The Arizona Shootings: Local Response
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-01-10/arizona-shootings-local-response
Many lawmakers travel with little security, and pride themselves on their ability to meet directly with constituents. That freedom is now in question following the Saturday shooting of Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords and 19 other people at an Arizona shopping center. We'll talk with members of our local Congressional delegations about the security issues arising from that shooting.
Guests
Donna Edwards
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-MD, 4th Congressional District)
Gerald Connolly
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-VA, 11th District);
Andy Harris
Member, U.S. House of Representatives (R-MD, 1st District)
Comments
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It is admirable that members of Congress feel strongly about continuing meetings with constituents. But, it may be the constituents won't be willing to meet with their member of Congress for safety's sake. What can be done about that?
This discussion is a waste of time. It's obvious that Congress will take more vigilant approaches to security. The real question is what these people are going to do to help squelch the vitriol that's coming from the Right -the real problem.
And yes, it's coming from the Right. And no, I'm not interested in hearing the false equivalency that the rhetoric is coming from both sides. That's just not true. Republicans have rode the hate machine to victory, but are unwilling to take responsibility for the cost.
Business as usual.
Why is this crime not being considered a act of domestic terrorism? If citizens, as well as congresspeople, are now feeling fearful from attending speaking engagements this could greatly impact democracy in the long run. Why is political domestic terrorism not being discussed as much as gun laws or congressional security?
Candy
Washington DC
I don't see how carrying a gun to a rally or the like will make anyone safe.
Scene 1: Shooter fires his gun into a crowd.
Scene 2: Frightened and panicked citizens pull out guns they are carrying to "defend" themselves.
Scene 3: Law enforcement arrive and have to contend with many guns and try to figure out who the bad guys are.
No one wants to take responsibility for this madness of "mean speech" coming from elected officials and the pundits from both sides. It has all become an exercise in finger pointing with absolutely no accountability.
Words move people to action, good or bad. Recent history has proven that. The good: JFK inaugural speech, MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech. The bad: The Civil War, and both World Wars. Hitler is a prime example of using words to ignite passions and actions for the ultimate evil, murder.
When are we going to get our heads out of the sand?
Great topic. Not in agreement that it is a waste of time - the democratic process to discuss the issues. I am glad there are some Congressmen out there who believe that passing another gun control law is not right.
The belief that this has just started is short-sighted. Look at history. Many of our political leaders have had attempts made on their lives.
These things don't happen every day because most of us are smart enough to work with each other and get through the day. Kinder and gentler, you bet! We're all neighbors on this big blue marble. Isn't it about time we all acted neighborly towards each other?
You took the words out of my mouth, Candy. I have been listening all morning to NPR and other domestic and international news sources cover this tragedy and not once have I heard the crime described as 'terrorism' by a commentator or member of Congress, yet it seems to
match the US definition. I would be appreciative if someone could be clarify if I am wrong.
Ugh, this is exactly what I am talking about. Democrats having a hard time being being moderate? Are you kidding? Democrats are not unified enough to even take that claim seriously.
Republicans have used fear and misinformation for their political gain in almost every issue they have encountered for the past ten years. In fact, I don't think they are able to have a sincere debate on any issue. They ride on fear and ignorance.
And if we want to talk about attacks against Bush. I can't remember a politician making any violent remarks against Bush as with those on the Right have done with Obama and other Democrats. So the Republican can make all the false equivalencies all they want, and the Democrats and the media will just let them avoid any accountability.
I guess we will just blame it on video games.