Obama: Giffords Shooting "A Tragedy for Our Entire Country"
AP
President Obama said today that this morning's shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others in Tuscon a "tragedy for our entire country."
At least five people were killed in the shooting, including Federal Judge John Roll and a nine-year-old girl. The gunman, allegedly 22-year-old Jared Loughner, opened fire at a supermarket where Giffords was meeting with constituents.
Giffords was shot in the head, but doctors said this afternoon that she had come through surgery and that they were "very optimistic" for her recovery.
Boehner on Giffords: "Attack on All who Serve"
Special Section: Tragedy in Tucson
"I am hopeful that she is going to pull through," Mr. Obama said in a statement from the White House. He called on all Americans to keep "Gabby" and the others killed or wounded in their thoughts and prayers. The president called Giffords a "friend" and an "extraordinary public servant."
"It's not surprising that today Gabby was doing what she always does -- listening to the hopes and concerns of her neighbors. That is the essence of what our democracy is all about," he said. "That is why this is more than a tragedy for those involved. It is a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country."
Ariz. Rep. Giffords, Others Shot; At Least 5 Die
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Gallery: Photos at Scene of Rampage
The president also promised a comprehensive investigation into the shooting, saying he had directed FBI Direct Robert Mueller to Arizona to lead federal efforts.
"We are going to get to the bottom of this, and we're going to get through this," Mr. Obama said.
The White House reports that since the incident the president has also talked to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and several congressional leaders, including House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. He also left a message for Giffords' husband, Navy captain and astronaut Mark Kelly.
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Perhaps he should be re-hypnotised to find out who entered his mind with their proverbial phallus. Usually only Freemasons, and the Roscrucian/Illuminati know how to do that.
How interesting people want to spread the blame. The responsibility goes to the right who have subjected our country to fear, scare, smear, hatred, bigotry doom and gloom for the past two years. Until they accept responsibility for what their rhetoric has done to this country nothing will change. Today, those on the right are deflecting any blame or responsibility. Words have consequences. It has been their words their demonizing of everyone that doesn't agree with the right wing agenda and allowing people like Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, the birthers and the rest to get away with saying outlandish, hurtful things that is the problem. With people already on edge any intelligent person could see that eventually the $h!! would hit the fan. Like it or not, Republicans hold the key. They are responsible but I for one don't expect for the to accept responsibility. When have they ever?
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Until persons such as yourself stop your inflaming rhetoric, you cannot expect others to do it also.
There is not one iota of information that leads one to believe that this poor sick young man even knew who is president, let alone knew Palin. Until there is just ONE little sign that it was anything other than the mentally illness affecting this young man, can you just stop blaming the "right"? You and others like you?
To all this tragedy directly affects...My sincerest condolences and my prayers have you in mind.
To Americans who can and are willing, place more effort into removing and downplaying rhetoric and reactionary taunting with positive physical action towards those around you. In other words, make a difference where you live.
To our politicians and political activists, keep in mind that your words, works, and soapbox stands may directly and indirectly affect those of weaker mental or less rational standing to a level that may seem incomprehensible....it happens.
Bias, bigotry and hate are the tools often used by ego maniacal inclined people who desire to achieve what they believe to be the true way, i.e. see A. Hitler.
"To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him."
Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL, look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the controversial teachings of arrogance, divisions and hatreds which have badly infected our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; reunite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish Your purposes on earth; that, in Your good time, all nations and races may jointly serve You in justice, peace and harmony.
Hindu Prayer for Peace
Oh God, lead us from the
unreal to the Real.
Oh God, lead us from darkness to light.
Oh God, lead us from death to immortality.
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all.
Oh Lord God almighty, may there be peace in
celestial regions.
May there be peace on Earth.
May the waters be appeasing.
May herbs be wholesome, and may trees
plants bring peace to all. May all beneficent
beings bring peace to us.
May all things be a source of peace to us.
And may thy peace itself, bestow peace on all
and may that peace come to me also.
I WILL definitely remember this the next time I vote! And, I recommend that Congress cancel their planned 'cutting work' days, and GO BACK TO WORK AND DO YOUR JOBS! And, be glad you have them...for now!
This is an appeal to all commenters who are taking this shooting to be anything more than a very sick young man acting on his own, or perhaps pushed forward by a friend.
Please, if this shooting has made you feel hate toward any group, and you feel that you might at some point today or in the future, lose control, please talk to someone.
If you have even one thought about revenge against any group that you may think at fault, please talk to someone who can help you get over these thoughts.
Please do not listen to the extremists on these comment boards. Most of them don't believe what they are posting; they just want to spread hate and fear.
Please talk to a professional. Go to a hospital or clinic, or some sort of establishment, and get help.
Thank you,
A concerned American