Well, my personal perspective on the two was similar and I got a lot of flak for it.
But from a broader perspective I think the difference is that partisan politics have become deeply associated with a personal, tribal identity. The reaction to Kirk has been different because conservatives feel personally threatened by his death. This fear makes them react much more violently. I think journalists have also amplified this because even if they are not on the same side, they rightly perceive that they could be next if this turns into a tit for tat exchange.
In contrast, while most people didn’t support the murder of Thompson it was more of an academic crime. They don’t identify personally with a CEO in the same way.
Plus Trump wasn’t president and he wasn’t able to fan the flames as effectively back then.
Well, my personal perspective on the two was similar and I got a lot of flak for it.
But from a broader perspective I think the difference is that partisan politics have become deeply associated with a personal, tribal identity. The reaction to Kirk has been different because conservatives feel personally threatened by his death. This fear makes them react much more violently. I think journalists have also amplified this because even if they are not on the same side, they rightly perceive that they could be next if this turns into a tit for tat exchange.
In contrast, while most people didn’t support the murder of Thompson it was more of an academic crime. They don’t identify personally with a CEO in the same way.
Plus Trump wasn’t president and he wasn’t able to fan the flames as effectively back then.