Thank you all for your comments and concerns. I really believe Gabby Giffords exemplifies the best qualities of an elected representative. I am heartsick over the extent of the tragedy and the injuries and loss of innocent lives. No matter what- if Gabby pulls through, her life will be irrevocably impacted.

Although the shooter seemed to be unbalanced, some of his postings refer to topics such as returning to a currency backed by gold and silver- currently in vogue among some of the more extreme voices out there.

No matter what one's politics are- civil discourse is essential for solving our problems. In this age of the 24 hour news cycle - we need those in the media to distinguish clearly between fact and opinion, and political leaders to actively speak up against threats or intimations of violence - and not to condone or turn a blind those who espouse violence against those they disagree .

It has been a very sad day in Tucson