The response to our recent piece on the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk has been deep, emotional and wide-ranging. Readers share grief, outrage, calls for justice — and also caution against responding to violence with more violence.

“Charlie was a patriot,” writes Barry H. “He had wisdom well beyond his 31 years. I and millions of others mourn our loss. I pray for his beautiful family. Evil will not prevail.”

Wanda, a physician and mother of three, focuses on how the tragedy reverberates with young people. “Charlie stood up and spoke out about what he believed,” she says.

“I pray for the family of the young man who killed Charlie. Violence does not fix violence — it only fuels it.” And she urges parents to limit children’s exposure to social media. “Our children need the opportunity to be children again.”

Others emphasize restraint: “I refuse to respond to the celebration of Kirk’s death with vengeance,” Braden T. says “That is NOT the American way or the way of my faith. Nobody deserves to be murdered for what they believe.”

David H. reflects on Kirk’s mission: “My opinion is that Charlie was ‘taken out’ because he was effective. His goal was to re-educate college students who have been indoctrinated to hate America. I pray millions more will join Kirk’s crusade.”

Eldon J. draws inspiration from America’s founders. “When I feel despair, I visit the small library where James Madison studied and drafted our Constitution, and imagine the deep determination of that founding father. God bless America — and all of us.”

Beyond Charlie Kirk, readers weigh in on everything from the Federal Reserve to grocery bills…

Your Rundown for Wednesday, September 17, 2025...

On the Fed, Housing and Global Stakes

“Bravo Jim Rickards, for calling-out the Fed,” Robert says.

“The seductive Fed has been doing a strip-tease the whole century. Not even a big player, she has nothing to offer except a distraction for those who should know better.”

Another reader puts it more succinctly: “Like the Wizard of Oz, the Fed is not all-powerful.”

On the U.S. economy, reactions are split. John B. pushes back against our inflation coverage: “I don’t see all the doom and gloom you keep selling.”

But others report the squeeze firsthand. “The cost of food continues to rise every month,” Mike S. says. “Last year, on an average week, we spent $140–150. Now the average is more like $170–190. Gas has also increased back to the Biden-era price level.”

Housing, likewise, sparked debate and creative solutions. André A. suggests that big investment firms should be required to sell off bulk housing purchases at a discount: “No entity should be able to hold more than 1,000 single-family houses nationwide.”

Patrick N. adds: “If I were to fix the housing problem, I would take insurance out of the equation. When a bank issues a mortgage, it is effectively creating new money through lending. The bank should carry the risk for that loan, rather than passing it off to a third-party insurer. Shifting that risk is what drives asset prices higher.”

Others turn to global risks. Longtime reader James P. warns that Taiwan’s security is less about invasion than strangulation.

“Blockade is China’s solution,” he notes. “They’ve been practicing it for years with their ‘training operations.’ Cut off supplies of food, fuel and international access for even a month, and Taiwan’s government collapses under internal pressure.

“Once China controls TSMC,” he warns, “every advanced chip will flow to Beijing.”

Thanks to our contributors today! From the Federal Reserve… to chip blockades… to grocery prices… your letters show how readers are connecting the dots between inflation struggles, global power plays and much more.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, September 17, 2025

S&P 500 futures are slightly in the red at 6,660.

Oil’s down 0.40% to $64.25 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is down 0.50% to $3,705.30 per ounce.

Bitcoin down 0.35% to $116,280.