In response to the Daily Sentinel Jan. 11th editorial on the Arizona shooting: We Democrats would agree with the Sentinel’s position that using the tragic events of Saturday’s Tucson shooting to “score political points” would be irresponsible. That is why we are a little confused as to the editorial’s sole criticism of “liberal pundits”, former President Bill Clinton, and current President Barack Obama (who is currently on his way to Tucson to pay his respects). The editorial failed to mention comments made by some on the right linking the murderer to communist ideas, nor did it highlight yesterday’s email from the Tea Party Express which criticized those on the left and then ended said email with, “You can make a contribution online right now to the Tea Party Express.” Surely these would also be examples of playing politics with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
There are some of us who will no doubt attempt to gain political points, as some will also do on the Republican side. This should be condemned. It would take a great amount of evidence to directly link the shooting with comments from Tea Party rallies advocating for “bullets not ballots” or Ms. Palin’s now infamous “crosshair map” (which the reality TV star had removed from her website just after the incident). Still, the general consensus after the shooting of Representatives Giffords and the fatalities of Judge John Roll and several others is this: We need to be cautious with rhetoric in the political sphere. Words have consequences, especially if we want to enjoy direct access to our public officials, as Ms. Giffords’ constituents were enjoying right before the horrific attack. Our Democrats in Nacogdoches County continue to have Ms. Giffords, the family of Mr. Roll, and the other victims in our thoughts and prayers. May this event be a reminder that our great nation thrives on civil discourse and disagreement. We’d like to keep it that way.
Stephen Wright, Chairman
Nacogdoches County Democratic Party
Great response, Mr. Wright!