Wednesday, January 12, 2011

My thoughts on the Shooting in Tuscon, AZ.



First off - RIP to all those lost in this violent and cowardly act. My thoughts have returned more than once to the 9 year old girl who was killed - but only because I have a particular disdain for violence against innocent children. That does not diminish the loss of the other victims by any means though. May their souls rest in peace and for those injured - my prayers for a speedy and FULL recovery.

This commentary is about the blame game that reared its ugly head just about as fast as it took for this coward to bring our countries conscience to a collective halt. Very soon after the events - the local county sheriff made remarks indicating that the nations current political climate and the irresponsible tone of rhetoric could be to blame. Then at an even faster rate came the rebuttals that it was "not the time to lay blame" or to "politicize" this tragic event.

Politicians began setting an Olympic pace to get away from any tie-in's to past statements or actions that could be associated with the rhetoric. And the began media doing a two-faced two-step that would win Dancing with the Stars. Both dodging any responsibility for "fanning the flames" and at the same time bringing up every kind of example of it in their coverage - Asking "is this really true?". That's like asking someone if they are innocent (of course they say yes) then asking them if they have skeletons in their closet -and watching that painfully predictable moment of pause while they consider whether or not to lie to your face.

Here's what I think -summed up in two cliche statements.

Its all fun and games until someone gets hurt (or shot)- and - The truth hurts.

Do I think one person is to blame. Yes. This cowardly shooter. (I really don't have any concern about his mental state).

However, I do NOT think that absolves the rest of us from any responsibility for our actions and behavior. Things have been said and done to stoke the fears and hate that is out there for political gain. That is the truth and there is FAR too much evidence to deny that. Its kind of like a person that lets a firecracker off in a room full of gangsters with loaded guns. Is he responsible for pulling the trigger? No. But maybe he should take a few minutes in a catholic confessional you know what I saying?

With regard to the truth hurts. There have been plenty of times through history where a violent incident has given light to the state of a nation or the world for that matter. Causing us to pause and reflect -and if there was any good that came of this incident -its that. That we need to stop and say "hold up" -I need to watch what I say because I don't know where the ripple effect of this is going to end up. See the big picture. Think before you speak, and so on and so on. There is a reason these cliche statements have lived on for years. THEY ARE TRUE.

For us to take notice of what led to this event is a very small price to pay - considering all that was lost. Don't be cheap - let's face it - learn from it and move on. Or else these people really did die for nothing.