Right-Wing Seeks to Rebrand Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk as Modern-Day MLK

The Right Wing Desperately Wants to Make Charlie Kirk Its MLK A national day of remembrance has been declared for Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator who was killed in a shooting last month. The move has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing the right wing of attempting to co-opt the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The White House ordered flags at half-staff on August 23, and Congress passed a resolution marking the day as a National Day of Remembrance. President Donald Trump spoke at Kirk's funeral, calling him "a young man as good as Charlie Kirk" and stating that every American should take a long, hard look at those who would want to kill someone like him. Kirk was a vocal supporter of free speech and a fierce critic of what he saw as liberal censorship. His supporters argue that his death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out against perceived injustices. However, critics see the move as an attempt to co-opt the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968. "It's a cynical ploy to use Kirk's death as a way to further their own ideological agenda," said Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, a historian and author on issues of racism and inequality. Kirk's supporters argue that he embodied the spirit of King, who also faced intense criticism and violence for his activism. "Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech and a beacon of hope for those who feel silenced by the liberal establishment," said Candace Owens, a conservative commentator and friend of Kirk's. However, others see the move as an attempt to whitewash the right wing's own history of intolerance and racism. "The right wing has consistently sought to erase or co-opt the legacies of Black and Brown activists, including King and Cesar Chavez," said Alain Stephens, an investigative reporter who has written extensively on issues of gun violence and federal law enforcement. As the nation grapples with the implications of Kirk's death, some are calling for a more nuanced approach to remembrance. "We should be honoring the legacies of those who have fought for justice and equality, rather than trying to co-opt their names for our own purposes," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The controversy surrounding Kirk's legacy is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months as lawmakers and activists weigh in on the issue. Background: Charlie Kirk was a 24-year-old conservative commentator who was killed in a shooting at his home last month. He was a vocal supporter of free speech and a fierce critic of what he saw as liberal censorship. Additional Perspectives: "The right wing's attempt to co-opt King's legacy is a cynical ploy to further their own ideological agenda," said Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. "Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech and a beacon of hope for those who feel silenced by the liberal establishment," said Candace Owens. Current Status: The White House has ordered flags at half-staff on August 23, and Congress has passed a resolution marking the day as a National Day of Remembrance. The controversy surrounding Kirk's legacy is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months as lawmakers and activists weigh in on the issue. *Reporting by Theintercept.*