Democratic Congresswoman Among 12 Shot in Arizona

I wouldn't say that he's giving the statements and speeches just for publicity. He is the top government official, and it's usually expected for a President to lead the nation in times of mourning (Oklahoma City bombings with Clinton and 9-11 with Bush). Now, there may be a slight desire for publicity during these speeches, but I feel that the Presidency carries the responsibility of leading the nation in times of tragedy.

 

Don't get me wrong. It's not how I would have reported the story. Which is why I miss the days of the good ol' morning newspaper, when reporters had time to pursue a story and nail it down before going to press.

On the other hand, when a Democratic Congressman is nearly assassinated in one of the most viciously partisan states in the union, I can't say that, as a citizen, my first thoughts didn't turn to all of those loons walking around at Tea Party rallies with signs that said things like, "Next time, I come armed," or Sharron Angle talking about "Second Amendment solutions," or Sarah Palin telling the radio chick to "Reload."

It's not like one had to dig too far to find examples of this discourse. It has been front-and-center as discussion and concern fodder for months and months and months, with everyone on edge that someone might go off. Hell, Time magazine devoted a cover story to growing citizen militias last fall or summer.

 

The problem isn't that the "truth hurts."

The problem whenever you post on these threads is that you presuppose something outrageous, then rant based on that assumption. Usually followed by calling everyone a "dumabss," an "idiot," or a "fucktard."

It is 100 percent fair to ask if Obama is capitalizing on the tragedy. I don't agree that he is, but it's fair to ask it.

But you can't blame people for finding your approach abrasive.

 

No, I call it like it is and people - partisans on both sides - don't like it because they can't handle it. They are so blinded by their Kool Aid drinking that they can't handle the truth about their own party, regardless of which one it is.

And there is no question that Obama has been able to parlay this tragedy and his "handling of it" (whatever the hell that means) into improved poll numbers, if only for a while.

Why would I say "I'm wondering whether Obama is exploiting this tragedy for political gain" when I already know and deep down, so do you and so does Matt.


See, I did that without calling you a dumbass, idiot or fucktard.

 

And if he had mentioned them, there would be cries of, "He's showing sympathy to the killer!"

 

Reminded me of the Wellstone memorial. Just another political rally. Makes me wonder if certain patrons were given preference when it came time to be selected for admission.

 

You can be intellectually honest without basically telling everyone how stupid they are all the time as abrasively as you possibly can.

I guess part of it is that I get tired of reading how you are the only person on this little corner of the Internet who can look at things objectively and without partisan bias. You're not. And those of us who also can are able to do so with a lot more tact.

Anyway, enough of this pissing contest. Back on track so we don't get it locked. I just wish when you did post, you weren't so confrontational about it.

 

Zag, is it your contention that Obama should have kept mum on the shooting and not gone to the funeral? Because while that is the alternative.

 

In this new era of civility, the press still couldn't bother themselves to get the facts straight about why Boehner wasn't in Tucson and what he was doing:

But, hey, they got their shots in and their story got around the world before the truth could get its pants on.

 

Suddenly you're OK with speculation, huh?

 

True. I can understand the loud reaction to the news of Giffords opening her eyes, but the rest of the cheering was unnecessary.

 

But it wasn't fair at all in the case of the Fort Hood shooting.

Now I think I'm starting to figure this out -- if it can be blamed on a conservative, fair game; if not, it's not. Thanks for your help.