my congresswoman was shot today

[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.