The former Bush speechwriter who coined the term “axis of evil” claims a link between Jared Loughner, schizophrenia and pot smoking. Forget guns, “The Tucson shooting should remind us why we regulate marijuana.”
Much of our culture’s historic intolerance of marijuana grew out of racism and the quack science used to justify it. Frum acknowledges in his blog post that the “connection between marijuana and schizophrenia is both controversial and complicated.” But, he writes, “The raw association is strong.” That’s like saying “I can’t prove anything conclusively, but I’ve got a gut feeling.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 42.6 percent of Americans have consumed marijuana by the time they graduate from high school. If Frum is correct, we’re going to have a lot more dangerous schizophrenics to deal with. Perhaps we should get on top of the situation by drastically increasing funding for mental health services and amending the Constitution to ban guns.
Whether pot makes you crazy, lazy or fat, you can’t shoot someone without a gun.
Showing posts with label az shooting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label az shooting. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
AZ shooting changes plans for Boehner's first days as speaker
WASHINGTON (AP) Wednesday was supposed to be House Speaker John Boehner's first test of leadership, as Republicans had planned to hold a vote on repealing the controversial health care law, a campaign promise for many tea party freshmen.
Instead, the West Chester Republican faced a different test - reassuring lawmakers who were worried about their safety and leading them in prayer and tribute to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and other victims of the shooting spree in Tucson, Ariz., over the weekend.
The health care vote has been postponed, putting off what is expected to be a passionate and highly partisan floor debate. A resolution honoring the dead and wounded in the weekend's shootings was considered instead.
With a breaking voice and a handkerchief on hand, Boehner spoke of the "unspeakable act of violence" that took six lives, including that of Giffords' aide Gabe Zimmerman, whom Boehner called "one of our own."
"At the time of the attack, he was engaged in the most simple and direct of democratic rituals - listening to the people, listening to his neighbors," Boehner said, his eyes welling with tears as he thanked staff members for what they do to "make this institution work."
With all eyes on him, Boehner sought to both soothe and affirm lawmakers and viewers shaken by the violence.
"We feel a litany of unwanted emotions that no resolution could possibly capture," he said. "We know that we gather here without distinction of party. The needs of this institution have always risen above partisanship."
'The lifeblood of our democracy'
Boehner's remarks led off a day of tributes to Giffords and the other victims.
"Today I stand here to say - not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an American - that violence has no place in our society, and I wish and pray for peace and justice for all of those who have been involved in this tragedy," said Rep. Mike Turner, a Centerville Republican who represents part of Warren County.
Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Miami Township Republican, called on everyone to pray for Giffords and the families of all those affected by the shootings.
"I don't think any words can sum up what we need to do here," Schmidt said. "Let us hope that all of those who have been touched by this tragedy can heal."
Recalling his first speech as speaker, Boehner called on his fellow lawmakers to continue carrying out the duties that they pledged exactly one week ago.
"Today it is not ceremony, but tragedy that stirs us to renew our commitment to fulfill our oaths of office," Boehner said. ''Let us not let this inhuman act frighten us into doing otherwise. The free exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our democracy."
'Taking all the right steps'
Earlier on Wednesday, Boehner met with GOP lawmakers and Capitol Police behind closed doors in a basement office of the Capitol to discuss security precautions.
"We're hearing what we need to do," Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said while leaving the meeting. "I think Speaker Boehner is taking all the right steps."
Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., agreed. "The briefing was good," he said. "Speaker Boehner has done an outstanding job of setting the proper tone and making sure that the members are informed."
Even Democrats have praised Boehner's response.
"He has said the right things and set the right tone," Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told the New York Times. "I think he has acted swiftly, effectively and responsibly."
Leading by example, Boehner's office told The Enquirer that despite security concerns in the wake of the shooting, the speaker would continue to fly commercial between Ohio and Washington, something he promised in November.
