Sep 17, 2025 By Electra Janis 4 min read

The recent passing of Charlie Kirk has sent waves across the country and the world. Among those who supported him, those who debated him, and even those who simply respected his conviction, there is a shared recognition of his influence. While many will reflect on Charlie’s legacy in different ways, one message he left behind stands out and demands attention.

“I go around universities and have challenging conversations because that’s what is so important to our country is to find our disagreements, respectfully, because when people stop talking, that’s when violence happens”

In this era, where we are increasingly divided, Charlie Kirk reminded us of the power of conversation. He believed in the strength of civil discourse and in our shared responsibility to take part in it. He understood that free speech is not only a constitutional right but also a civic responsibility. It calls on us to speak with honesty, listen with respect, and remain engaged even when the conversation is difficult. Not through confrontation, and not through silence, but through honest, virtuous dialogue.

Now is not the time to retreat from that responsibility. When we stop talking, we also stop listening. And when we stop listening, we also stop learning and growing. These ideas are the very essence of our community and democracy.

This is a call for participation. For showing up, speaking thoughtfully, and listening respectfully, even when our views differ. Our beliefs and perspectives are essential to who we are as individuals and as a nation. When fear, intimidation, or apathy cause us to fall silent, we risk losing something far greater than an argument. We risk losing our sense of self and the freedoms that protect and define us.

Charlie Kirk chose to show up. Whether you agreed with him or not, he never backed away from a difficult conversation. He believed that the exchange of ideas, even uncomfortable ones, was vital to the well-being of our society. That conviction is what we must carry forward.

As a commissioner, I have seen the impact of meaningful dialogue in our local communities. I have seen disagreements handled with mutual respect lead to progress and understanding. This concept embodies my commitment to Washington County. I will continue speaking with conviction on issues that are important to me. However, I will also have the humility to acknowledge that the residents of our county are sometimes best served by me being quiet and listening to the ideas of someone else.

This is a time for courage. But in emotional times such as this, it is easy to lose sight of what courage should look like. Shouting just so someone will listen isn’t courage. Spreading the anger and pain that plagues the internet isn’t courage. In moments like this, courage is not loud or aggressive. Courage means taking a deep breath, listening, and yes – responding with conviction, but doing so thoughtfully and with civility. True courage means standing firm in your values while still making room for others to speak. It means defending the right to disagree, and doing so with integrity, not hostility.

We honor Charlie Kirk not only by remembering his words, but by continuing to embody them. We must speak, we must listen. We must never allow fear of division to silence us. Our country was founded on the idea that diverging ideas, if expressed thoughtfully and peacefully, actually makes us much stronger.

Let this be our commitment for Charlie, for each other, and for the future we are building together.

Electra Janis is vice chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.