Community center renaming proposal a divisive idea
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By Thomas Liffiton | Fountain Hills
Vice Mayor Skillicorn proposes renaming the community center the “Charlie Kirk Freedom Center.” This tribute is for everything Mr. Kirk did “for our nation, state and community.” But Mr. Skillicorn fails to say what Mr. Kirk did, simply declaring we “owe Charlie.”
He writes he has “seen Charlie share the good news of Bible-based Christianity,” and “Charlie demonstrated the characteristics of the Holy Spirit … love, joy, peace … engaging in good deeds and leading others to Christ.” We must infer these justify our town honoring Mr. Kirk.
Fountain Hills includes people of varying faiths – some identify as Christian, but with different understanding. “Bible-based Christianity” excludes many Christians, as well as those of other faiths. So, Mr. Skillicorn desires a name change that would promote exclusion? A more helpful vision would support freedom of religion rather than favor one over another.
The name “Freedom Center” is of concern, also, and disingenuous. “Freedom” is so easy to say; often used as lip service to our country’s ideals while someone restricts or abolishes those ideals for others. I feel Mr. Skillicorn’s actions both in and out of town council meetings are in the “everyone is equal, but some more equal than others” category.
I am sorry for the loss felt by many in our community, and sorry for those of all persuasions who live in fear of retaliation for expressing beliefs disliked by others. I am sorry we live in a divisive time where some see violence as the only remedy. Such violence is not just, not right, and this proposal is divisive, only exacerbating the situation.
Let’s reject this bad idea. An alternative? Hold an event in Mr. Kirk’s name, perhaps a series of programs – not mere propaganda – encouraging dialogue and understanding. Didn’t Charlie Kirk advocate freedom of speech?
