My Ramblings on Free Speech, Politics, and Responsibility

Yesterday at a Tuscon supermarket, Arizona Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot while speaking to the public about her efforts to serve them in Congress. Twenty people were injured and six were killed in an unspeakable shooting rampage by what appears to be a mentally unstable man, Jared Loughner. A 9-year-old child who was developing an interest in politics was among those killed. The irony of her death is that she was born on 9/11/01. The question a lot of people are asking, is why?

There is some debate on whether the hostile political rhetoric that has been making headlines could be partly to blame. Sarah Palin's website with gunsights on a map of areas she wanted to take aim at changing is especially scary and, no doubt, a public relations nightmare for the Palin camp.

Political vitriol is nothing new in this country. Our history books tell us many stories about brawls in the Senate and duels between politicians. Early 19th century American history was rife with angry discord over states' rights, slavery, a national bank, and foreign affairs. Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and Andrew Jackson were all political figures who drew fire and made their own fire during their time in office. However, we are modern day America now. Bloody Island is merely a historic footnote and our senators and representatives, supposedly, know better than to start fist fights while in office.

Free speech is a wonderful thing and should be fiercely protected. However, with all freedoms, comes responsibility. Sarah Palin could have made her point just as effectively by not giving her stamp of approval on the graphic image of gun sights on a map of districts she wanted to change. Push pins, American flags, butterflies, whatever. But no, she chose something very dramatic, disturbing and implied violence. I am not saying Palin is directly responsible for Loughner's actions. No, Loughner made his decisions based on whatever logic he was using at the time.

Americans are angry right now. We are all hurting. But our political leaders, locally and nationally, need to bear in mind that words have impact and we need to be responsible for them. I am begging our public servants to please do what you are supposed to be doing - representing the people and our country. Shootouts in Tuscon are not the answer. But blockading policies that may possibly help our country just because you can isn't an answer either.

Frankly, Palin and the Tea Party have always scared me. Her ability to whip people in to a froth is both frightening and borderline illegal. It is illegal in this country to incite riots. Palin can stand up and say whatever she wants - that's protected speech. But getting the public riled up is quite another. I really believe she is not directly responsible for this shooting, but I also hope that her political future is toast after this.