In the wake of the tragic shooting of Congressional Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-Tucson, AZ), many of us find ourselves searching for answers to some very tough questions. The speculation is already rampant about what the implications will be should the motives of the shooter turn out to be political. During her interview on Fox News this afternoon, Cindy McCain stated on several occasions that the political climate in the United States has changed drastically in the last ten years, she felt that it had devolved to a place of uncivilized discourse. She recalled the days of Reagan and "Tipp," when a disagreement could still end with a handshake. Former Arizona Congressman JD Hayworth was quoted as saying "If it turns out that the motives were political, perhaps it is time to ratchet down the rhetoric." Truer words were never spoken.
Have we come to a place in our society where First Amendment rights only apply when the speech is hate filled and incendiary? The fact of the matter is that words have the power to galvanize people to action. There is a reason why you do not yell "fire" in a crowded room or incite people to hatred. The political climate at present is one that amounts to hate speech. Amidst the editorialized "news coverage" on both ends of the spectrum, we are left searching for a place where a fact can be found without opinion, a discussion can be had without a yelling match ensuing, a debate can take place where thoughts are presented rationally and with respect for the other party involved, but where?
Leaders in our country claim to represent "the American people," so is their behaviour a reflection of our own inability to get along, or the example that we follow? Either way, it is time to return to a kinder and more civilized society. A place where holding a political view different that than of your neighbor is not cause for violence. The founders of our country and many civil rights leaders who fought, bled and died to obtain our freedom, did not do so in order for us to devolve.
In a new year, with newly elected officials, it is time to usher in a new era. If our leaders will not do so, we can demand change from the bottom up. It is time for Americans to "take back our society," by working together to find common ground where we can grow from our differences instead of tear ourselves apart because of them.
"Such a senseless act of terrible violence has no place in a free society."
-- President Barrack Obama
Weigh in and let us know your thoughts. Has politics gotten too polarized? Is it time for a change?
