My take on the Arizona shootings
First, I feel horrible about the losses and the injuries.
Second, I don't know enough about the alleged shooter to categorize him,
although from what I have read, he seems to have a serious mental illness.
Third, there is no doubt in my mind the rhetoric of certain politicians,
pundits, and candidates - mostly on the right - has poisoned the
political atmosphere and with the direct and implied threats, has made
being a public official far more dangerous than it already was. We need
no more talk of "Second Amendment Solutions" or graphics with "targets"
on them, or talk of violence against the government or our elected or
hired civil servants. It's one thing and entirely acceptable to come out
against a policy or position, and it is quite enough to make or imply
death threats against those who put forth proposed policies or positions.
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