The Irony: The Death of Charlie Kirk Exposes the Death of the Free Press
It's up to all of us to protect this final line of defense for democracy
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Dear Democracy Defender,
We'll get straight to the point:
The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has exposed the frightening extent to which our free press has eroded, far more than we ever could have imagined. A free press is the final line of defense for democracy—the institution that holds power accountable. Without it, citizens are left uninformed, unable to make critical decisions, and vulnerable to manipulation.
Fascist regimes rely on propaganda and the suppression of a free press to control the narrative. We’re watching this play out in real time. We’ve seen major networks capitulate to pressure, firing journalists for offering fair analysis on the murder of Kirk. In one shocking example, MSNBC political analyst and our friend, Matthew Dowd was fired for linking Kirk's rhetoric to the environment of violence, while on Fox News, Brian Kilmeade, openly called for the lethal injection of homeless people—without pushback or apology.
This is a dangerous and unmistakable pattern. It's a classic hallmark of a society sliding toward authoritarianism, enabling a government to operate without scrutiny, manipulate public opinion, and dismantle democratic institutions.
We’re Watching in Real Time
A Chilling Effect: Since Kirk's death, we have seen major networks fire journalists and political analysts like Matthew Dowd (MSNBC) for critical commentary and Terry Moran (ABC News) for social media posts. The message is clear: Your career is at risk if you challenge the narrative and expose uncomfortable truths.
Creating Confusion: The FBI's inconsistent and confusing statements following the murder went largely unquestioned by the legacy media, leaving the public unable to determine if the bureau under the Trump administration is trustworthy.
Fueling Division: Elon Musk and his platform, X, have allowed a violent video of Kirk’s assassination to remain online. Simultaneously, he is actively using the platform to stoke division, calling for a "war" between the right and left, with little to no coverage from traditional news outlets.
Controlling the Narrative: Reporting suggests that Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, is set to take over as the head of CBS, a move that could align the network with the Trump administration's agenda. This shift would see a focus on "anti-woke" and "cancel culture" themes, potentially prioritizing culture-war issues over traditional investigative journalism and diverse perspectives. This could further polarize the media landscape, erode public trust in mainstream institutions, and undermine the essential role of the press in a democracy.
We Aren't Doing Enough—But You Can Help.
The truth must be amplified. In a world where corporate media is capitulating, independent media becomes our most powerful weapon. We need courageous, independent media that can't be fired by powerful interests, and that are funded by a community of readers like you who demand the truth, expert insights and smart analysis.
This is why your support of Lincoln Square is so important. We are independent media dedicated to giving you accurate news and expert commentary from strategists, contributors, and guests. For as little as 13 cents a day, you can help us amplify the facts to millions of Americans and ensure that this vital work continues.
With Your Help, We Can Do More to Inform and Mobilize Americans
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The danger to the rights of Americans and the risk of election interference from the deployment of National Guard troops into cities across America.
The continued violation of the law and human rights by ICE’s aggressive kidnapping and deportations.
The failure of the Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution.
The real-world consequences of the Big Budget Bill on healthcare.
The high cost of Trump's tariffs to consumers and rising cost of everyday staples
The danger RFK's leadership poses to public health.
The widespread corruption and cover-up surrounding the Epstein case.
The danger to our national security is a result of Trump’s dangerous foreign policies.
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Sincerely, Lincoln Square
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