Saturday, January 8, 2011

Prayers for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

Gabrielle Giffords - 2009Image via Wikipedia
Horrible news today from Arizona: Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Shot By Gunman:
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head by a gunman at a public event in Tucson on Saturday. There are conflicting reports about whether she was killed.
The perpetrator has been arrested. He should be punished to the maximum extent of the law.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rep. Giffords children, family, and friends as well as the family and friends of the other shooting victims.

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement:
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.

2 comments:

Keir said...

I think in this day and age a little more than prayers to gods are required. Only last week the media was used to advocate the execution of Michael Vick for killing dogs. Last April Republican Congressman Paul Broun used the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing: "Fellow patriots, we have a lot of domestic enemies of the constitution, and they're right down the Mall, in the Congress of the United States – and right down Independence Avenue in the White House that belongs to us. It's not about my ability to hunt, which I love to do. It's not about the ability for me to protect my family and property against criminals, which we have the right to do. But it's all about us protecting ourselves from a tyrannical government." The year before, this same Broun singled out then-Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, as one such "domestic enemy of the constitution". He was re-elected last November with 67% of the vote. As a teacher of 20th century history here about 7 miles from Dachau in Germany, I know all about how self-serving demagogues like Palin will sacrifice people's lives for their own ends and use God and patriotism to justify it.

dsm said...

@Keir,

Those are some interesting points about the danger of demagogues in high places. Can you please point to your condemnations of these statements from the most powerful demagogue of our time?

“They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun”
“Get in Their Faces!”
“I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I’m angry!”
“Hit Back Twice As Hard”
“We talk to these folks… so I know whose ass to kick.“
Republican victory would mean “hand to hand combat”
“It’s time to Fight for it.”
“Punish your enemies.”
“I’m itching for a fight.”

I mean, if you're really anti-demagogue, then you've probably already condemned those statements. How about a link to your condemnations of the demagoguery above before I conclude that you're a left-wing shill peddling Palin derangement syndrome on behalf of Democrats.