This is edition 2025/164 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Hi all,
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Today's Ten@10 is mostly a tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Enjoy!
1. The assassination of Charlie Kirk
David Farrar
- 💔 The assassination of Charlie Kirk has struck the author harder than other political killings.
- ⚖️ Political violence in democratic countries is described as abhorrent, with comparisons to attacks on Melissa Hortman and Gabby Giffords.
- 🧑🎓 Kirk’s young age (31) and his presence on college campuses make his death feel especially different.
- 🏛️ Unlike assassinations of elected officials tied to policies or personal obsessions, Kirk held no government or religious role.
- 🔫 This suggests his killing may have been motivated purely by disagreement with his political views.
- 🗣️ Kirk was shot while actively debating a student, highlighting his influence through open political exchanges.
- 🎓 He became known for challenging students with debates, often in predominantly left-leaning campus environments.
- 📚 The author draws a parallel with Martin Luther King Jr., noting both were non-office holders leading influential movements.
- 🇺🇸 Kirk’s funeral is expected to be massive, with national leaders attending and flags at half-mast.
- 🌐 As founder of a conservative student movement, Kirk’s organisation grew beyond College Republicans, spreading to 850+ campuses.
- 🔥 Millions of young Americans felt connected to Kirk, and many are angry he was seemingly killed for expressing their beliefs.
