It is 1 week to the hour that I learned of the attack on my friend Gabby Gifford. I find it hard to return to “normal” chats here and elsewhere. But the miracles of prayers with her progress gives us hope. The discussion that has ensued is not about blame. It is about behavior. Those with access to a public forum (indeed a national forum) speak both to the serious and the delirious. They/we have a special responsibility not to speak recklessly, without regard for our words. Words have meaning. We can’t distance ourselves from those meanings and must act responsibly. A direct connection from a to b is not the point. The point is that our leaders must behave responsibly and not in hyperbole precisely because they are our leaders or they seek to lead us. So now we must carry on hopefully wiser and continue prayer for Gabby’s recovery.

Words have meaning. Gabby’s opponents have been reckless in their use of emotionally charged words and images. Here is a story from CNN that discusses this issue and how Gabby herself warned Palin and others to consider the consequences. We can only hope that Gabby’s personal sacrifice and pain will awaken Americans to stop those who seek to inflame. Let’s not just shake our heads in disbelief about this tragedy. Let us change the nation’s course and return to sanity. See http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/08/giffords-had-history-with-palin-tea-party/