The Arizona Shootings

In a tragic event surely known to most of the world by now, an American member of Congress was shot, and she is in critical condition in an Arizona hospital as we speak. A federal judge, a member of the Congresswoman's staff, a nine year old child, and three senior citizens were killed yesterday in the parking lot of a shopping mall. A suspect is in custody, having been bravely apprehended by a couple of locals who happened to be part of the crowd.

That this is a sad day for America goes almost without saying despite having been said, properly enough, to be sure, by many in the last 24 hours. But the one thing which we must remember about this tragedy is this: it is the result of a deranged personality, not someone of a particular political stripe. Strained political rhetoric did not lead to the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords or the murder of federal Judge John Roll and the other victims.

Rhetoric is simply that: words. Words do not kill. If they did, how many of us would now have murder on our hands? This isn't to say that we may say anything anywhere under whatever circumstances; despite the right of free speech, we do have an obligation to keep it civil and rational. Still, to attempt in any way to put this gruesome crime in league with even harsh political argument simply defies reason. Many of us say things which we do not, in any absolute sense, mean. We are simply trying to draw attention to that which is worth defense, and it comes from all areas: liberal or conservative.

The best which we can do now is exactly what most commentators are in fact doing: praying for the victims and their families, particularly of the dead, and offering what small condolences we may in light of the situation. But in the end we must recognize that this is simply the act of a deranged individual and not a condemnation of any particular creed. If we make this about politics, about the simple even if sometimes exaggerated expression of what we may hold dear, then the dead have died for nothing, and Congresswoman Giffords fights for her life to no point.