Last night in Tucson, President Obama called the nation to something higher:
At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized, and a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do, it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.
This morning, we're already struggling to get there. Folks are irritated about the Tucson event's T-shirts and the "Together We Thrive" message -- messaging, really. Folks are irritated by the way the crowd cheered in a time of mourning. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) says Democrats are trying to "manufacture" controversy for political advantage.
It's not so much that any one of those expressions is wounding, so much as they're still in the weeds, still missing the big picture. Six people died, more than a dozen others were wounded, gun violence continues, we're still not reaching mentally disturbed people in time. Now we have to argue out the solutions. These are political problems that need fixing in the political arena, whether your side's position looks strong or weak going in.
The good news, I guess, is that we are struggling. It's so much better than giving in or giving up or walking away. As the Reverend Welton Gaddy said on the show last night about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, "Given what she's been through, if she opened her eyes, maybe we can, too."
Video of President Obama's speech, after the jump.
(Image from outside the hospital in Tucson by Kelly Richardson.)
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The repubs/TPers are beholden to the National Rifle Association. The NRA gives millions to them to keep them in power. The NRA is a powerful association with millions of "gun lovers" as members. I do not think that the repubs/TPers will give up their association with the NRA. Also, look what is happening in Arizona and other parts of our country now -- the people are buying up the type of gun Laughen used -- they are so frightened that their guns will be taken away from them -- all as a result of propoganda. Many people have lost any common sense they may have had.
They are not afraid. It is their right and is clearly stated in the Constitution. You use the NRA and that is fine. Look at all the leftist organizations. You are just upset that what you guys wanted to turn this into has totally blown up in your face and has more people encouraged by the right. I am loving it. THe civility is gone on both sides. Time to have some fun.
It would help if your comment made any sense.
It was a good night for Tucson...we've had a hard last few days and the memorial really helped. I am so glad President Obama came and spoke. He was wonderful and truthful and all the things he should have been. You could tell he was truly moved and his words will help all those who were touched by sorrow begin to heal. The respect in his words was remarkable and we were so glad to have him and the lovely First Lady Michelle in our city.
I watched the coverage of the memorial service at the University of Arizona last night. I came away hoping that the tone might change in this country - for just a few days - at the very least. It appears that no one heard a word, and that some people have become so hardened that nothing will jolt them into acting like respectful Americans again.
I am a graphic designer. Today, I received a call from a man asking me to do some photo retouching work. He wanted me to put a T-Shirt on a picture of a dead deer - a hunting photo. Then, he tells me, he wants a picture of Obama on the T-shirt, and the headline is to say, "We only kill left-wing liberal animals." I refused. He immediately ranted - saying that I was obviously a "left wing liberal." I explained that I would not do it if he wanted a picture of Bush on the shirt either... That it has always been my policy to stay away from producing advertising or imagery that is misleading or volatile in any way. He continued to rant that the site he wants to post and sell the image on is full of liberal images, and that he felt he could sell a lot of these "conservative" images. What is the matter with people? What will it take for us to all become Americans again? When will the hatred stop, and what can we do, as individuals to stop it and bring people back together again?
Thanks for reading.
Grafixer
Conservatives are always uncomfortable about the notion of solidarity.
What is strange is you are not hearing from the left about the violent tweets concerning Palin. What would happen if one said that Olberman, and his brother Maddow should be shot and dragged through the streets. Honestly I would not shed a tear but instead have a party. The world would be a better place with these two gone.
Either you do not condone violence or you do. Honestly Steven you might want to get some help, and no I'm not saying that to be pejorative or sarcastic. This is complete cognitive dissonance on your behalf and that is very, very abnormal, especially when we're talking about text (when you can see what it is you are saying). The fact that you can't see that you contradicted yourself in one small paragraph is beyond troubling.
Yikes...this may be the last time I read this blog late at night...it's like Denny's...or the train...the crazies abound!!
Cabrina blamed the shooting victims for the crime committed by a gunman in saying that
"These people died because politicians want to appease lobbyists over their constituents. They want to get re-elected over doing their jobs."
Last night President Obama asked us to honor those that died by rising above the fray of destructive rhetoric. Our real strength is to take measured and mindful action to bring positive change to our country. President Obama has always led by example, led from the front on this what he ask of us.
