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Today it was the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.

A few days ago it was the new death panels that resulted in death of patients need transplants.

Then before that there was the draconian immigration laws that were ruled unconstitutional.

Of course we have all heard of the Arizona Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, known for his cruel and unusual punishment of prisoners.  This Sheriff is under Grand Jury and FBI investigation for abuse of power.

I guess knowing what we all know now about Arizona we should not be that surprised that it was Senator from Arizona who picked someone like Sara Palin to be his running mate. 

Sara Palin some of you may remember put a target on a map over Gabby Giffords District in this last election.

The Sheriff in Pima County, where the shooting took place, describes AZ as a right wing state "the tombstone of the United States"  with almost no control on guns and in fact he said the State Legislature now wants students and teachers to be allowed to take guns to school.  He added that AZ won't even ban texting while driving.

As strange as it is that all these weird things are happening in Airzona, the truth is that any of these kind of things can and will happen anywhere in our nation where good people stop caring and sharing their concerns for a better world. 

Arizona may be the worst example but lets make sure other states don't go in that direction.

Lets let Arizona be our wake up call and stop this sort of political madness.

Lets also direct our thoughts and/or prayers to be with Congressperson Giffords and the others who were killed or wounded and the families of all who were impacted.

Our nation can and must do better.
 
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Statement of Common Cause President Bob Edgar on Arizona shooting
 
Like most Americans, I am shocked and horrified at the mass shooting that occurred today in Arizona at a constituent meeting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
 
The prayers of the entire Common Cause family are with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her family, her staff and their families, and all the victims and families affected by this deranged shooting.
 
It is a sad day for America, and for our democracy that shines bright as a beacon of hope for so many other countries. While we do not yet know the motive of the shooter, this is a time for all our elected officials, political leaders and others in public life to vigorously denounce what has become a more common practice of using language laced with violent innuendos and metaphor when discussing opposition in politics. Today is clear and unequivocal evidence that this practice must cease immediately.
 
Peace,

 
Bob  Edgar
President of Common Cause
www.CommonCause.org


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A reporter called me a little while ago, and told me that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been shot at a public event. She is in critical condition.

I'm going to let others comment on what this means for America. I just want to say what it means to me.

Gabrielle Giffords and I served together on the House Committee on Science and Technology. She was the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and I was a member of that subcommittee. Her D.C. office was one floor above mine.

I saw Gabby dozens, if not hundreds of times, during our two years together. And nearly every time that I can remember, she was smiling.

Gabby is one of the most cheerful, charming and engaging people I have ever known. She's always looking on the bright side. She has something good to say about pretty much everyone. Bad news never lays a glove on her. She loves life, and all the people in it.

No matter what is going on in your life, after fifteen minutes with Gabby, you'll feel that you can touch the stars.

Everyone knew that Gabby would have a tough race in 2010. (She actually won with 49% of the vote.) But I always thought that if each of her constituents could spend that fifteen minutes with her, and see what she is really like, then she would win with 99.9% of the vote. (Same thing about Harry Teague of New Mexico, who lost, and a few others that I could name.) You would want her as your Congressman, because you would want her as your friend.

I know nothing about the man who shot Gabby, and what was going through his mind when he did this. But I will tell you this - if he shot Gabby out of hatred, then it wasn't Gabby he was shooting, but rather some cartoon version of her, drawn by her political opposition. Because there is no way - NO WAY - that anyone who really knows Gabby could hate her or hurt her. She is a kind, gentle soul.

My heart goes out to Mark Kelly, Gabby's husband, and the many, many people who love her. Gabby, we don't want to lose you. Please stay here with us.

Alan Grayson

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