The Arizona shooting.
Jan. 8th, 2011 03:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gridloreYes, I am aware of it. Been following the news all day. Horrific is the best word to describe the events.
But I'm not posting anything more about it until we have a lot more hard information. Right now, the alleged shooter appears to be a rather deranged libertarian based on the information released. I'm reserving judgment until we hear more from the FBI and police. Pointless uninformed speculation is worthless. Wait for the facts, mourn the deaths, and pray or offer hope for the wounded in your preferred method.
One thing, though. A lot of noise is being made over the fact that Rep. Giffords appeared in Sarah Palin's graphic targeting vulnerable Democrats. This graphic used the generic crosshairs on a national map. This is hardly new, and the Democratic National Committee used the exact same imagery in 2004 and 2006 at least. Using the crosshairs is common, and is not an explicit call to violence. The rise in violent rhetoric on the right is disturbing, but as I said, right now we have no idea what set the shooter off.
Stay calm, people. Wait for the facts.
But I'm not posting anything more about it until we have a lot more hard information. Right now, the alleged shooter appears to be a rather deranged libertarian based on the information released. I'm reserving judgment until we hear more from the FBI and police. Pointless uninformed speculation is worthless. Wait for the facts, mourn the deaths, and pray or offer hope for the wounded in your preferred method.
One thing, though. A lot of noise is being made over the fact that Rep. Giffords appeared in Sarah Palin's graphic targeting vulnerable Democrats. This graphic used the generic crosshairs on a national map. This is hardly new, and the Democratic National Committee used the exact same imagery in 2004 and 2006 at least. Using the crosshairs is common, and is not an explicit call to violence. The rise in violent rhetoric on the right is disturbing, but as I said, right now we have no idea what set the shooter off.
Stay calm, people. Wait for the facts.
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no subject
Date: 8 Jan 2011 23:59 (UTC)I've been watching the media over the last week, as well as people's reactions to the stories contained therein, and I'd say that staying calm isn't really America's strong suit right now. That's why your words are so important. I wish you had a megaphone.
And I wish everyone in America had a warm blankie and a mug of hot chocolate as they heard you say it.
no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 00:10 (UTC)This isnt the first time a "target map" has been done before NOR is it the first time such a map has inspired acts of violence; NOR do I believe the Tea Party supporters were unaware of it...
So I hear what you're saying -- but in this case, there is a LOT of precedent to believe these responses are unwarranted.
no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 00:55 (UTC)Let me just say that I'm not going be surprised to find there was a strong political component to this. The question is, given the Blue Dog status of Rep. Giffords, which side did the motivation come from?
no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 00:22 (UTC)Yes, I hope that this young man was a singular "nut-job" and not politically motivated. But I do think the right has a lot to answer for, and I don't blame anyone for feeling that the rhetoric may well have been the tipping point.
no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 16:26 (UTC)no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 00:27 (UTC)*huge sigh* All I can do is pray for the families of the dead, and of the living, and for the survivors to make full recoveries, and listen, in my head, to the first section of the Brahms Requiem. In between hearing in myu head the beginning of the Faure, Requiem aeternam, dona eis Domine, et lux perpetuam luceat eis.
no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 00:57 (UTC)no subject
Date: 9 Jan 2011 02:28 (UTC)I'm about as far right as they come without being an actual Tea Partier, and the shooter's actions disgust me. Nobody "deserves" to die because of their political/religious beliefs.
Undiagnosed nut...
Date: 9 Jan 2011 08:40 (UTC)Probably not taking any motivation from mainstream politics.
At least one source suggests his favorite books include the Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf. Not typical (publicly acknowledged) mainstream political fair.
Re: Undiagnosed nut...
Date: 9 Jan 2011 08:54 (UTC)Same type the local police carry, but with an aftermarket magazine.
If he passed the background check, people really need to look at the system that identifies and treats psychological issues in this country.
Re: Undiagnosed nut...
Date: 9 Jan 2011 09:04 (UTC)Probably not a Republican, Libertarian, or Democrat...