Tucson and the Left-Wing Response
On January 8, 2011, tragedy struck when 22 year-old Jared Loughner attempted to assassinate Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson Arizona. Loughner was charged with killing six people and wounding fourteen. Following the assassination attempt, there was an overwhelming response from the media.
TIME magazine took very little time before spreading left-wing propaganda. Articles blaming gun laws and “bad rhetoric” became the staple within the liberal media. TIME wrote an article directly following the even titled “After Tucson, Can Arizona Mellow Its Wild West Image?” in which there were direct implications that gun laws somehow had something to do with this particular act of violence. During such an emotional time one must wonder why the media felt the need to manipulate the events. At least it can now be said that the liberal media is gaining tact in that it knows how to use pathos effectively. Ironically enough, my political science course recently watched Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine in which Moore makes his disdain for organizations such as the NRA apparent. Wabash students, do not be shocked if we soon see trailers for a new Michael Moore film on the Tucson shootings and political unrest in America. Spoiler alert: this film will make a blunt attempt to push blame for gun violence in America on the NRA, George W. Bush, or some conservative-affiliated organization. Although there is grief and mourning over the loss of the innocent, that will not stop individuals such as Michael Moore, Paul Helmke, or Chuck Schumer from using such an event to his or her advantage.
Another issue that was pushed continuously is this matter of “bad” rhetoric.
Following the tragedy, a couple Wabash professors discussed this issue of “bad or unproductive” civic discourse. It is widely acknowledged that the discourse in this nation is far from being civil or productive, but this is no excuse to push strategic propaganda.
The media has blamed the GOP for encouraging violence through fiery and forceful rhetoric. However, why can liberals not realize that, in this sense, they are just as much to blame? It is ironic that during the end of the Bush Administration we saw some outright malicious attacks against the President and against Republicans in general, and yet now that same group is ready to “end this use of violent rhetoric.” It sounds a great deal as if left-wing liberals want the GOP to be silent and for liberalism to have a silent opponent. Free speech is a part of this nation and, unfortunately for the liberals in Washington, there is nothing to be done within Constitutional limits to confine that.
This incident concerning Jared Loughner was simply a case of a man who had some psychological issues and brought himself to do something terrible. There are homicides and violent acts happening every day and individuals such as Rep. Carolyn McCarthy would like to blame this on groups such as the NRA. I must say that the left-wing media has such a wonderful way of avoiding the possibility of social and/or psychological issues and decides to point to the first conservative group they can think of and blame. This agenda concerning the controversy over the second amendment has gotten out of control. I do, however, agree with Moore and McCarthy in that our society has too easily embraced violence in a way that might cause it to be a contributing factor. Before we think about re-defining an amendment or law, though, perhaps more research into why exactly it is that America has such a tendency toward violence.
In response to the Tucson shooting, it was tragic and should not have ever happened. The parents of those lost deserve all of the support and love that they need right now. In response to the media, back off and stop pushing your liberal agenda. Maybe more of these “killers” need love, guidance, and role models instead anti-gun legislation or encouragement for “better rhetoric.” Talking with some fellow Wallies, I have gathered that social problems are a major contributor to the problem of violence in this country. The split, though, lies in this issue of legislation. If we create stricter gun laws or even outlaw gun purchases, are we naïve enough to think that those with the intent to kill will not somehow find a way to obtain a gun? Will knife violence increase thereafter? Incidents like Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Tucson are so unfortunate and so grievous, and we would like to eradicate such things from every occurring again, but they will, and changing legislation will not “cure” the problem.
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