Speak Up: Arizona legislator seeks to name Loop 202 after Charlie Kirk

Journalist Howard Fischer’s report that the president of the Arizona Senate wants to rename a portion of the Loop 202 freeway for assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk continues to spark comments from Independent readers, who both agree and disagree with state Sen. Warren Petersen, who said when proposing the renaming: “Charlie Kirk is a son of Arizona who embodied the very fabric of our founding fathers when they crafted the Bill of Rights.”

• “This man was no hero. Usually, people who are this pious are usually not who they claim to be. They have unusual ideals and frankly, I don’t want anything named after people because you never know what goes on behind closed doors and what’s truly in their hearts and it would be shameful to have to remove their name later. That tax money should be used on infrastructure not street signs!” — Shelli Thompson via email
• “Renaming the 202 after Charlie Kirk is a fantastic way to honor his legacy and dedication to Arizona. It is also a wonderful way for Arizona to demonstrate its commitment for free speech in an era of unprecedented attacks on liberty in this country. — Lauren Walter via email
• “Kirk was extremely political, polarizing, bigoted and arrogant. Not only would it be embarrassing to name 202 after him, it would likely infuriate the left and critical-thinking independents like myself.” — Kevin Madsen via email
• “Not a good idea naming the 202 Charlie Kirk. He was a political pawn and divisive. Most people did not agree with his politics.” — David Peel via email
• “The idea is patently wholly inappropriate.” — SJ Buchanan via email