Congresswoman Shot, Left goes on Witch Hunt

Jared Loughner: The Real Face of Responsibility

Yesterday’s shooting at Representative Gabrielle Giffords’ Congress on Your Corner in Arizona is a horrible and tragic event that should never have happened.  However, it did and therefore we must deal with it.

The shooting is a tragedy which should be uniting us in support and defense of the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  It should be bringing all of us together in support of our way of life and our representative Republic form of government.  After all, Giffords’ event, an elected representative speaking with constituents, is the foundation of our Republic.

How are many on the left responding?  Instead of putting politics aside and coming together, they’re using it as yet another opportunity to divide America using crass and sickening political theater.  Arizona State Senator Linda Lopez only hours after the shooting, before any definite information was available, went on national television with accusations that the shooter was an “Afghan” veteran influenced by the TEA party movement.  Then Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik ended his press conference with a tirade blaming conservative media for filling the American people with vitriol.  It should be noted Sheriff Dupnik also believes Arizona’s recent law calling for enforcement of federal immigration law is “stupid” and “racist.”

The left-wing media and blogosphere are filled with accusations against Sarah Palin because of a marketing piece which had a target on Giffords’ congressional district (not on Giffords’ face as is being implied).  These accusations are utter nonsense.  First, Democrats and leftists have used similar marketing tactics in the past, not to mention even more disturbing depictions of former President Bush by the left, yet those blaming Palin for the shooting don’t bother to mention any use by the left of these types of marketing tactics.  Second, either the people making these accusations are such complete idiots or they believe others are such complete idiots that they can’t distinguish between a political advertising marketing tactic and an actual death threat.  If you truly believe a target on someone’s district was an actual death threat then you need to be locked up in the same sort of padded cell where the gunman belonged!

This is only one person responsible for yesterday’s shooting: Jared Loughner who pulled the trigger.  Apparently another suspect, known to authorities, remains at large.  Yet, Sheriff Dupnik, citing the advice of “legal counsel,” refuses to release photos or a complete description of this person so the public can be on the lookout for him. [Update: The Pima Sheriff’s Department finally released a photo of this person-of-interest.  Update to the Update: Pima Sheriff has cleared the person of interest.]

So what’s the picture of Loughner that’s emerging?  We now know he wasn’t an “Afghan” veteran or a veteran at all.  He applied for military service and was rejected.  The military won’t say why, citing privacy reasons.  However, the disjoined ramblings from his YouTube videos give us a pretty good clue.  We also know he’s been arrested for possession of illegal drugs.  It looks more and more like he is a demented leftist radical anarchist pothead.  Despite this, many on the left and the mainstream media continue to either openly or subtly blame the TEA party movement and conservative media.  It’s obvious they’re taking Rahm Emanuel’s advice to not let a good crisis go to waste and seek to use the tragedy as the springboard for censorship of conservative media, silencing of anyone who disagrees with their agenda, and very likely “gun control” as well.

The TEA Party movement – a movement and a mindset, not a political party – is about government accountability.  “TEA” is an acronym for Taxed Enough Already.  The movement consists of people from a wide spectrum of political beliefs.  They are united in a belief that government should act within its Constitutional bounds and those within government, both elected officials and bureaucrats, should be accountable to the people who pay the bill (the American taxpayers).  Acts of violence against the government are completely counterproductive to the aims of this movement, which seeks to restore Constitutional order.  Therefore, it’s pure absurdity to claim, as the left does, the TEA party and conservatives are agitating for violence.

Let’s look at the other side.  What do they have to say?  Many on the left, including some who’ve been right next to Obama, are calling for an overthrow of the system, such as self-described Marxist-socialist Van Jones’ “bottom up, top down, inside out” revolution. Frances Fox Piven, who many in the administration and many radical leftists hold up as a mentor, is calling for a violent uprising against the American system.  Obama once told left-wing activists, “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun.” Another left-wing guru, political cartoonist Ted Rall, calls for the left to engage in violence against the right.  The often cited “bible” of leftists and one of the books from which Loughner says he found inspiration, the Communist Manifesto, is filled with calls for violence against the bourgeoisies and government officials.

Don’t get me wrong – unlike the left, I don’t want to restrict any of their speech; I want the cockroaches exposed to the light of day so we can clearly see them for exactly what they are.  My point is to expose the outright lies of the left in claiming conservatives are “inciting violence” when in fact it’s those on the radical left who are consistently and clearly calling for violent uprisings.