"Boehner did fly commercial this past weekend and will continue to do so," spokesman Cory Fritz said in an e-mail.
Past House speakers - the officeholder is second in line for the presidency after the vice president - have used government jets.
Boehner passed up a chance to fly to Wednesday’s service on Air Force One with President Barack Obama and other government officials so that he could attend a Washington, D.C., reception for Maria Cino, who is seeking to become chairman of the Republican National Committee, Politico reported Wednesday.
Aides for Boehner told Politico he would complete his remarks before Obama’s speech at the Giffords memorial.
Instead, the West Chester Republican faced a different test - reassuring lawmakers who were worried about their safety and leading them in prayer and tribute to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and other victims of the shooting spree in Tucson, Ariz., over the weekend.
The health care vote has been postponed, putting off what is expected to be a passionate and highly partisan floor debate. A resolution honoring the dead and wounded in the weekend's shootings was considered instead.
With a breaking voice and a handkerchief on hand, Boehner spoke of the "unspeakable act of violence" that took six lives, including that of Giffords' aide Gabe Zimmerman, whom Boehner called "one of our own."
"At the time of the attack, he was engaged in the most simple and direct of democratic rituals - listening to the people, listening to his neighbors," Boehner said, his eyes welling with tears as he thanked staff members for what they do to "make this institution work."
With all eyes on him, Boehner sought to both soothe and affirm lawmakers and viewers shaken by the violence.
"We feel a litany of unwanted emotions that no resolution could possibly capture," he said. "We know that we gather here without distinction of party. The needs of this institution have always risen above partisanship."
'The lifeblood of our democracy'
Boehner's remarks led off a day of tributes to Giffords and the other victims.
"Today I stand here to say - not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an American - that violence has no place in our society, and I wish and pray for peace and justice for all of those who have been involved in this tragedy," said Rep. Mike Turner, a Centerville Republican who represents part of Warren County.
Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Miami Township Republican, called on everyone to pray for Giffords and the families of all those affected by the shootings.
"I don't think any words can sum up what we need to do here," Schmidt said. "Let us hope that all of those who have been touched by this tragedy can heal."
Recalling his first speech as speaker, Boehner called on his fellow lawmakers to continue carrying out the duties that they pledged exactly one week ago.
"Today it is not ceremony, but tragedy that stirs us to renew our commitment to fulfill our oaths of office," Boehner said. ''Let us not let this inhuman act frighten us into doing otherwise. The free exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our democracy."
'Taking all the right steps'
Earlier on Wednesday, Boehner met with GOP lawmakers and Capitol Police behind closed doors in a basement office of the Capitol to discuss security precautions.
"We're hearing what we need to do," Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said while leaving the meeting. "I think Speaker Boehner is taking all the right steps."
Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., agreed. "The briefing was good," he said. "Speaker Boehner has done an outstanding job of setting the proper tone and making sure that the members are informed."
Even Democrats have praised Boehner's response.
"He has said the right things and set the right tone," Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told the New York Times. "I think he has acted swiftly, effectively and responsibly."
Leading by example, Boehner's office told The Enquirer that despite security concerns in the wake of the shooting, the speaker would continue to fly commercial between Ohio and Washington, something he promised in November.
"Boehner did fly commercial this past weekend and will continue to do so," spokesman Cory Fritz said in an e-mail.
Past House speakers - the officeholder is second in line for the presidency after the vice president - have used government jets.
Boehner passed up a chance to fly to Wednesday’s service on Air Force One with President Barack Obama and other government officials so that he could attend a Washington, D.C., reception for Maria Cino, who is seeking to become chairman of the Republican National Committee, Politico reported Wednesday.
Aides for Boehner told Politico he would complete his remarks before Obama’s speech at the Giffords memorial.
Memorial to honor youngest victim of Arizona mass shootings
Tucson, Arizona (AP) -- A memorial on Thursday will honor the youngest victim of the Arizona mass shooting, a 9-year-old dancer and swimmer whose untimely death has broken hearts nationwide.