We know which side has no meaningful solutions to the problems that we face as a people, as a society, as a nation. To argue is a distraction from bringing change that is needed. We all need to stay engaged in the process to work with other like minded individuals that truly want to bring a positive change to their communities and to the nation as a whole. Those that have nothing positive to contribute will become outcast if we maintain our focus and solidarity on moving forward for the good of the many not the few. This is a time when we must stand united following the lead of our President.
Did you party Steven, when Gabby was shot....do you feel at all responsible for the hate? You have a pretty sick idea of fun. If we fight between ourselves, we all lose...and we will all lose someone we love...which will then grow more hate. Is that what you want? Do you want to party while people die? Right...Left....Conservative....Liberal we all have common ground. Are you a Christian Steven? It amazes me that people who call themselves Christian can behave in such an unChristian manner...say words that hurt....words that should not be said...then you know, have a party. Nice life you've got goin on there buddy.
Cabrina (see Page 1 ) accused the government of hijacking the country for greed, without any relevant context. The government was not to blame for this tragedy, but a source of services to the victims. Where is your logic in this.
"we won't have our government hijacking our country for their own greed."
How rich is it that Boehner found it more important to go to a cocktail party/GOP fundraiser? He's off to a great start, isn't he? And Joe Biden is in Afghanistan saying, sure we'll stay here past 2014! No problem! God help us all...
As much as it pains, I'll have to at least point out that TPM offered a partial explanation for Mr. Boehner's absence from Tucson:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/lay-off-boehner-why-claims-that-he-snubbed-obama-giffords-are-unfounded.php?ref=fpb
So sorry this has happened to those. So sorry these things happen.
The memorial timing, and President Obama's tone was just right. A reminder in the human spirit, resides resilience.
I have been highly critical of his bargaining ability and the amount of his capital that he is willing to invest in his own initiatives. There are times, however, that require a poet. For moments like this he has no peer and I'm glad he was there.
me too, Don
Me three...
Me four - he lent sobriety and words of extraordinary wisdom to what might have truly been a "circus" - I tend to agree - that the event didn't seem particularly appropriate - however - President Obama brought an intimacy to the occasion that made it both memorable and meaningful - but that's the end of my own rational speech for the day!!
I am not quite sure how to articulate this but it would seem to me that in order to heal and bring out our better selves, I post this for liberals. It would seem to me it would be wise for us to pick our battles and rise above the pettiness. John Boehner went to a bi-partisan memorial before the fund raiser, Not something we shoudl nit pick about. Sister Sarah thrives on the negative attention we give her. Comment on her speech, but don't dwell on it. I also think that we should also point out the areas where the left needs work, not where the right needs work. Say yes, we too are part of the problem and here is what we are going to do about it. And what I am going to do about it is let the little stuff slide! Because by picking on everylittle thing we give the right ammunition. Let's be the adults here, let us take the high road, let us lead by example. Let us be the people our dogs think we are, not that's not right. let us show America that we are not interested in petty rivilary, but are interested in making America a better place for all.In other words, Steven's comments about Keith and his brother Rachel is so incredibly petty, it is not worth replying to, because replying to him validates him.
My first exposure to mourning was my uncle's passing when I was around 6 years old. I thought it was strange that my Dad and his brothers were cracking jokes at a wake. Weren't people supposed to be crying at these things? Since then, I've realized that every wake, funeral, or memorial service has been just as much a time to grieve as it has been a celebration of the deceased's life. Celebration is often accompanied by laughter and smiling and yes, cheering. So get over it--I admit I had to "get over it" last night in the first few moments when I, too, thought the crowd's reaction was bordering on inappropriate. Let Tucson respond to this horrible tragedy in their own way. If that involves as much laughter and cheering as it does tears, then so be it.
touscon doesn't do much appropriately - so like the aunt who farts at thanksgiving dinner - let em giggle and joke, shoot their glocks or whatever - we don't need to see 'em but once ever so often - till the next massacre!
The cheering and fervor of the crowd was an expression of desperate hope for a more peaceful and humane future and that there will be an end to rabble rousing rhetoric of hate and vitriol. No dirges were played. It was an upbeat wake remembering those who had been slain and those who had been wounded.
It was a great speech endeavouring to pull the nation out of the morass by the mindless spewing of fear and ignorance.
I would sincerely love to believe that with this tragedy our nation has turned the corner on rancorous (a twenty dollar word if ever there was one) and acrimonious rhetoric. That the language has become more civilized and less inflamed. But I refuse to hold my breath. Like I said earlier, let there be no Kumbayah...