On "Words"

On the Monday morning after the great tragedy that took place this weekend in Tucson, Arizona, everyone is talking about “words.” The power of words. The fact that words matter.

This weekend our country witnessed an assassination attempt on a sitting member of Congress – Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, (D-AZ). She was engaging in the most public of acts, spending a Saturday morning in her district listening to her constituents. Outdoors. Six are dead.  A young girl, a Federal judge, an aide to the Congresswoman, and three senior citizens.

So much talk this weekend about whether the actions of the man responsible for this unspeakable act of horror can be blamed directly on “words.” Much analysis as well not so much about the direct correlation between “words” and acts of violence, but rather about how a climate of anger and hate leads to the types of threats of harm those in service to our country increasingly receive. And then of course, how those threats become a reality, like we saw this weekend.

I am perhaps not as struck by the “words” that may have lead to – or helped to contribute to a climate where an act of attempted assassination against an elected official is possible. But I am taken by so many words I have heard since Saturday morning. Words of reason. Words in the form of critique. Words of contrition and apology. Words of hope. Words of silence – if there is such a thing.

From Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, at a remarkable news conference on the afternoon of the shooting, I believe we heard words of reason. I heard a working professional, reasonably trying to assess the climate that lead to the act that he is now (partly) in charge of investigating.

"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous," said the sheriff. "And unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the mecca for prejudice and bigotry."

From today’s New York Times editorial page, words in the form of critique, in the best of editorial styles. A commentary on the complex connection between words of anger, a dangerous climate of hate, and direct acts of violence:

It is facile and mistaken to attribute this particular madman’s act directly to Republicans or Tea Party members. But it is legitimate to hold Republicans and particularly their most virulent supporters in the media responsible for the gale of anger that has produced the vast majority of these threats, setting the nation on edge. Many on the right have exploited the arguments of division, reaping political power by demonizing immigrants, or welfare recipients, or bureaucrats. They seem to have persuaded many Americans that the government is not just misguided, but the enemy of the people.

From Keith Olbermann, who did a special edition of his MSNBC show Countdown with Keith Olbermann on Saturday evening. Words of contrition and apology. And a clarion call to all of us to think before we speak, and take responsibility when we don’t. Watch, listen, take responsibility and apologize.



Words of hope, from Rep. Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, Captain, United States Navy. A reminder of the intrinsic worth of service. Words of thanks for those who risk their lives every day in assistance to their communities. Words of appreciation for those who become accidental heroes at a moment’s notice.

On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most -- hearing from her constituents -- when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby's team. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.

And of course, the silence. The sheer beauty of the silence invoked by President Obama this morning. The silence that will define this week in Washington, DC as Congress takes a long break from legislating and concentrates on soul-searching.



Words of reason. Words in the form of critique. Words of contrition and apology. Words of hope, thanks and appreciation. And the silence. Make no mistake, the spinning has already begun. And my fear is that in that spinning – words of anger.