An American Tragedy

Well, I have started a post today about how I am a Hypocrite and another post about How Old I Am but I can't seem to focus on those. I am so shocked by what happened yesterday in Tuscon, AZ and I feel unable to write about my petty little issues. I'll return to telling you about the silly things my kids say and the silly things that I think but for today, I'm just not there.This is not a political blog. It is not that I don't have political views. Believe me, I do. And I hold them dearly. With a good amount of vigor. But that isn't the focus of this blog and I just haven't felt compelled to make political statements here. And I am not changing that policy.But I, like so many Americans, am not unscathed by this senseless violence. The attempted assassination of Congresswoman Giffords, the murders of six citizens -- one a child born on September 11, 2001 who wanted to know about our political system, and the injuring of a rough dozen more, strikes at my core.It is early. We don't know why this unstable man targeted Giffords. We would be wise to not jump to conclusions and to not draw tangential connections before we have facts. I still have a need, however, to say something. And this is my place to do it.Democracy is based on the belief that every one's voice is their right but also their power. The ability to share opinions, dismiss others', and/or argue until exhaustion over said opinions is the basis, no, the foundation, of all other rights. Anytime, one citizen chooses to silence another's voice via violence, that fundamental right is challenged.Over the next few weeks, or likely, months leading to the next election, many theories will arise -- lone gunman or conspirator, angry at all politicians or anti-Democrat; many politicos on both sides will try to use the event to further their argument -- for or against gun control, etc.; and many reporters will get screen time speaking of it. The truth is, however, whatever the motive, whatever the affiliation (or lack thereof), and whatever, the "meaning" distilled from it, an act like this must be condemned by all who celebrate freedom, peace, and prosperity. Progressive, conservative, independent, libertarian, tea party, or socialist, we must all agree that violence is abhorrent. We will never tolerate this action and any attempt to discuss it as a form of discourse should be condemned, as well.Violence is not discourse. It is the anti-thesis of discourse. Words are our power. I tell my children when they are upset to use their words and I am using mine today.My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families. My prayers also stand will all who call Arizona home, all who call the U.S. home, and all who call the world home. May we all, as citizens of the world, declaim violence and find our way to understanding and peace by finding our words. Just like our mothers told us to do.