The Words That Help Define US

Jan 14th, 2011

To be fair, there were many important moments this week. There were statements of hope and those of genuine solemnity. There was, on full display to the American people, great decency.

There were, to put it politely, other instances too. As we leave events of the last seven days behind us, we would be wise to remember that the most important people are still the dead and wounded in Arizona. However, as the rest of us gradually return to normalcy, there will be two statements from America's current and would-be leaders that will have a lasting impact. There was Sarah Palin's. And then there was the good and decent and positive one. Here is the latter in it's entirety. The full prepared text of President Oabam's speech follows the video.

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Sarah Palin Breaks Her Silence

Jan 12th, 2011

by F. Grey Parker

FULL VIDEO OF THE STATEMENT IS BELOW.

Sarah Palin has finally issued a formal statement regarding the murder of six Americans and the wounding of 14 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) 4 days ago. 

She had the chance to help bridge the growing divide over the meaning of the tragedy, if any, and rise above the ugliness and the cacophony of both the Left and Right shrieking "you are worse than we." She failed.

Giffords' Husband Releases Statement

Jan 10th, 2011

Late last night Rep. Gabrielle Giffords husband, Mark Kelly, released this statement. Via The Arizona Daily Star:

Photo © CBS 

"On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most — hearing from heconstituents — when this tragedy occurred. 

Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby's team. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.

Community Food Bank

3003 S Country Club Rd # 221

Tucson, AZ 85713-4084

(520) 622-0525

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter

2916 East Broadway Boulevard

Tucson, AZ 85716

(520) 318-6740"

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Foreshadowing Interview

Jan 10th, 2011

Earlier today, we posted a short clip of this interview from last November with critically injured Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). Here is the full interview. In light of this weekend's tragedy, her fearlessness is all the more impressive.

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Gabrielle Giffords Chilling Warning

Jan 9th, 2011

The operative word here is "consequences."

AZ Sheriff Clarence Dupnik's Press Conference

Jan 9th, 2011

Arizona Sheriff Clarence Dupnik's powerful press conference from the evening of the massacre. His words should be heard by every American.

Christina Taylor Green RIP

Jan 9th, 2011

She was nine years old. She was born on Sept, 11 2001. She was interested in government and a member of her school's student council. It is reported that Christina Taylor Green went to see her congresswoman, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), in order to learn "how government works." It was the last thing she ever did.

Her life was snuffed out along with those of five others by an assassin's bullet.



The lesson is now ours to learn. This either ends now... or we have already lost our country.

The Argument Of "Isolated Incidents"

Jan 9^th, 2011

By Connie Prince

I lived as a grownup during the assassinations of JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcolm X, Harvey Milk, Abbie Hoffman, Huey Newton, at a time when political tensions were high over civil rights and a war. 

Olbermann's Commentary On The Arizona Massacre

Jan 9th, 2011

Keith Olbermann spoke as clearly and cogently as anyone could have following yesterday's massacre in Tuscon, AR. It's time to stop the rhetoric of hate. It's also time to stop making excuses for what can only be called weaponized language. That certain highly prominent figures have the right to speak freely doesn't inoculate them from having to answer for their carefully crafted propaganda when it inspires the mentally unstable to kill.

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Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Is A Human Being

Jan 8th, 2011

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords lies in an intensive care unit with a bullet wound to the head. We do not yet know what motivated this horrifying attack, but as many rush to judgement, let's remember some things about Gabrielle Giffords. She is a wife. She is a daughter. She is a beautiful woman. She is a human being.