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

Metro Creative Connection

Tell Us What You Think

We’d like to invite readers to write us at yourvalley.net/letters or AzOpinions@iniusa.org to share your thoughts on this issue in 300 words or less. Be sure to include your name, city and contact number in your email.

We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines, which can be found at yourvalley.net/civility-checklist.

Journalist Howard Fischer’s report that the president of the Arizona Senate wants to 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 about the Illinois native 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.” 

• “Charlie Kirk’s name should not be the name on any public building, road or other public space. I believe he preached hate under the guise of religion and other non-American values that are embodied in our Constitution.” — AJ Germek via email
• “Why name a freeway after a man who most had actually never heard of? If you’re going to do that, name it after one of the victims of a mass shooting, an innocent bystander victim or a first responder/service member. Actually, just leave it alone. Those who would name it after Kirk are merely trying to appease the president.” — J. Dunford via email
• “No to Charlie Kirk; he did not bring people together. His so-called Christian values are not the same as true Christians. He may have exposed some good points, but he was not for the people. If you’re going to name a road after someone, please do it for someone who’s helped Arizonans and we can hold in higher esteem for all.” — Robin Hershowitz
• “I’m against renaming a section of Loop 202 for Charlie Kirk. He made a career out of rage-baiting college-age kids. He was not a positive influence for Arizona or America. No real Arizona resident wants this to happen. It would only serve as a means to signal a certain kind of political virtue. Do not enshrine his legacy with an honor like a freeway dedication.” — Christopher Nick