Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

I posted about this earlier today, but took it down as a result of the changing news by the minute and now that we know more, I'm reposting.

Earlier today, Congresswoman Gabrille Giffords, a Democrat representing Arizona's 8th District, was appearing at a meet and greet event in Tucson within her home district that she has been hosting since her election in 2006. At this event, she was shot in the head at point blank range by a gunman, who was later apprehended and found out to be 22 year old Jared Loughner. Others were also shot and killed at this event including US Court of Appeals Judge John Roll and a 9 year old child. In the early hours after the shooting, major news sources reported her to have died, but she ended up surviving surgery and is now listed as critical but stable and responding to doctors. Doctors are optimistic about her recovery.

Having attended meet and greets of various Congressmen/women and Congressional Candidates, one can get up close and meet the individual, as members of Congress and candidates see it as a great opportunity to meet their constituents and get a feel for their needs, wants and desires. Truth be told, they take a chance in doing this, as do all Americans who run for office and don't have Secret Service and/or State Police protection. It is a guarantee that security at meet and greets will definitely be examined as to how to intensify it.

In the hours after the shooting, I am reading stories on the Internet how those on the left are attempting to blame the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords on Sarah Palin, as a result that the Congresswoman was one of SarahPACs "targeted districts," an election which Giffords ended up winning in a very close count. I find it absolutely reprehensible that they are using a personal tragedy to score political points. The graphics and language of targeting districts has been around for a while, and yes, Democrats have targeted. Let us also remember that some on the left have professed violence or have committed a violent act against a member of Congress, namely shooting the district office of Eric Cantor. After hearing those on the left actually call for or commit violent acts, it is absolutely ridiculous for these people to say Sarah Palin has blood on her hands!

As Americans, we need to focus our energy in praying for Congresswoman Giffords and her family in a full recovery, and that this assailant is brought to a proper and swift justice!