Ask Lemmy

Oddly enough, I cherish all life. I joke because the world is often dark, and humor helps me embrace and cope with the unchangeable nature of life and death.

I don’t believe the death penalty is the answer. I’m a strong advocate for reform. I believe everyone deserves a chance to change, mostly because I’ve changed myself, and I want those around me to bounce back from the worst and grow into fathers, mothers, or even symbols of hope for others who have stumbled.

There are people like Charlie Kirk who were angry at the world, consumed by hate. Killing someone like that is the quick path. But the slower and more meaningful path, the one with a greater chance of creating lasting good, is changing their perspective. That could undo not only their hate, but also the hate of those who listen to them. Instead, by destroying them, we often create more fear and more hate.

I know many will say some people will never change, that they are incapable of seeing from the perspective of those they hate. And maybe that’s true. I admit, I struggle to understand fascists, and you might too. But if this conflict is ever going to truly end, it will take understanding, not killing.

Maybe I’m wrong. I just think life, all life, is precious. Some people throw it away through drugs, hate, or wasted time. The addict who never recovers dies with their potential unrealized. The person who clings to hate dies with nothing but bitterness. The real tragedy isn’t just their death, it’s the life they were given and chose to waste.

What happened was unfortunate, no one got through to him in time. Or nothing worked. Just like a heroin addict found dead with a needle in their arm. His hate put a bullet in his neck.