Is it because so many on the left are calling for open, violent uprising that they are so convinced conservatives are doing the same?  As someone who pays very close attention to conservative media, I can find absolutely nothing which even comes close to the left’s repeated and unequivocal calls for violence.  Conservative media talks about things like restoring honor, returning to the Constitution, taking personal responsibility, government accountability, the importance of integrity, and so forth.  I must not have the “Manchurian” programming, since I’m completely missing any calls to violence, “coded” or otherwise.

It’s time for Americans of all political persuasions who might disagree on policy, but agree on the basic framework of the Constitution and the representative Republic to stand together.  We simply cannot allow radicals to collapse our Republic.  We must find the common ground of the Constitution on which we can unite.  We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

We honor the memory of those killed when we stand up for the Constitution in the face of the real radicals, like Jared Loughner, who seek to destroy our Republic.

A Comparison of Presidential Thanksgiving Day Proclamations

As we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, let us pause to consider two drastically different Presidential Proclamations.

The first from President Obama (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/11/23/presidential-proclamation-thanksgiving-day):

A beloved American tradition, Thanksgiving Day offers us the opportunity to focus our thoughts on the grace that has been extended to our people and our country.  This spirit brought together the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe — who had been living and thriving around Plymouth, Massachusetts for thousands of years — in an autumn harvest feast centuries ago.  This Thanksgiving Day, we reflect on the compassion and contributions of Native Americans, whose skill in agriculture helped the early colonists survive, and whose rich culture continues to add to our Nation’s heritage.  We also pause our normal pursuits on this day and join in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude for the year’s bounties and blessings.

Thanksgiving Day is a time each year, dating back to our founding, when we lay aside the troubles and disagreements of the day and bow our heads in humble recognition of the providence bestowed upon our Nation.  Amidst the uncertainty of a fledgling experiment in democracy, President George Washington declared the first Thanksgiving in America, recounting the blessings of tranquility, union, and plenty that shined upon our young country.  In the dark days of the Civil War when the fate of our Union was in doubt, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a Thanksgiving Day, calling for “the Almighty hand” to heal and restore our Nation.

In confronting the challenges of our day, we must draw strength from the resolve of previous generations who faced their own struggles and take comfort in knowing a brighter day has always dawned on our great land.  As we stand at the close of one year and look to the promise of the next, we lift up our hearts in gratitude to God for our many blessings, for one another, and for our Nation.  This Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces.  These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and they and their families deserve our profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

This harvest season, we are also reminded of those experiencing the pangs of hunger or the hardship of economic insecurity.  Let us return the kindness and generosity we have seen throughout the year by helping our fellow citizens weather the storms of our day.

As Americans gather for the time-honored Thanksgiving Day meal, let us rejoice in the abundance that graces our tables, in the simple gifts that mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and in the gifts of a gracious God.  Let us recall that our forebears met their challenges with hope and an unfailing spirit, and let us resolve to do the same.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2010, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage all the people of the United States to come together — whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors — to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Now let us consider a slightly different approach from George Washington proclaiming the first Thanksgiving Day:

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

What a difference a couple hundred years make….

Bush’s 2006 Post-Midterm Speech

I’m not exactly a fan of George W. Bush, who in many ways was nothing more than a progressive pretending to be a conservative in the vein of John McCain.  However, it’s enlightening to consider how he reacted to defeat of the GOP in the 2006 midterm elections compared to Obama’s remarks yesterday:

George W. Bush
Post-Election Press Conference: The Resignation of Donald Rumsfeld
Washington, DC
November 8, 2006

Say, why all the glum faces?

Yesterday, the people went to the polls and they cast their vote for a new direction in the House of Representatives. And while the ballots are still being counted in the Senate, it’s clear the Democrat Party had a good night last night. And I congratulate them on their victories.

This morning I spoke with the Republican and Democrat leadership in the House and the Senate. I spoke with Republican leaders, Senator Frist and Senator McConnell and Speaker Hastert and John Boehner and Roy Blunt. I thanked them for their hard-fought contest. I appreciated the efforts they put in for our candidates.

I’m obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election and, as the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility.

I told my party’s leaders that it is now our duty to put the elections behind us and work together with the Democrats and independents on the great issues facing this country.

This morning I also spoke with the Democrats. I spoke with Senators Reid and Durbin. I congratulated them on running a strong campaign in the Senate. And I told them that, regardless of the final outcome, we can work together over the next two years.

I also congratulated Congresswoman Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer. They ran a disciplined campaign. Their candidates were well organized and did a superb job of turning out their votes.