Six people were killed and 13 others wounded when a gunman opened fire Saturday at Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' meet-and-greet event in Tucson. Giffords was among the injured.
The youngest victim, Christina Green, was born on September 11, 2001. Christina had just been elected to the student council at her elementary school, and was attending the event with a neighbor. She was there to meet the lawmaker when the gunman struck.
The neighbor, Suzi Hileman, was shot three times and is recovering, but is struggling emotionally with the girl's death, relatives said.
Mother shot while shielding kids
Obama: We mourn with you, stand by you
'It was like witnessing a miracle'
Christina entered the world "on a tragic day and she went out on a tragic day," said her father, John Green. "There's going to be a lot of those kind of moments that -- I had one this morning, just waking up. She comes up and says, 'Daddy, it's time to get up.' She didn't do that this morning."
Obama eulogized the victims at a service at the University of of Arizona Wednesday night. He paid special attention to the young girl whose life was cut short.
"In Christina we see all of our children. So curious, so trusting, so energetic, so full of magic. So deserving of our love. And so deserving of our good example," Obama said.
"Christina was an A student; she was a dancer; she was a gymnast; she was a swimmer. She decided that she wanted to be the first woman to play in the Major Leagues, and as the only girl on her Little League team, no one put it past her."
The president said she had a unique appreciation for life.
"She'd remind her mother, 'We are so blessed. We have the best life,' " the president said. "And she'd pay those blessings back by participating in a charity that helped children who were less fortunate."
Obama urged the crowd to remember those who survived.
"Our hearts are broken -- and yet, our hearts also have reason for fullness," the president said. "Our hearts are full of hope and thanks for the 13 Americans who survived the shooting, including the congresswoman."
Suspect Jared Loughner allegedly fired at the lawmaker first, striking her in the head.
For Christina's memorial, two fire trucks will raise their ladders and connect a U.S. flag that was nearly destroyed in the 2001 terror attacks in New York City. The flag will form an arch-like design, under which her family will walk before entering church.
The controversial Westboro Baptist Church initially vowed to picket the young girl's funeral, but later said it would not after it got an offer for 30 minutes of airtime on a radio program.
Other victims killed in the shooting are Dorwan Stoddard, 76; Dorothy Morris, 76; Phyllis Schneck, 79; U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63; and Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, 30.
Six people were killed and 13 others wounded when a gunman opened fire Saturday at Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' meet-and-greet event in Tucson. Giffords was among the injured.
The youngest victim, Christina Green, was born on September 11, 2001. Christina had just been elected to the student council at her elementary school, and was attending the event with a neighbor. She was there to meet the lawmaker when the gunman struck.
The neighbor, Suzi Hileman, was shot three times and is recovering, but is struggling emotionally with the girl's death, relatives said.
Mother shot while shielding kids
Obama: We mourn with you, stand by you
'It was like witnessing a miracle'
Christina entered the world "on a tragic day and she went out on a tragic day," said her father, John Green. "There's going to be a lot of those kind of moments that -- I had one this morning, just waking up. She comes up and says, 'Daddy, it's time to get up.' She didn't do that this morning."
Obama eulogized the victims at a service at the University of of Arizona Wednesday night. He paid special attention to the young girl whose life was cut short.
"In Christina we see all of our children. So curious, so trusting, so energetic, so full of magic. So deserving of our love. And so deserving of our good example," Obama said.
"Christina was an A student; she was a dancer; she was a gymnast; she was a swimmer. She decided that she wanted to be the first woman to play in the Major Leagues, and as the only girl on her Little League team, no one put it past her."
The president said she had a unique appreciation for life.
"She'd remind her mother, 'We are so blessed. We have the best life,' " the president said. "And she'd pay those blessings back by participating in a charity that helped children who were less fortunate."
Obama urged the crowd to remember those who survived.
