My prayers for Representative Gabrielle Giffords' recovery, and for the souls of those who were shot to death is Tucson yesterday morning. This will likely turn out to be the act of a crazed lone gunman, but all Americans should give thought to why it happened.
Just a few days ago Representative Giffords read the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution on the floor of the House of Representatives. This is the amendment which ensures free speech in this country. Of course, it opens the door to those who speak irresponsibly. And sadly there are plenty of commentators, and even politicians, who overstep common sense in order to call attention to themselves or garner high ratings.
In a country of more than 300 million persons there are bound to be a few who are on edge; who are looking for a reason to strike. We do not know if the young Tucson assailant listened to the vitriol of the right or the left. Nonetheless, there is plenty of hatred spewing from all media platforms. A candidate for the U.S. Senate endorsed "second amendment remedies" in her recent campaign. The second amendment gives all Americans the right to bear arms. What do you suppose she meant by this reckless statement? Television commentators have called the president a Nazi, while others have called a past president an idiot and a liar. Just because they have the right to do so does not mean it is right!
Let there be no law enacted that in any way abridges our right to speak freely, for sure. The din of democracy, however, is ubiquitous because of advances in technology, But there may be a way for Americans to alter the tone of some in our media. Commentators rely on ratings to cash in on their intemperate words. All citizens should boycott those outlets that pervade diatribe and harsh attacks. The loss of ratings is sure to bring about much needed change.
Let there be a full debate of all the issues. But boycott those who are irresponsible and reward those who choose to partake in civil debate.
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