This would be as good a time as any as a nation to consider the base level of discourse that passes for political debate.
Perhaps its time to point a finger at the people who have poisoned the well of discourse in this country — the usual suspects who find it both politically advantageous and lucrative to speak in terms of slaughtering the opposition, “taking aim” at opponents, who have personalized and demonized opponents to a point where tragedies are all but inevitable.
We will surely learn that this person responsible for this was deranged or unbalanced, but that is who this group of hatemongers is preaching to.
Our nation needs to grow up — and fast
From major figures on the Right, who appears just as horrified as anyone else.
The identity of the gunman is not yet clear. There are conflicting reports on who he is, and what his motive was, and until something solid is available I refuse to speculate.
I agree. We don’t know anything about the shooter yet. He have have been an extremist Tea Partier or maybe The Voices in his head were telling him to do it. One this for sure, this country has had way too lone gunmen. Something needs to change. Now.
Whatever your political stripes or beliefs, this is not the time to display them. Assassinations are not part and parcel of legitimate political debate; they often lead to much more serious things like widespread civil unrest, civil war and, as history shows, even world-wide conflict.
This is a time for prayer for Rep. Giffords and her family.
My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today’s tragic shooting in Arizona.
On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice.
John Boehner
I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.
What this country doesn’t need is for this mindless slaughter (apparently a child is among the dead) to ignite more polarization. We’re already polarized far too much and in serious danger of splintering.
Let’s all take a deep breath and not start lobbing heat-seeking missiles at each other quite yet. This is a national tragedy. It will take some time to understand it. This country doesn’t need another civil war, it still hasn’t recovered from the last one.