Another senseless crime in this brand new year. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot, as were a multitude of others, at an outdoor event in Tucson. Some are already blaming "the Right" for the shootings. Some are already saying the "Tea Party rhetoric" has made politically-motivated shootings a little more palatable for some people. It may be that we are missing the point here.
A tragedy, a criminal act, has occurred, and several people died. I have not seen an update of the Congresswoman's condition, but I am sure she is in critical condition at the moment. A federal judge at the meeting was fatally shot, as were at least three or four others. A person too dangerous to be allowed to remain a free member of society is responsible for this terrible act.
I, for one, hope this was not politically motivated shooting. The government is not allowed to curtail our freedom of speech. No one else should be able to limit freedom of speech, either. And I, for one, am not jumping on the bandwagon yelling that this was a politically motivated shooting. It seems that Mr.Loughner, the suspected shooter, has long had some "issues" as we say. He has made threats on his various web pages, threats to local politicians, threats to policemen, and threats to "the government." If we calm down and let the police sort this out, I believe in the end we will find that this man was a lunatic that found a public event which he could disrupt in a very dramatic way. And of course, as soon as he was confronted by authorities, he meekly surrendered, not wanting, I am certain, to be injured in anyway himself. It is always a little ironic to me how the "crazy, lunatic" gunman nonetheless is sane enough to prevent his own demise at the hands of law enforcement.
Lets take a moment to honor the dead and to pray for Ms. Giffords and the families that have experienced this tragedy.
Unfortunately, in a free nation, it is very difficult to stop a criminal act before it occurs. Many times our leaders find themselves in harm's way simply for expressing a belief or voting for that belief in Congress. I believe in the Bill of Rights and all of the liberties that are outlined there. Unfortunately, corrupt politicians, criminals, and yes, even lunatics, take advantage of those liberties, using our very freedom against us. It is my strongest desire that Mr. Loughner be punished for what he did, if he is convicted. I hope that he is not somehow protected because he was "unstable" or for some other equally intangible and unrealistic excuse that someone might proffer for him. He killed people, hurt others. If he is convicted, he needs to do the time. He is just as dangerous as a mistreated pit-bull dog. There is only way one to protect the people from this man. Put him where he belongs, whether that may be in jail or at the other end of a lethal injection.
May this land continue to be free, and may the people be willing to stand up for what they believe. Yes, there may be some risks. Nearly fifty years ago, one of our most popular presidents ever gave his life in the service of his country. That was a shocking, traumatic event that scarred America forever. But instead of cowering, others stood up and held themselves as candidates for office, and our nation continued on. We will do the same in the face of the Gifford shooting. In the face of danger, fear, and tragedy, the American people will rise, as we always do, and keep to the paths of liberty and freedom...and cherish the right to believe as we want, and to disagree if we want, without fearing for our lives in the process.
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