in the erasure of traditional values that once unified communities. The backlash is already visible: increasing political polarization, growing distrust in media, and the rise of grassroots conservative movements across the country.

The death of Charlie Kirk may solidify that backlash into a coherent force.

A New Conservative Awakening? Unlike the reaction to JFK’s death, which fractured a generation, the reaction to Kirk’s death may consolidate one. This time, it’s not about radical rebellion—but restoration. Not revolution—but return. A return to principles: limited government, free speech, individual responsibility, and national sovereignty.

Could Kirk’s death mark the beginning of a new conservative awakening? That remains to be seen. But the mood is changing. The ground beneath the progressive movement appears less solid. The appeal to institutional power—once seen as a strength—is now seen by many as an abuse. People are waking up, and they are not happy with what they see.

Conclusion: The Bookends of a Cultural Era?

From JFK to Kirk, we may indeed be witnessing the closing of a long and painful chapter in American political life. One that began with hope, spiraled into division, and now may find resolution in renewal.

Whether the death of Charlie Kirk becomes a true turning point in history is something only time will tell. But if it is, it will be because millions of Americans—quiet for too long—decided that the time for silence had ended.

They remembered what it meant to love their country, and they chose to fight for it. ________________________________________


TOPICS: Government; History; Politics; Society
KEYWORDS: anydaynow; charliekirk
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-28 next last
This is an opinion piece, just my view of what is going on. Nothing more, nothing less.
1 posted on 09/15/2025 2:10:13 AM PDT by CIB-173RDABN
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

And it was a very good one.


2 posted on 09/15/2025 2:17:11 AM PDT by NurdlyPeon (It is the nature of liberals to pervert whatever they touch.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

😉👍


3 posted on 09/15/2025 2:54:39 AM PDT by Bratch
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

I have seen lots of articles that come to similar conclusions. I pray that you are correct. It might be interesting to look back on The Great Awakening in the 1700’s which helped to unite the colonies.

You bring up JFK - there was the Jesus Movement in the late 1960’s. I imagine that was a response to the assassinations and the Vietnam War unrest at home to some degree. I know some folks that found Jesus at that time in California and they are very involved in ministry, and have seen the same revival spirit in our young folks for the last several years.

While some might argue, I believe that a return to God will be a huge factor in the demise of the leftists that now promote the most radical and godless things as “good”.


4 posted on 09/15/2025 3:11:06 AM PDT by 21twelve (Ever Vigilant - Never Fearful)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 21twelve

As long as Satan is around, liberal ideology will be around.


5 posted on 09/15/2025 3:16:30 AM PDT by SteelPSUGOP (UGHT)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

Eloquent and on point. Well done.


6 posted on 09/15/2025 3:18:41 AM PDT by Blennos (This is the official Blennos tagline. Thanks to Big Red Badger. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

Very well written.

All, please keep in mind, the progressive movement WILL NOT go down quietly. If we believe that the progressive movement is headed towards “Death throes” be prepared for increased violent, uncontrolled movements or actions that occur during the process of dying, or the final, painful stages of something ending or failing.

STAY SAFE!


7 posted on 09/15/2025 3:19:13 AM PDT by OHPatriot (Si vis pacem, para bellum)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SteelPSUGOP

Of course it will still be around, but does it need to be the basis of our laws and social conduct? I know that some believe that the world will inevitably continue to decline into sin until Christ comes again. I don’t hold that view.


8 posted on 09/15/2025 3:22:13 AM PDT by 21twelve (Ever Vigilant - Never Fearful)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN
This time, it’s not about radical rebellion—but restoration.

The left's cornered animals will become even more vicious and violent. But, yes, there are signs that an American Renaissance has been triggered. Pray and do.

9 posted on 09/15/2025 3:36:56 AM PDT by Sirius Lee ("Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN; All

Just saw this comment on NYP and it is 100% accurate:

Not_A_Lib DonkeypoxIsKillingAmerica
13 hours ago
The Democratic Party and its leadership have transformed our political system into something resembling a circus. This is not simply the result of poor decision-making; it reflects a consistent agenda that is weakening the foundations of our nation. Once this reality is recognized, their actions become far easier to understand.

