I heard the news today, good God. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot today, along with numerous other people. Six died, including judge John Roll and a small child. The shooter was apprehended and appears to be a 22 yr old young man.
It's hard to tell what his motivations were, since there is so much contradictory and strange information pouring out from all over, with very little confirmation as to sources. It's too early to discern what his belief system holds, too early to say what his political leanings might be.
What we CAN say is that this was bound to happen. The rhetoric that has been ratcheting up with implied and even overt references to gun violence have become nauseatingly familiar. Consider these:
Here's how Sarah Palin describes the proper approach to political solutions:
There's Michelle Bachmann saying that she wants residents of her state "armed and dangerous" over President Barack Obama's plan to reduce global warming.
Giffords opponent in the most recent election had a shooting event, promoted as "Get on Target for Victory in November Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office Shoot a fully automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly"
All of this violent rhetoric actually worried Rep Giffords who - very presciently - had this to say, after the front window of her home office had been shot out:
When you hear this kind of talk from a politician or pundit you support (regardless of their political affiliation) or who represents you, let them know you find it unacceptable.