A Call to Dialogue
I write this on the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States that brought down the Twin Towers in Manhattan and killed almost 3,000 people. Today, I am also reflecting on a singular murder that occurred yesterday. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an appearance at a university in Utah. Kirk was a conservative activist whose focus was educating university students on the benefits of conservative values and policy solutions. His was a faith-based mission to promote a set of values that resonated with many young people.
We don’t yet know who murdered Charlie Kirk, or why. At some point, the reasons will matter. Right now, two young children have lost their father, a wife has lost her partner, and hundreds of family members and friends are also grieving. My hope is that in gaining answers to the who and why, we’ll learn something that we can use to draw us toward solutions and agreement, and not further discord. That is my hope.
The Nursing Code of Ethics, Provision One, states: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person (https://codeofethics.ana.org/provisions). As nurses, whether we agree or disagree with Charlie Kirk’s policy positions, we honor the dignity and worth of this human life lost, and we show compassion and respect for the bereaved.
Look inside yourself and consider how you feel. As professionals, and especially as nurses, we do not mock or try to harm those with whom we disagree, as was done recently when Minnesota State Representative Melissa Horton was killed. We don’t excuse criminals and murderers, as has happened last year with the murder of Brian Thompson, because they work for a company that some have accused of being “greedy”. We ask questions. We gather evidence. We look at the data. And then, we can have an informed dialogue.
It’s pretty easy to rally together and find common ground when a foreign enemy or group of terrorists attacks our country. It’s harder to look each other in the eye and respectfully say “I disagree, let me tell you why”. That requires thought, reflection, and compassion.
So, let’s have a dialogue. What are your thoughts? Email me at akimbelcurry@outlook.com and I’ll share what you have to say so that others can respond.
As for me, I have never felt more motivated to give all nurses a voice.
Kim Curry, Editor