Condolences for all the victims in Arizona

I watched Meet the Press yesterday. They had a panel of four or five people talking about the tragic events in Tuscon. The panel included some of her best friends in Congress and fellow members of the Arizona delegation. But there was one guy that really didn't fit the panel. He was a newly elected member of Congress from the Tea Party. He had never met Giffords. The whole point of him being on the show was to say that there are crazy people on the left and the right. This isn't the fault of the Tea Party.

This tea party guy was literally correct. There are crazy people on the left and the right. And this shooter appears to be stupid and crazy without a real coherent political philosophy or agenda. He's just a frustrated crazy person.

But I do think political discourse matters a great deal. He may have been crazy, but Palin's infamous map and the invitation by the tea party candidate to shoot assault weapons and take out Giffords probably helped point this guy in the crazy direction. There were numerous death threats against people during the healthcare "debate" last yaear. A rationale person could have a hard time figuring what is acceptable behavior let alone the crazy people.

Freedom of speech is a great thing. But the rhetoric has gotten worse in the last few years. But Giffords said it best herself when after her office was vandalized she made a reference to Palin and noted that people need to realize there's consequences to their actions.

And even though she doesn't like it, Palin's vitrolic language has set her up to have to defend herself. How she is able to respond could very well determine her future political viability. She's going to have to show that this is a turning point for her. And honestly, I don't think she's capable of doing it.

I'm sorry for everyone hurt in this. It's the sort of random thing that should never happen to good people. I wish strength for Giffords on her recovery.