A clear pattern emerges:

Encouraging illegal immigration through open-border policies

Appeasing hostile foreign powers rather than defending American interests

Releasing criminals while simultaneously weakening local law enforcement

Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens, particularly the right to self-defense

Dominating media outlets to spread partisan narratives

Using the education system to indoctrinate rather than educate

Ignoring constitutional limits on government power

Rewriting or erasing elements of American history

Exploiting impeachment and election processes for political gain

Advancing candidates who openly express disdain for the country they seek to lead

These actions are not isolated. They are supported by a network of entrenched bureaucrats—often referred to as the “deep state”—that insulates Democratic leaders from accountability. The result is a system where one party operates with near-total immunity, unrestrained by the checks and balances that were designed to protect our Republic.

It is precisely for moments like this that the Founding Fathers crafted the Constitution. They understood the dangers posed by factions and unchecked power, and they sought to safeguard future generations from such threats. Today, those safeguards are being tested.

To acknowledge these realities is not to engage in partisanship, but to confront a truth: the policies being advanced are not accidental missteps. They are deliberate, and they are eroding the very nation that so many generations fought to preserve.

For those who feel isolated in their concerns, you are not alone. The sentiment is shared by millions of Americans, captured memorably in Aaron Lewis’s song “Am I the Only One.” Its popularity reflects a growing recognition that our country is in jeopardy—and that silence is no longer an option.


10 posted on 09/15/2025 3:39:03 AM PDT by TigerClaws
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN
Progressive ideology will come to an end when the country is destitute.

An affluent society will tolerate -- even celebrate -- all kinds of disordered and diabolical freaks. Hence the "LBGTQWERTY" derangement of this generation.

Primitive cultures that scratch a living out of the earth, on the other hand, cannot afford to tolerate such idiocy. That's why they abandoned their freaks in the wilderness, set them on fire, or tossed them into volcanoes as sacrifices to the gods.

11 posted on 09/15/2025 3:41:04 AM PDT by Alberta's Child ("Although my eyes were open, they might just as well be closed.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: OHPatriot

All, please keep in mind, the progressive movement WILL NOT go down quietly.


I agree.


12 posted on 09/15/2025 3:43:02 AM PDT by CIB-173RDABN
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

Nicely done. I view the progressive left within the framework of neo Marxism. As such they will not go anywhere, but perhaps morph into identifying as something else. What remains to be seen. I’m sure though the response will be to double down on a violent response. Its what they do.


13 posted on 09/15/2025 3:43:18 AM PDT by Fzob (“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: OHPatriot

and this is why I think Trump is looking at this a very certain way...


14 posted on 09/15/2025 3:48:25 AM PDT by EBH (The Day We Dreaded...it's here. May God Save the Republic. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN
And some thought that people would stop believing in Communism after its collapse in 1989-91. But no.


15 posted on 09/15/2025 4:23:23 AM PDT by Angelino97
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Angelino97

Communism is an idea with many names. It is like a parasite and when it kills one host, it just moves to another.


16 posted on 09/15/2025 4:33:04 AM PDT by CIB-173RDABN
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN

Nicely stated. Thank you for posting.


17 posted on 09/15/2025 4:51:49 AM PDT by BBQToadRibs2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: TigerClaws
A clear pattern emerges:

Encouraging illegal immigration through open-border policies

***********

Yep, going back to 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue
and change began.

**The invaders rounded up the natives and placed them on RESERVATIONS

**Then went to AFRICA and brought in their natives to do the GRUNT work

**Then a CIVIL WAR was fought in the mid 1860s to give them Freedom

**Today the invaders are coming from other parts of the world.

**They are looking for freedoms and prosperity.

**What will happen with life in outer space is yet to be determined.

18 posted on 09/15/2025 5:07:37 AM PDT by deport
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: CIB-173RDABN
Pray that it will be.

"Progressive Ideology" is nothing but the Decadence of Western Civilization. Its basis is contempt for truth.

19 posted on 09/15/2025 5:42:45 AM PDT by Savage Beast ("The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it." )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SteelPSUGOP
"As long as Satan is around, liberal ideology will be around."

Spot on....unfortunately.

20 posted on 09/15/2025 5:45:09 AM PDT by unread (Next time the devil reminds you of your past, remind HIM of his future...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-28 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson