I am deeply saddened by the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and five other individuals in a despicable act of violence. I know firsthand the trauma that can result from an act of violence. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Two theories (other than simply "another nutcase with a gun") are emerging as reasons for the shooting. One is the current level of partisan discourse occurring in the United States. The other is a debate over appropriate gun control.
MSNBC was quick to report on the Sarah Palin crosshair map and shortly after Fox news upped the rhetoric deriding the left for taking political cheap shots in the aftermath of the tragedy.
With the rhetoric in Washington rising over the past five years reasonable discourse is lost in all the noise. When politicians use inflammatory language like "don’t retreat reload" it’s easy to see how someone who is allegedly mentally unstable might think actions like his are acceptable. Politicians and other public figures should urge calm not ratchet up the level of violent discussion.
Apparently the individual who went on the killing spree may have been suffering from a mental illness. But he was able to purchase a deadly efficient Glock handgun enabling his killing spree. The Glock has no business being on the streets certainly not in the hands of just anyone who pays to buy one. Clearly some level of gun control is reasonable and prudent.
As an elected official and as a citizen I consider public safety part of my job. We all have a duty to tone down violent rhetoric and build a safer society.
KENT HEHR MLA
CALGARY-BUFFALO
