Mr Chairman this past week's violence has brought into sharp focus the need to confront death by firearms and the challenge to free speech.

Tragically, Charlie Kirk, the most recent victim of political violence accepted that some gun deaths are a price to pay in protection of the Second Amendment and First Amendment free speech.

I happen to disagree with his view that the way to reduce gun violence is to put more guns into the hands of more Americans. A contradictory view that might please makers and marketers of firearms but an alarming cost to America's children. Children from age 1 to 17 whose single largest cause of death is gun violence.

Nonetheless, I strongly agree with Mr Kirk's taking these issues into the public arena for open and candid civil dialogue.
Here in this marketplace of ideas I've tried to engage with political adversaries and county officeholders. But thus far have been met with silence.

I've challenged two previous County Sheriffs – Paul Babeu, Mark Lamb, and today's Sheriff Teeple. I've invited leaders of the County Republican Party, and I've asked members of this Board to engage in public discussion in an effort at bridging divisiveness, to identify Issues that are destroying our constitutional democratic republic.

Admittedly, context of these challenges has been difficult. Why castigate presence of undocumented male immigrants while engaging in romantic dalliances with them, why criticize drug smuggling while a family member is an abuser of imported drugs, why condemn outrage of residents who oppose law enforcement sweeping neighbors off streets and disappearing them into unidentified detention centers. Why endorse promoting a sex predator and convicted criminal to the highest office of the land when that candidate cannot qualify for a county entry level job.

Thus far none of those challenged have had the Charlie Kirk commitment to engage in open dialogue.

Let's take a page from Mr Kirk's commitment, let's dedicate ourselves to non-violence and truly support our nation's foundational belief in uncomfortable free speech.

Roberto Reveles read these remarks at the Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, Sept 17, 2025.

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