A recent commentary by Jim Shultz, “Our unequal grief over horrific death,” raises questions by equating the murder of Charlie Kirk with the killing of Gaza civilians. Critics of Shultz’s September 23 piece argue that linking these events is misguided and fails to address the distinct contexts in which each tragedy occurred.
Thou shalt not kill
Key Takeaways:
- Jim Shultz’s commentary is titled “Our unequal grief over horrific death.”
- His piece compares the murder of Charlie Kirk to the deaths of Gaza civilians.
- Critics label this comparison “erroneous” and note contextual differences.
- The article “Thou shalt not kill” addresses this debate directly.
- The piece was published on October 10, 2025, by the Daily Item.
Background and the Commentary
A recent article titled “Thou shalt not kill” takes issue with Jim Shultz’s work, “Our unequal grief over horrific death,” originally published on September 23. Shultz’s commentary draws parallels between the murder of Charlie Kirk and the killing of Gaza civilians by Israel.
The Controversial Comparison
Shultz’s text suggests these two events reflect an imbalance in how the public processes grief. However, critics of the commentary assert that likening the murder of a public figure to the deaths of civilians in a contentious regional conflict oversimplifies both situations.
Reactions and Refutations
Pointing to Shultz’s argument, the article concludes that the comparison is “erroneous.” By placing Charlie Kirk’s murder on the same plane as the killing of Gaza civilians, the commentary may distort the specific political and social realities surrounding each tragedy.
Publishing Details
Released on October 10, 2025, the piece in Daily Item—titled “Thou shalt not kill”—focuses on the issues raised in Shultz’s September 23 commentary. While most detailed analysis is restricted to paid plans, the critical stance toward Shultz’s argument is clear in the publicly available portion.
Why These Comparisons Matter
Though both tragic, the events described by Shultz are shaped by distinct settings and contexts. Critics of his commentary maintain that to draw direct parallels risks minimizing the particular circumstances and complexities in each case. Instead, the article emphasizes that careful distinction is vital when evaluating different acts of violence in public discourse.