I told Congresswoman Pelosi that I looked forward to working with her and her colleagues to find common ground in the next two years.

As the majority party in the House of Representatives, they recognize that in their new role they now have greater responsibilities.

And in my first act of bipartisan outreach since the election, I shared with her the names of some Republican interior decorators…

(LAUGHTER)

… who can help her pick out the new drapes in her new offices.

I believe that the leaders of both political parties must try to work through our differences. And I believe we will be able to work through differences.

I’ve reassured the House and Senate leaders that I intend to work with the new Congress in a bipartisan way to address issues confronting this country. I invited them to come to the White House in the coming days to discuss the important work remaining this year and to begin conversations about the agenda for next year.

The message yesterday was clear: The American people want their leaders in Washington to set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in an ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges facing our nation.

We live in historic times. The challenges and opportunities are plain for all to see.

Will this country continue to strengthen our economy today and over the long run? Will we provide a first-class education for our children? And will we be prepared for the global challenges of the 21st century?

Will we build upon the recent progress we’ve made in addressing our energy dependence by aggressively pursuing new technologies to break our addiction to foreign sources of energy?

And, most importantly: Will this generation of leaders meet our obligation to protect the American people?

I know there’s a lot of speculation on what the election means for the battle we’re waging in Iraq. I recognize that many Americans voted last night to register their displeasure with the lack of progress being made there.

Yet, I also believe most Americans and leaders here in Washington from both political parties understand we cannot accept defeat. In the coming days and weeks, I and members of my national security team will meet with the members of both parties to brief them on latest developments and listen to their views about the way forward.

We’ll also provide briefings to the new members of Congress so they can be fully informed as they prepare for their new responsibilities.

As we work with the new leaders in Congress, I’m also looking forward to hearing the views of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, co- chaired by Secretary James Baker and Congressman Lee Hamilton.

This group is assessing the situation in Iraq and are expected to provide — and the group is expected to provide recommendations on a way forward.

And I’m going to meet with them, I think, early next week.

The election has changed many things in Washington, but it has not changed my fundamental responsibility, and that is to protect the American people from attack.

As the commander in chief, I take these responsibilities seriously. And so does the man who served this nation honorably for almost six years as our secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld.

Now, after a series of thoughtful conversations, Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon.

Our military has experienced an enormous amount of change and reform during the last five years while fighting the war on terror; one of the most consequential wars in our nation’s history.

Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war.

Don Rumsfeld’s a patriot who’s served our country with honor and distinction. He is a trusted adviser and a friend, and I’m deeply grateful to his service to our country.

I’ve asked Bob Gates to serve as the secretary of defense. Bob is the former director of the CIA and current president of Texas A M University.

If confirmed by the Senate, Bob will bring more than 25 years of national security experience and a stellar reputation as an effective leader with sound judgment.

He’s served six presidents, from both political parties, and rose from an entry-level employee in the CIA to become the director of central intelligence.

During his service at the CIA and at the National Security Council Bob Gates gained firsthand knowledge that will help him meet the challenges and opportunities that our country faces during the next two years.

He is serving as a member of the Baker-Hamilton commission. He is a steady, solid leader who can help make the necessary adjustments in our approach to meet our current challenges.

I will have more to say about Secretary Rumsfeld and Bob Gates later today here at the White House.

Amid this time of change, I have a message for those on the front lines: To our enemies, do not be joyful. Do not confuse the workings of our democracy with a lack of will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice. Liberty and democracy are the source of America’s strength, and liberty and democracy will lift up the hopes and desires of those you are trying to destroy.

To the people of Iraq: Do not be fearful.

As you take the difficult steps toward democracy and peace, America’s going to stand with you. We know you want a better way of life, and now is the time to seize it.

To our brave men and women in uniform: Don’t be doubtful. America will always support you.

Our nation is blessed to have men and women who volunteer to serve and are willing to risk their own lives for the safety of our fellow citizens.

When I first came to Washington nearly six years ago, I was hopeful I could help change the tone here in the capital. As governor of Texas, I had successfully worked with both Democrats and Republicans to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing our state.

While we made some progress on changing the tone, I’m disappointed we haven’t made more. I’m confident that we can work together. I’m confident that we can overcome the temptation to divide this country between red and blue.

The issues before us are bigger than that and we are bigger than that.

By putting this election and partisanship behind us, we can launch a new era of cooperation and make these next two years productive ones for the American people.

I appreciate your interest. Now I’ll answer some questions.

Click here for the rest of the Q&A session.