On an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show on Wednesday, Vance dismissed the messages as representing only the immaturity of “kids,” arguing that they were getting far too much attention.

“By focusing on what kids are saying in a group chat—grow up! I’m sorry,” Vance said. “Focus on the real issues. Don’t focus on what kids say in group chats.”

One problem with this defense? The people in the group chat aren’t “kids.” By scanning public records and media reports, Mother Jones determined the ages of eight of the 11 participants in the chat: They appear to range from 24 to 35. Ages for three other participants—Bobby Walker, Michael Bartels, and Rachel Hope—were not publicly available.

  • Almacca@aussie.zone
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    4 days ago

    How do you feel about ‘kids’ making memes about Charlie Kirk getting shot, James?

    • hitmyspot@aussie.zone
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      4 days ago

      No, but it becomes less serious and they are held less accountable. If they are, in fact, serious adults with serious positions, it is much more serious.

        • hitmyspot@aussie.zone
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          4 days ago

          While they are still children, they are more of a potential problem. Of you don’t think it matters whether they are kids or adults, why do you think they are messaging it that way? Do you think it just doesn’t matter to you and it does matter to others, or it doesn’t matter to anyone?

          If it’s the first, then that should make it matter to you. The more people that take the fascist problem seriously, as it is, the more chance for resistance and change.

          Absolutism and not understanding the nuance of messaging from them and others makes it harder to resist them. Comedy and accuracy are important tools against fascism. The only power is the power people give them. Remove that legitimacy and they lose the power.