Democratic Representative, Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot in the head today and approximately 24 others were shot and/or injured when an assailant opened fire outside a grocery store as the Democratic lawmaker met with constituents. Six people were killed including a judge, one of Giffords’ aides and a nine year old girl.
A doctor spoke on Giffords’ status, she is out of surgery and he expressed optimism that she could recover.
The assailant has been identified as Jared Loughner, a 22 year old white male.
As of this time we don’t have enough details to say categorically what many of us suspect may have driven this man to this shooting rampage.
He could just be insane and not influenced by the voices of hate on the right. He could have had a motivation that was not political. It is not wise to prematurely come to any conclusions no matter how likely they may seem.
However, in the environment of intolerance, hate, threats of gun violence and “2nd Amendment remedies” all coming from the Right, if this has contributed in any way to this tragedy, we must go after those who have been pushing people to violence as being accessories.
Add this event to this week’s mailing of firebombs to Janet Napalitano, the variety of domestic terrorist attacks and plots over the last two years, the endless death threats against Dem politicians including President Obama and the continuing obsession with proliferating guns throughout the U.S., promoting the legal right to carry them nearly anywhere.
It would be prudent to refrain from political declarations about this incident until the facts are known but if our fears are confirmed, this needs to be the moment we step up and say “Enough!”
Enough open hatred and racism, enough intolerance of those with opposing views, enough MSM exploitation of the most extreme and vicious views, enough demagoguery of Democrats as traitors, destroying this nation and being dangerous enemies of freedom and democracy. Enough preying on the fears and prejudices of Americans.
Enough of this cynical game being used by corporations and the wealthy to keep the population at each other’s throats so they can steal more of our nation’s wealth and democracy without a unified citizenry blocking their way.
Enough.
There are many Republicans I dislike but I do not hate any of them. I have never and would never advocate violence against them. I would much rather see them debated and exposed. I believe in the 1st Amendment, I don’t want them silenced but I do want their dishonesty and hypocrisy revealed when practiced.
The cold, mercenary strategy of the GOP and the Kochs and the banks and the corporations, etc., is instability for all except them. Destabilize our democracy, our standard of living, our economy and government itself. Then, there is no institutional challenge to their power and control.
If this turns out to be a case where a mentally unstable person was manipulated by the campaign of these people, we have a choice to either let this be the rallying cry against this deterioration of our society or else see more of these horrific acts of domestic terrorism multiply to the accompaniment of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Karl Rove, Fox News and the rest of this insidious chorus.
Kalima
choicelady
bito
Khirad
kesmarn
AlphaBitch
The GOP may have you, Sarah Palin, but we have Betty White and….
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH! Yeah, baby– TIRED!
Report comment
I have only one thing to say to that pic Q – *snort* *giggle* – OK, I have only two things to say
Report comment
Coffee came outta my nose!
Report comment
I tried I think. I wrote a poem in my darkest hour after I lost my mother, it’s here somewhere, if I find it I’ll post it. It’s normal to think this way bito, to question ourselves if we did enough, often we did and this is just a normal step in our grief process.
Report comment
Kalima, if I may, and I really hope you can find that poem, you inspired my to share the poem I wrote when my mother died. I hope you dont mind, please excuse me. (I haven’t looked at it since then.)
I did not believe him.
–
The Messenger of Death danced through today
Singing songs of emancipation
I held my breath, just blinked an eye
As he took you away from me,
Silence.
Hopes of finding something lost
The sound of your voice
The warmth of your laughter
The hand to soothe my tears,
Only silence now.
Falling into obscurity, not you just I
Entry into an uncertain space to fill
But how?
Only silence.
Do the years really heal my friend
There will never be enough years,
Only silence.
This shattering scream rings in my ears
It is my own,
Only silence.
In these dreams you come so near
And I’m afraid to make a sound in case
My pounding heart should take you away again,.
