By now, everyone has heard or read about the tragic events that occurred in Tucson this past Saturday morning. Six people were killed, and many more were wounded. Congresswomen, Gabrielle Giffords, who is now in critical condition, had just returned from Washington D.C to conduct one of her frequent "Congress on your Corner" events.
One little girl, who was killed in the mayhem, had just been elected to her student council and was very interested in politics. All she wanted was to meet Congressman Giffords at the local grocery store and to witness how democracy worked first hand . As a youngster, this little girl had always been interested in politics. Her birth date of September 11, 2001 no doubt helped to inspire her interest in politics. She was also one of the 50 9/11 babies featured in a book called "Faces of Hope."
Our community is cloaked in sadness for all of those who were killed, injured and terrorized this past Saturday. Vigils and prayer services are being held throughout the community.
While it isn't clear what motivated the 22 year old suspect, it is somewhat apparent from reports that the suspect was a very trouble youth. While we may never know if extreme political rhetoric was in any way a contributing factor for Saturday's shooting, it nevertheless calls for some soul searching on the part of everyone.
As one paper editorical suggested, "it would be a positive consequence of this atrocity if we used it to start treating one another with greater civility. It is, in fact, the responsibility of all citizens to help create through responsible words and deeds a safe harbor in which American politics and robust debate can occur free of fear."
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