The tragedy in Tucson yesterday is an awful reminder of how violent a people we have become. Yes, I do understand that the vast majority of us are peaceful and law abiding. Yes, I realize that the vast majority of us deplore violence. But we must acknowledge as a nation we are a violent people. The shooting at a congresswoman's town hall meeting, held in the assumed safety of a Safeway grocery store, is horrific on so many levels. The loss of life, of so many innocent people is unimaginable. We have been inundated today with stories of how the dead met their earthly demise. We shutter at the senseless loss of a 9 year old child who willing wanted to spend her Saturday morning learning more about politics. We cringe at the senseless death of a judge, just stopping by to acknowledge a friend after he attended morning Mass. And we are sick that others died including one of the congresswoman's aides who was killed in the line of duty.
The point blank shooting of a U.S. Congresswoman, who has so far survived the bullet wound to her brain, should give us all pause about the ease and level of violence in the United States of America. I for one say ENOUGH. Of course I have been in prayer; offering my weekend Masses and my ministry for the repose of the souls of those who were murdered and the recovery of those injured, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords.
The videos of Ms. Giffords, recently re-elected, being sworn in just this past week and then of her reading parts of the Constitution, as all the representatives did this week, is chilling. As I watched her, doing her job and serving her district this week with joy, and planning her town hall meeting, she would have never, ever seen this coming.
Ms. Giffords is a democrat. She holds some positions that her opposition passionately disagree with. I have been told that she is very much pro-choice but somewhat conservative in other areas. She serves in a state wrestling with all things related to immigration. I would be one who would passionately disagree with her stand on abortion. Others may have difficulty with her immigration position while others, from perhaps the other side of the aisle, would disagree with her 2nd ammendment positions. But no matter what; and I mean no matter what; these disagreements should never, ever end in such violence.
When I say ENOUGH; I'm ready to reexamine many long term beliefs I've had on many issues. Here is what I'm comfortable sharing: our political discourse, our level of debate, political disagreements in this nation are way too shrill, way too nasty and way too personal. Why can't we quit all of this and treat everyone respectfully. Even when my fellow man expresses opinions or takes a stand that is so distasteful to me, even if I must disagree with every fiber of my being, I do not have to be mean. ENOUGH. Can't we treat others with some human dignity?
I'm also concerned about the ridiculous numbers of guns in our country and the real fact that almost anyone, everyone, can still get their hands on them no matter what. I'm not one of those that has ever advocated gun control. And I am part of a family that has long loved to hunt. But we have way too many guns and their is no control whatesoever as to who can own them. I am not advocating taking guns away from honest everyday folk who want to defend their family, not at all. But why are guns allowed to be so available to anyone? I'm sincerely asking; really.
And what is so sorely missing in this tragedy is any discussion of God. We all know that not everyone believes in God, cares about God or even thinks about things like eternal life. Are that many people running around America who don't give a damn about their eternal lives? I'm sincerely asking.
As for me, I'm asking people to think about their own level of tolerance, their own level of anger, their own level of vitriol, and why we cannot respect, tolerate and even love others; especially when they disagree with us. After all it is Jesus who asks us to love our enemies. And we all must realize that many times it is the most unlovable among us that God asks us to prayer for, and when possible, serve.
Spend more time in prayer and in quality time with friends and family. Turn off Fox and MSNBC every now and then. Be informed, and cautious. Do not become the sheep of one ideology or philosophy. Be pro-life which also means respect ALL life. Be light, not heat.
I've had ENOUGH; I place all my trust in Jesus. And in Jesus, we are all brothers and sisters. Let's act like it.
May God grant eternal rest to those who have died and may He continue to allow healing for those who were injured, all of them, including the congresswoman, and give peace and consolation to all family, friends and co-workers so deeply impacted by this senselessness.
And God, please come to the aid of our nation; have mercy on us, a sinful violent nation, and favor us with your grace and your peace!
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