Silence
And so, the Messenger of Death danced through today
Singing songs of emancipation
I did not believe him
Now only my silence and I prevail.
—-
I feel as if I’m caught in one of those running naked in the street dreams.
Report comment
Kalima– I just re-read your poem and saw the edit you added at the end. If there was ever a safe place to put up our poems, this place is it! Besides– and this I sincerely believe– it is only the most personal that is the most universal.
EDIT: Besides, it’s late and no one else is watching.
Report comment
I know exactly how you feel Cher, that was how much we loved, and it is a shattering experience equal to very few. Even the loss of my own child would have to be up there with the loss I felt with her gone.
I had her headstone engraved with these words.
“Her life a beautiful memory.
Her absence a silent grief.”
It seemed the simplest way to say it.
Report comment
That day is with me too, always. But looking at the poem again was well, it’s hard to describe. I am back there now. I can never express how shattering.
Report comment
Oh I know it’s safe, it just surprised me that it could bring me back to the day of her funeral, which was when I wrote it. I had had no time to cry before that, my father was devastated, I had to organize the funeral and everything that went with it by myself. I was doing ok, a bit wobbly after her Mass, then when it came to the time to throw a handful of earth on her coffin, I almost jumped in, my sister caught me. After the guests had left our house, and my father was safely in bed, I held the cats, one mine, and wrote this at the kitchen table heaving just dry sobs. It wasn’t until I was back in Tokyo that I could finally cry. I cried everywhere, and suddenly, out of the blue. It was an oddly healing time for me to finally be able to cry.
Report comment
Kalima, so painful and beautiful. The “silence” was so loud, as I recall it. Actually roaring in my ears. The years haven’t healed for me.
I think tonight is the appropriate night to remember our past pain as we face another pain.
Report comment
Yes it is Cher, and “time heals” has somehow never really worked for me, my past memories are very vivid still.
The “silence”is very deafening.
Report comment
Cher I thanks you for sharing that very private moment. I am deeply touched and so very in tune with your intimate words your grief brought out of you. If you don’t mind I have copied this to keep with mine when I find it. Although we all have slightly different experiences at this, what we feel in our hearts is the same. Thank you.
I’ve been hunting for it, when I find it, I’ll post it under your’s if you won’t mind, before the thread grows larger, and we will be forced to search endlessly.
My house is a great mystery to me, I’ve been searching endlessly for things that i would never throw away for years now. This is now my project until I find them, I’ll let you know when I do.
Report comment
I certainly don’t mind, Kalima. I look forward to reading it. Thank you!
Report comment
Kalima– I know how you feel. I squirmed too, but please–put it up. don’t leave me out there alone!
Report comment
I just found it Cher, I’ll have it up soon, but do feel a little embarrassed, it’s very angry and raw.
Report comment
When my Mum was alive we’d speak on the phone every week; before she died I got really tied up in something that now seems very unimportant but I kept telling myself ‘oh, I must remember to call Mum today’ – but I didn’t and then she died suddenly and to this day it haunts me that I didn’t call because I was too busy. So, yeah, tell your loved ones how much you love them every single moment of every day for as long as you live before it’s too late to do so.
Report comment
I’m sorry Mw, and yes it will haunt us, as it did with a friend of mine who died from complications from AIDs. I was supposed to call him in the hospital where he was battling pneumonia, I tried for hours to connect, and fell asleep with the phone still in my hand. In my early morning the phone woke me, it was his mother telling me that he had died just a few hours before. I didn’t get to say goodbye, it never leaves the back of my mind.
Report comment
The sticks we find to beat oursaelves with, eh?? I’m sure your friend, like my Mum, knew how much you cared and loved him. They would forgive us – if only we could forgive ourselves!
Report comment
AWWWW!
Report comment
Obama’s tribute left me both humbled and proud. I will rise to the challenge of attempting to be a better, not bitter, person. And to sit with my Alpha Pup, the young man who has seen so much tragedy in his lifetime in a country that witnesses horrors like this and worse much more frequently than we see here, left me proud to be from this country, at this time, with this President.
