The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken our nation to its core, prompting a raw, emotional response from Rich Helppie in this urgent episode of The Common Bridge. Beyond expressing profound grief for Kirk's family and friends, Helppie grieves for America itself – a country increasingly torn apart by political violence and dehumanizing rhetoric.

With unflinching clarity, Helppie dissects how our political discourse has deteriorated to the point where bullets replace dialogue. He identifies a troubling pattern: public figures condemn violence while simultaneously qualifying their statements with justifications that essentially blame victims for provoking their attackers. This "it's not okay, but..." mentality reveals how deeply entrenched our tribal divisions have become.

Drawing from historical examples like the Civil War and World War II, Helppie reminds us that even the bloodiest conflicts ultimately end through conversation, not continued violence. Tribalism, left unchecked, ends only with the eradication of the opposing side – a path that leads to unspeakable suffering. Instead, he advocates for finding common ground on issues like immigration, healthcare, and free speech, emphasizing that extreme positions on either side offer false choices rather than workable solutions.

The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: turn away from rage-inducing media, abandon recycled partisan narratives, and engage in genuine conversations with those who hold different views. As Helppie puts it, "Quit thinking your tribe is going to win. All it will mean is more carnage." The path forward requires recognizing our shared humanity and working together to build the common bridge our divided nation desperately needs.

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