The Tucson Tragedy and Our Political Process
At this point, we have no idea of the motivation behind the senseless shootings and killings in Tucson, Arizona, yesterday. What we do know is that fourteen persons were injured and 6 people were killed, and that we have a suspect in custody. But since curious minds want to know, and we demand that our news be instant, people have been speculating as to the motives behind the shootings so they can fill in the blanks before the facts come out.
That has led the media to focus on the heated rhetoric and events leading up to passage of the health care reform bill last year. During that time, a number of Democratic lawmakers received death threats and were victims of vandalism because of their support for the bill. Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head yesterday, and who is currently in intensive care following surgery, was one of the victims of said vandalism during the intense months leading to passage of the health care reform bill.
Again, this may have nothing to do with the Tucson tragedy. But the implications of what happened yesterday, coupled with the threats that were directed against our lawmakers during the heated months leading to passage of the health care reform bill, ought to concern all Americans--liberals, conservatives, moderates, etc. Here is the deal: we can’t have our lawmakers living under threats and fear, and expect them to serve properly. If we allow such a climate of intimidation to become pervasive, it will negatively affect the integrity of our political process. Lawmakers should never have to choose between fairly representing their constituents and bowing to threats to protect their families or their own lives. We must all do what we can to stem this tide.
Republican leaders have decided to postpone Wednesday’s scheduled vote to repeal the new health care law. In light of the Tucson tragedy, that is a good gesture, given the passions that this subject ignites.
There was a time when our political process was fueled by debate, however passionate, campaigning, and the voting booth. But some Americans are set on violent means of expression. Our political process may not be perfect, and no one always gets what he wants, but resorting to threats and violence is something we should all be able to agree on as being bad for our country.
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