Like Bito, I have tears in my eyes. But I have a smile in my heart.
Good night, lovely and good friends. Sleep peacefully. – AB
Report comment
Good night, AB. You’re Alpha Pup’s hero, and the rest of the kids’ too.
Report comment
Goodnight, AB.
You’ve already widened your circle. You are who we Americans should aspire to be more like.
Tell Alpha pup he needs to teach me some vocab here and there.
Report comment
Night AB.
Report comment
I started tearing up when the orchestra Played Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
Report comment
I missed the first part of thre memorial Cher -- and I so love Copeland. If it’s not inappropriate -- here it is
“Simple Gifts” by the chorus was a good choice, too, Cher.
Report comment
It was, kes. By then I was a mess.
Report comment
I don’t think there was a dry eye on the Planet, Cher.
I think the whole situation was affecting me even more than I realized it was. And hearing Obama’s words and the music opened the flood gates.
Report comment
Didn’t take long.
Conservatives Criticize Free T-Shirts At Tucson Memorial Service
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/conservatives-criticize-free-tshirts-at-tucson-service.php
These people are as bad as Fred Phelps. It was a memorial for people who were murdered!! STFU for one day, one hour!!
Report comment
x2
And that’s a great comparison. I should have called the trolls that.
But then I’d be a Blood Libeler.
Report comment
“Widen the circle of our concern…” A phrase spoken by Obama in this speech and being analyzed by Rachel Maddow and Rev. Weldon Gaddy now.
What a notion. Not circling the wagons and going into defensive, exclusive mode. Not fearing the “other,” and recognizing the needs of “me and mine” only. Widening the circle.
Rev. Gaddy’s last word: “If Gabby opened her eyes today, maybe we can, too.”
Report comment
It’s imagery is simple and profound. The circle I am told was also part of the Indian ceremony (I’m assuming to the four directions, I didn’t see it).
Report comment
Yes Khirad, it was.
Report comment
OK, you type faster than I do. I admit it. And I’m wordy.
Report comment
Yours was better, I didn’t know the gentleman’s name. That was the one line I caught.
Report comment
A few years ago, Gabby’s spokesperson attempted to get everyone to use her full name, not use Gabby–didn’t work!
Report comment
True.
Report comment
I think “Gabby” is cute.
Report comment
It’s funny how articles have to keep explaining that yes, we really do all call her that. Friend and foe alike. That’s the kind of place Tucson is.
I’m glad I watched this alone and not in public. It was a tearjerker for me.
Report comment
It was just brilliant. I’m gonna have to read that transcript.
…But they can’t stop once, the trolls. “Why the cheering at the university, is he holding a pep rally?, it’s not solemn… blah blah blah”. I just deleted them. I wasn’t having it. This was personal.
I know you don’t care about trolls, I’m just giving you a hint of what to expect tomorrow from the hatepundits.
Bottom line is this:
Do you even remember Sarah’s fumbling attempt at acting presidential earlier after today that?
This is what a true leader is.
But I missed the Indian ceremony. What was that like? Were they local tribes?
Report comment
Prepared remarks released by the WH
http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/obamas-full-remarks-at-the-tucson-memorial.php
It was a U of A prof Yaqi/ Mexican. Fifth generation in the valley.
Report comment
Have you read the link to Bob Cescda’s article that Kalima posted below – it’s a real hoot with a lot of memorable phrases about SP’s noncompoopery
Yeah – it what a true leader is – can we have him if you guys don’t want him any more
Report comment
Waaaah, they committed a Holocaust against me.
I loved it.
Report comment
I wouldn’t mind him over here, we just have ventriloquists dummies in Japan.
Report comment
When the so called LibDems (actually socialists) won the election here, they hailed Hatoyama as the new Obama, I almost choked on my Frosties.
