Monday Mimisms ~ Tucson: This Is Not A Time For Hate

The news from Tucson this weekend overshadowed most everything else - including my heart.

No sooner had the story begun to unravel than the blame game began. Both sides have opportunistically blamed everybody imaginable for the tragedy, the crazies in the Kansas Baptist church will be out in force to picket the sanctity of the dead, and even the legal immigration status of the staffer who saved Congresswoman Giffords' life was called into question.

I am saddened that political potshots flew before even a half-mast of respect could be flown from our great nation's Capitol. And irregardless of the obvious fact that one insane young person is the responsible party for a premeditated assassination attempt and massacre, that did not stop the hateful rhetoric. No, I do not think the term "crosshairs" should have been part of the Palin political machine; neither do I believe that it is appropriate to debate gun control today, the school's alleged negligence of a troubled young man, immigration statuses of heroes who ran toward gunfire or whether or not we need to suddenly arm all members of Congress before we bury our dead and tend to the wounded of body and spirit.

Do you think for once we might fall on our knees in a moment of silence and respect before we open our mouths?

A little girl lost her life just standing in line waiting to talk to her Congresswoman. Maybe she was the light the world needed. A man fell on the body of his wife of 50 years and died protecting the love of his life. He was the light she needed. Two fine elderly ladies will not spend another holiday with their families who most surely are wondering why this happened to their mothers and grandmothers.  A brilliant and kind Federal Judge in the prime of his wisdom was full of some of that sacred light.  Several other injured who put into action their democratic duty that day just showing up to talk to an elected representative are paying for that freedom by fighting for their lives in a hospital surrounded by frightened and angry families.  A 30-year-old community organizer and aide described as a good person had more fresh light to bring and more life to enjoy with his fiancee who effectually became a widow before she had a chance to be his bride.  Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, whom I had little knowledge of before this I'm sad to say, most certainly deserves to have her life's work continue. But no life was more valuable than any other. All had gifts to bring. All deserve nothing less than our compassion and respect at a time like this. None deserve to be used as pawns in a word game of agendas as their families lay them to rest and pray for their recoveries.

What has happened to common decency and respect for human suffering?

Civility is needed, hateful rhetoric must stop and disgraceful discourse at a time like this not only incites more violence, it also lowers the scale of hope and carries all of us down a road of many more impromptu makeshift memorials. I am so tired of seeing candlelight vigils and tears in my country. 

 All because one person chose violence.

God help us.