Tucson, Arizona: It Could Happen Here, and Anywhere

As our politicans continue to polarize issues in this country for political gain, this is a possible outcome. When Fox News continues to lambast this legislator or that legisaltor to increase ratings,that increases risks of violence too. The extremes in this country, right and left, are out of control. The republic is in danger.

If you honestly believe the speech and actions of the Palin's, Beck's, and other "self labled Conservatives" aren't dangerous; post a photo of yourself on Face Book with a bull's eye painted on your forehead, provide a schedule of your activities, state any political or social view (or critisize Rush Limbaugh) and stand up for what you believe!

The shooting did not actually happen in Tucson's city limits. It happened in unincorperated Pima County. 1000 feet from Oro Valley city limits and 1 mile from Tucson city limits. That is why the Pima County sheriff dept is working the investigation with the FBI. It's a tragedy yes but my poor city is getting a black eye when all it did was provide the life saving medical care.

This gunman does not have the power to see that Tucson gone. He has hurt but he has not defeated the spirit of the people. May God bless Tucson and may her enemies fail.

Yes, these horrific things happen anywhere and sadly innocents get hurt or killed. Tucson will heal and the Sherriff, hopefully, will control his emotions the next time around. I think the media, both written and televised, has, once again, run amuck with this tragedy.

Sometimes it's best to keep things in perspective and allow our emotions to calm down before putting them in the news.

Mary, "it's a good bet" no one knows what was in this madman's head - even the madman himself. Why turn a tragedy into a political statement? You and Sheriff Dupnik have now both recklessly imprinted your own political bias into a terrible, terrible situation.

You both should be ashamed.

Why is it everything people say, do or think have to be political. You walk into a room and say something and right away those that hear you try to figure if you are liberal, conservative or whatever. People have the right to an opinion and that is all it is. It would be almost impossible to find two people with the same opinion about the same topic. Politics is not an exact science it is nothing more then a group that share some but not all opinions or thoughts. No person or group of people elected will make everyone happen even those that elect them. Not every law passed will make everyone happy or help everyone.

Every day in every city there are untold numbers of mentally ill people who are not receiving proper medical care; or if they have received proper care, perhaps many are not taking their prescribed medications or are not going to counseling sessions; thus, they have negative outward behaviors which hurt others. The case in Tuscon happens every day in every city, not always with guns, but often the mentally ill hurt others with cars, knives, chemicals, etc. This case is high profile because it involves a member of Congress; if it had been all regular citizens who were injured or killed, the story would just blend into another backpage story of another psychologically ill person creating another terrible situation. Please, let us stick to the facts and not politicize this tragedy. Let us look into how we can secure more adequate follow-up and help for those with psychological disorders.

Im sorry, but Arizona, like many other places, isnt the same anymore. Violence is a way of life here and the ultra conservative nature of its legislators and governor, its lack of gun laws and the 'its them or us' attitudes here in Arizona has generated a climate of hatred and paranoia. Sheriff Dupnik is right - in many ways, Arizona may be a more dangerous place than it was back in the Wyatt Earp days!

I used to live in Tucson as well. My oldest daughter was born there, and my youngest is a student at U of A. Mary described very well the Tucson I remember. The friendly people, and the live-and-let-live of the old hippies that moved there. Now I greive for a lost innocence that Tucson may never have again.