While I generally shy away from political discussions on this blog, I feel like the recent events in Arizona transcend political concerns. These events concern us all as Americans.
Senator McCain's comments gave words to my thoughts, so I wanted to share them here.
“I am horrified by the violent attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords and many other innocent people by a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion. I pray for Gabby and the other victims, and for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort for their families. I beg our loving Creator to spare the lives of those who are still alive, heal them in body and spirit, and return them to their loved ones. Whoever did this; whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law.” [emphasis mine]
The following video is of Keith Olberman discussing the widespread issues that have caused and arise from this tragedy. It critiques people across the political spectrum, including himself. I urge you to watch this and think about it from your own perspective, whatever that might be.
Thanks for posting this Lindsey. Such unnecessary actions.
ReplyDeleteI've shared this video with a number of people who ALSO agree with his comments - it was very well said!!
ReplyDeleteWhat was very well said about a connection that wasn't even there?- The man who killed 6 people and wounded even more had nothing to do with right or left wing poltics- the real story in this tragedy is the state of our mental health care in Arizona and the nation. But that isn't as provacative as pointing fingers and calling out people for their word choice. It is an issue that won't get the media attention it needs, because there are no simple answers and no one party to blame.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that no one party is to blame and certainly simple answers lend themselves to sound bites in a way that true discussion does not.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm pleased to see that many people have taken up the issue of mental health care in Arizona and the nation. We've come so far in the therapies we have available, but out access to these therapies has not expanded in kind. This needs to be a pressing concern; the sooner, the better.
I do think that word choice is significant. Words are themselves provocative. Mentally ill people are particularly susceptible to the rhetoric they want to hear. But, it's certainly not just mentally ill people who are influenced by our words. We can't hope to have a non-polarizing discussion about mental health care or anything else until we revise the rhetoric we use to engage.