my congresswoman was shot today

[maillotpois]

Why do we need tax breaks? Is there something I'm missing?

Maybe I feel this way because we didn't always have money. The welfare my mother received enabled me to become the person I am today. Maybe people who have always had money, don't "get it."

Veronica

This is a drift, but I agree - and I don't necessarily think it's just because of your background that you feel that way. I was solid middle class my whole life and I feel the same way.

[Crankin]

BagerCat, from what I can see, Tucson is handling the situation admirably. And I think the mental health issues are the ones that need discussing more than anything else.
Yes, this is a bit off topic. V, it's true that a lot of people, if they've never been without, don't understand what it feels like to be disenfranchised. But, it's easy to generalize about this, like anything else. I grew up solidly upper middle class, and I am just really grateful for the values my parents instilled in me. Then, when the shoe industry left New England, my family's money went with it. Thankfully, my grandparents pitched in, and I was not far from being out on my own. But, my poor brother, who is 11 years younger was sorely affected by the change in status.
Tax breaks? I don't ever think about that. DH and I have worked for whatever we have and if people have an issue with that, so be it. But, I still have the same values I had when I was young and struggling.

[bcipam]

First just know, I regularly participate in a number of "politics and religion" forums... this isn't even close to being heated, just trust me on that. I generally don't come to TE for political chat but this discussion is interesting...

From someone who thinks most politicians are crooks and barely have their own families interests at heart when they do and say anything; and that most political talk show hosts are hacks and barely entertainers... When we start talking about policing speech... what people do and say... then we get into First Amendment rights and constitutional guarantees. Our government already polices too much; I loath to think they would also police "free speech".

That said, yes we as citizens can take action and 1) stop not only listening to the Limbaughs, or Hannitys, or Maher or whoever, but we must also stop repeating what they say... even if it comes from a third source. Every time I heard someone say "But Rush Limbaugh said this nasty thing or the other..." I ask, why did you listen in the first place? Why would you bother to repeat what the man says and giving him credit?

Second, we citizens can stop putting people into office who don't have a public interest at heart. How that is done, don't know. This last election in California, every incumbent was returned to office. Not a one of them is worth a cup of coffee but there you go; most voters are uninformed or detached from the process.

Lastly, and I am off the soap box, we need to be our brother's keepers in many more ways than just feeling sorry for them. If someone acts inappropiately we need to be able to take action. Of course, government has stepped in and provided many protections to these folks so taking action is difficult. But at least step up, call the police and report unusual behavior. At least, after something bad happens, they have somewhere to start their investigation.

Again society is breaking down so these types of instances will occur more and more frequently. I for one, don't want to get use to it but want to take a stand and try and stop it. Every little part helps!

Tucson is a great place and its citizens are full of grace and compassion... a lesson we can all take back with us.

[Biciclista]

Every time i heard someone say "But Rush Limbaugh said this nasty thing or the other..." I ask, why did you listen in the first place? Why would you bother to repeat what the man says and giving him credit?

Second, we citizens can stop putting people into office who don't have a public interest at heart. How that is done, don't know. This last election in California, every incumbent was returned to office. Not a one of them is worth a cup of coffee but there you go; most voters are uninformed or detached from the process.

Pam yes, for sure people SHOULDN't repeat what these guys say. but they do and will continue to.

The second part: I think a lot of people start out in politics with the best possible motives. But power corrupts ultimately. That money is SOOO hard to resist....
Every one of them is on the Lobbiest dole... They certainly didn't all start out as crooks..

[bcipam]

Pam yes, for sure people SHOULDN't repeat what these guys say. but they do and will continue to.

The second part: I think a lot of people start out in politics with the best possible motives. But power corrupts ultimately. That money is SOOO hard to resist....
Every one of them is on the Lobbiest dole... They certainly didn't all start out as crooks..

All true unfortunately... If I were in control of the world (bru-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!)... I would make it so that our legislators worked in a controlled environment and that lobbying was a violation of federal law (how is it not payola?????) subject to execution if caught; but that's in my own little fantasy world. Money (and power) truly corrupts absolutely!

People do and say alot of things they should not. I don't have to give them any notice or credit. Next time someone says "Did you hear the crap Limbaugh said???" Say "no I don't waste my time; why should you?"

[azfiddle]

I attended the memorial service this evening in Tucson. I did not arrive early enough to get inside, but even from the overflow in the football stadium with about 15,000 others, the memorial event was moving and inspirational.

Parked my car about 1/2 mile away and biked to the event, but didn't get the hoped for quick get away as we had to cross a main road and it was blocked off for the various official vehicles to use.


Best parts of the evening: recognition of the 20 year student intern whose actions helped save Giffords life, the news that she had opened her eyes for the first time, the very even, non-partisan tone in all the speeches and the calming and inspirational words of President Obama.


Thanks again to all for your thoughts and comments.

[Trek420]

Thanks Azfiddle and your bike for representing us. I am keeping your community in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

[PamNY]

Azfiddle, I'm glad it was an affirmative experience for you and presumably, for others.

I hope the coming days bring peace and healing for your community and those affected by this tragedy.

[crazycanuck]

As an outsider, i'm going to probably be thwacked for this but....

I have to say...isn't it the "we must have a gun because it's in the consititution" type culture in the US that's to blame?