Shooting of Democrat and the Issue of Language

Arizona Democrat Gabrielle Giffords  was shot dead * by a young gunman, allegedly Jared Lee Loughner.. A 9-yr-old boy, a federal judge, an aide to Giffords and two others were killed. An unknown number of people were injured. Giffords was hosting a "Congress On Your Corner" program and was talking with a couple of constituents outside a supermarket when the gunman approached and began firing. He was later tackled by a bystander and taken into custody.

Giffords is one of 20 Democrats Sarah Palin painted targets on in 2010 for supporting the health care reform bill. She encouraged people not to retreat but to "RELOAD!"

No, that is not correlation = causation. Which is to say, I am not claiming Sarah Palin is responsible for Giffords death shooting. But just like I can't scream fire in a crowded theater, it would - in my mind - seem prudent not to cry "RELOAD" or paint targets on people's names in this charged climate (which includes early 2010).

My heart goes out to Giffords family and the families of all the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

And I hope those in political office stop with thinly veiled encouragements of violence against people.

Giffords conservative tea party opponent also encouraged people to shoot her:

(h/t: YesBiscuit!)

*She is alive and being operated on for a bullet wound to the head