Report comment
Don’t have to hold your breath Khirad, CNN has a bunch of pundits/ truth bandits are gathered on CNN, I’m just about to switch off my tv.
Report comment
The only blogger I still read on HP.
“Sarah Palin Fumbles and Flails Into an Otherwise Solemn Day”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/sarah-palin-fumbles-and-f_b_808336.html
Report comment
Wow, Kalima. Cesca was furious and it comes through loud and clear. Pull punches, he does not!
He speaks the truth, and I respect the man for that. He might not be quite as refined as Tomasky, but still, he doesn’t mince his words either. I found it refreshing, will AH?
Report comment
The phrase “jutted her screechy yapper” was priceless, Kalima.
I know our president just called upon us to take the high road, so I’ll try not to use that phrase in public.
But its eloquence is undeniable.
Report comment
Obama headlines memorial for victims of Saturday’s shooting.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/01/12/arizona.shooting.victims/index.html
Report comment
It would take all night boomer
, we have better things to do, right?
Hope that you are feeling better.
Report comment
I hope none of you take this the wrong way but as I listen to this powerful speech from this very humble and good man I keep thinking to myself he’s just too good a person for America. He’s been reviled since before the day he took his oath of office, he’s been criticized for things done and not done, things said and not said. No matter what he does or says it will never be enough for any on the right and a lot on the left. He deserves better than he has received.
Report comment
Nope, we agree. (I’m gonna speak for you guys whether you like it or not)
Report comment
In the political climate of the last two years Mw, I would be lying if I said that the same thought hasn’t crossed my mind too. Blogging here with all of you has put this thought on the back burner. Still, for some, he certainly is too good for them.
Report comment
No offense taken here, MW.
Maybe he’s proof that a country doesn’t always get the leaders it deserves. Sometimes it gets better.
Report comment
You are so right ,Woof.
Report comment
Looks as though he’s getting a very enthusiastic reaction from the crowd, Kalima.
And he’s taking the spotlight off of himself to honor the heroes of the hour.
Report comment
Good to see Sheriff Clarence Dupnik there.
Jon Kyl not so much.
Grief as a time for self-examination. A recognition of our own mortality and what really matters in life…
Things that need to be said.
“Healer in Chief?”
Report comment
That shot to Kyl during that line was price-less.
Report comment
The President just left after greeting people. I saw no exchange between him and Kyl, or McCain on his way out.
Report comment
Yes he is good at taking the spotlight off himself because he really cares. My video cut off after a few seconds, I’m sure the whole speech will be up somewhere soon.
EDIT: It’s live on CNN. Good Lord, it looks as if he has gone grey overnight.
Report comment
“…… it looks as if he has gone grey overnight.”
I just said the same thing to hubby, Kalima. His job takes a lot out of any person who occupies the Oval Office, doesn’t it?
Report comment
It was quite shocking nonetheless, wasn’t it?
Report comment
It was shocking although a few months ago I remember thinking that he was getting a little grey – so you’re right, it seems to have happened overnight!
Report comment
I wish you could see it, Kalima. (I’m watching on MSNBC.)
A MUCH needed call to heed our better angels, an appeal to America’s higher motives…the crowd seems hungry and thirsty for these words.
I guess I didn’t realize how much I was, too.
Report comment
No fear kes, I found it on CNN and am watching it with you. Very powerful words.
Report comment
Glad you can watch over there across the big wide sea, Kalima.
Tears on this side.
Report comment
Call me an ol’ softie but I have tears in my eyes and I think Michelle Obama did too – the President was very moved and moving speaking about those who died.
Report comment
Allow me to pass you one of the tissues I have here, Mighty.
Report comment
Any left kes?
Report comment
Danke schoen, (at the risk of sounding like McGrumpy) my friend too.
Report comment
Here you are, my friend…
Report comment
Ditto.
Report comment
Oh! just noticed-looks like I predicted it 2 days ago too (although it was obvious):
Mightywoof called it 2 days ago: