my congresswoman was shot today

[emily_in_nc]

While there's no telling what went on in the mind of this obviously very troubled young man early indications are that he's very disturbed and might not so much a politically motivated. The Congresswoman's office was vandalized recently in response to her position on health care (for it). But it may well turn out that this was the action of a very troubled individual.

Yes, from everything I've seen so far, it sounds like the gunman was probably paranoid schizophrenic. He talks politically, but it's generic railing against the government, thought control, etc. He thought the government could read his thoughts...stuff like that. Knowing that he is mentally ill is a somewhat of a relief to me. Sounds like maybe any government official could have been his target, and not specifically a progressive Democrat. Maybe she just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, in a public space, where he could have access to her and quell the monsters in his head.

A terrible, terrible day. I was on Twitter most of the afternoon, and all the early reports said that she died. I am so very glad that she is alive and may actually survive this, but it's so terribly sad that others died.

ABC devoted their entire newscast to this tragedy tonight - a good choice.

[Kerry1976]

A terrible, terrible day. I was on Twitter most of the afternoon, and all the early reports said that she died.

Recently our State Representative died of cancer. What was sad was days before he actually died, rumors were flying saying he had already died.

[Crankin]

Emily, this is why I have cut off all contact with them, despite the fact they are my only links to my mom, who died about 15 years ago and they live near me. I *hope* they aren't cheering, but they are gun toting rabid right wingers, who get the gospel from talk radio. One of my cousins is not quite as conservative, but he got super religious, which caused other issues. I've been reading Facebook posts from my friends in AZ (Phoenix area) and they are all really upset.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, this is why I have cut off all contact with them, despite the fact they are my only links to my mom, who died about 15 years ago and they live near me. I *hope* they aren't cheering, but they are gun toting rabid right wingers, who get the gospel from talk radio. One of my cousins is not quite as conservative, but he got super religious, which caused other issues. I've been reading Facebook posts from my friends in AZ (Phoenix area) and they are all really upset.

I read your posting on the other thread, about your family, and I totally get it. We have a couple in my husband's family who are like the ones you speak of in your family...but I am positive they are not cheering tonight.