"Our hearts are broken -- and yet, our hearts also have reason for fullness," the president said. "Our hearts are full of hope and thanks for the 13 Americans who survived the shooting, including the congresswoman."
Suspect Jared Loughner allegedly fired at the lawmaker first, striking her in the head.
For Christina's memorial, two fire trucks will raise their ladders and connect a U.S. flag that was nearly destroyed in the 2001 terror attacks in New York City. The flag will form an arch-like design, under which her family will walk before entering church.
The controversial Westboro Baptist Church initially vowed to picket the young girl's funeral, but later said it would not after it got an offer for 30 minutes of airtime on a radio program.
Other victims killed in the shooting are Dorwan Stoddard, 76; Dorothy Morris, 76; Phyllis Schneck, 79; U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63; and Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, 30.
Documents detail Ariz. suspect's college outbursts
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- For four years, Jared Loughner was an unremarkable college student, commuting to classes near his home where he studied yoga and algebra, business management and poetry.
But last year, his classroom conduct began to change. In February, Loughner stunned a teacher by talking about blowing up babies, a bizarre outburst that marked the start of a rapid unraveling for the 22-year old, who is accused of slaying six people and wounding 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
After his first flare-up, campus police decided not to intervene.
"I suggested they keep an eye on him," an officer wrote.
Loughner's on-campus behavior grew increasingly erratic, menacing, even delusional. Fifty-one pages of police reports released Wednesday provided a chilling portrait of Loughner's last school year, which ended in September when he was judged mentally unhinged and suspended by Pima Community College.
As the records were released, President Barack Obama visited Giffords in the hospital. Later, during a nationally-televised memorial service, the president revealed the congresswoman had opened her eyes shortly after he left her bedside.
Obama touched on themes of unity, patriotism and heroism in his address to the crowded arena with about 14,000 people, and he spoke at length about 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim of the attack. Her funeral was set for 1 p.m. MST (3 p.m. EST) Thursday, the first of six funerals.
As Tucson and the nation remembered the victims, new details surfaced about the busy morning Loughner had in the hours before the shooting.
According to authorities, Loughner hustled to Walmart twice, was caught by police running a red light but was let go with a warning, and later grabbed a black bag from the trunk of a family car before fleeing into the desert on foot with his suspicious father giving chase. Eventually, he took a cab to the grocery store where he opened fire on Giffords and a line of people waiting to speak to her.
Just three months earlier, he had been kicked out of school.
In a Sept. 23 campus police report, days before his suspension, an officer called to quiet another one of Loughner's outbursts described him as incomprehensible, his eyes jittery, his head awkwardly tilted.
"He very slowly began telling me in a low and mumbled voice that under the Constitution, which had been written on the wall for all to see, he had the right to his 'freedom of thought' and whatever he thought in his head he could also put on paper. ... His teacher 'must be required to accept it' as a passing grade," the officer wrote.
"It was clear he was unable to fully understand his actions."
The school reports provide the most detailed accounts so far of Loughner's troubles at the college, and he is depicted at times as "creepy," "very hostile" and "having difficulty understanding what he had done wrong in the classroom." School officials have not said if the reports were shared with any authorities beyond campus.
During his first outburst, in a poetry class, he made comments about abortion, wars and killing people, then asked: "Why don't we just strap bombs to babies?"
In an April report, librarians called police because Loughner, with ear buds, was making so much noise at a computer it was disturbing others. He promised it would not happen again.
But a month later, he became hostile with a Pilates instructor when he learned he was going to receive a B in the class. The teacher told police Loughner said the grade was unacceptable.
Outside of class, she spoke with Loughner and later told police she felt the discussion "might become physical." The professor was so concerned she wanted a campus police officer to watch over her class.
According to school officials, Loughner studied at the college from the summer of 2005 to September, when he was suspended after campus police discovered a YouTube video in which Loughner claimed the college was illegal under to the U.S. Constitution.
In all, he had five run-ins with police on two campuses.
In early June, the dean's office received a report that Loughner had disrupted a math class when he started arguing with the professor about a number. The possibility of a suspension was raised at the time, but no action was taken.
In a second memo on the math class, Loughner was proclaimed he had a right to exercise his freedom of speech. "I was not disruptive, I was only asking questions that related to math."
DeLisa Siddall, a counselor in the Educational Support Department, asked Loughner to explain the dispute. "My instructor said he called a number 6 and I said 'I call it 18.'"
According to the police report, Loughner said he paid $200 for the class "so he should have a right to speak." He said he felt that he was being scammed, as he had been in other classes.
Loughner was warned that the behavior had to stop or disciplinary action would begin. Since Loughner chose to continue attending class but remain silent she "had no grounds to keep him out of class."
On Nov. 30, the same day he bought the Glock, Loughner posted a YouTube video, seething about campus police and the college.
"If the police remove you from the educational facility for talking then removing you from the educational facility for talking is unconstitutional," he said on the video. "The situation is fraud because the police are unconstitutional. ... Every Pima Community College class is always a scam!"
School officials told Loughner and his parents that to return to classes he would need to undergo a mental health exam to show he was not a danger. He never returned.
But last year, his classroom conduct began to change. In February, Loughner stunned a teacher by talking about blowing up babies, a bizarre outburst that marked the start of a rapid unraveling for the 22-year old, who is accused of slaying six people and wounding 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
After his first flare-up, campus police decided not to intervene.
"I suggested they keep an eye on him," an officer wrote.
Loughner's on-campus behavior grew increasingly erratic, menacing, even delusional. Fifty-one pages of police reports released Wednesday provided a chilling portrait of Loughner's last school year, which ended in September when he was judged mentally unhinged and suspended by Pima Community College.
As the records were released, President Barack Obama visited Giffords in the hospital. Later, during a nationally-televised memorial service, the president revealed the congresswoman had opened her eyes shortly after he left her bedside.
Obama touched on themes of unity, patriotism and heroism in his address to the crowded arena with about 14,000 people, and he spoke at length about 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim of the attack. Her funeral was set for 1 p.m. MST (3 p.m. EST) Thursday, the first of six funerals.
As Tucson and the nation remembered the victims, new details surfaced about the busy morning Loughner had in the hours before the shooting.
According to authorities, Loughner hustled to Walmart twice, was caught by police running a red light but was let go with a warning, and later grabbed a black bag from the trunk of a family car before fleeing into the desert on foot with his suspicious father giving chase. Eventually, he took a cab to the grocery store where he opened fire on Giffords and a line of people waiting to speak to her.
Just three months earlier, he had been kicked out of school.
In a Sept. 23 campus police report, days before his suspension, an officer called to quiet another one of Loughner's outbursts described him as incomprehensible, his eyes jittery, his head awkwardly tilted.
"He very slowly began telling me in a low and mumbled voice that under the Constitution, which had been written on the wall for all to see, he had the right to his 'freedom of thought' and whatever he thought in his head he could also put on paper. ... His teacher 'must be required to accept it' as a passing grade," the officer wrote.
"It was clear he was unable to fully understand his actions."
The school reports provide the most detailed accounts so far of Loughner's troubles at the college, and he is depicted at times as "creepy," "very hostile" and "having difficulty understanding what he had done wrong in the classroom." School officials have not said if the reports were shared with any authorities beyond campus.
During his first outburst, in a poetry class, he made comments about abortion, wars and killing people, then asked: "Why don't we just strap bombs to babies?"
In an April report, librarians called police because Loughner, with ear buds, was making so much noise at a computer it was disturbing others. He promised it would not happen again.
But a month later, he became hostile with a Pilates instructor when he learned he was going to receive a B in the class. The teacher told police Loughner said the grade was unacceptable.
Outside of class, she spoke with Loughner and later told police she felt the discussion "might become physical." The professor was so concerned she wanted a campus police officer to watch over her class.
According to school officials, Loughner studied at the college from the summer of 2005 to September, when he was suspended after campus police discovered a YouTube video in which Loughner claimed the college was illegal under to the U.S. Constitution.
In all, he had five run-ins with police on two campuses.
In early June, the dean's office received a report that Loughner had disrupted a math class when he started arguing with the professor about a number. The possibility of a suspension was raised at the time, but no action was taken.
In a second memo on the math class, Loughner was proclaimed he had a right to exercise his freedom of speech. "I was not disruptive, I was only asking questions that related to math."
DeLisa Siddall, a counselor in the Educational Support Department, asked Loughner to explain the dispute. "My instructor said he called a number 6 and I said 'I call it 18.'"
According to the police report, Loughner said he paid $200 for the class "so he should have a right to speak." He said he felt that he was being scammed, as he had been in other classes.
Loughner was warned that the behavior had to stop or disciplinary action would begin. Since Loughner chose to continue attending class but remain silent she "had no grounds to keep him out of class."
On Nov. 30, the same day he bought the Glock, Loughner posted a YouTube video, seething about campus police and the college.
"If the police remove you from the educational facility for talking then removing you from the educational facility for talking is unconstitutional," he said on the video. "The situation is fraud because the police are unconstitutional. ... Every Pima Community College class is always a scam!"
School officials told Loughner and his parents that to return to classes he would need to undergo a mental health exam to show he was not a danger. He never returned.
Palin: Journalists incite hatred after Arizona shootings
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Sarah Palin posted a nearly eight-minute video on her Facebook page early Wednesday, accusing journalists and pundits of inciting hatred and violence in the wake of a deadly Arizona shooting that gravely wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Last spring, Palin targeted Giffords' district as one of 20 that should be taken back. Palin has been criticized for marking each district with the cross hairs of a gun sight.
In the video, the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate said vigorous debates are a cherished tradition. But she said after the election, both sides find common ground, even though they disagree.
"But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible," she said.
Jared Loughner, 22, is accused of trying to assassinate Giffords, wounding 12 others and killing six people.
"There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal," Palin said. "And they claim political debate has somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less heated? Back in those 'calm days' when political figures literally settled their differences with dueling pistols?"
Last spring, Palin targeted Giffords' district as one of 20 that should be taken back. Palin has been criticized for marking each district with the cross hairs of a gun sight.
In the video, the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate said vigorous debates are a cherished tradition. But she said after the election, both sides find common ground, even though they disagree.
"But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible," she said.
Jared Loughner, 22, is accused of trying to assassinate Giffords, wounding 12 others and killing six people.
"There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal," Palin said. "And they claim political debate has somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less heated? Back in those 'calm days' when political figures literally settled their differences with dueling pistols?"
Rep. Giffords opened eyes for 1st time since AZ shooting
(01/12/11) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Summoning the soul of a nation, President Barack Obama on Wednesday implored Americans to honor those slain and injured in the Arizona shootings by becoming better people, telling a polarized citizenry that it is time to talk with each other "in a way that heals, not in a way wounds." Following a hospital bedside visit with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the target of the assassination, he said: "She knows we're here, and she knows we love her."
In a memorably dramatic moment, the president said that Giffords, who on Saturday was shot point-blank in the head, had opened her eyes for the first time shortly after his hospital visit. First lady Michelle Obama held hands with Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, as the news brought soaring cheers throughout the arena.
Speaking at a memorial at the University of Arizona, Obama bluntly conceded that there is no way to know what triggered the shooting rampage that left six people dead, 13 others wounded and the nation shaken. He tried instead to leave indelible memories of the people who were gunned down and to rally the country to use the moment as a reflection on the nation's behavior and compassion.
"I believe we can be better," Obama said to a capacity crowd in the university's basketball arena - and to countless others watching around the country. "Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
In crafting his comments, Obama clearly sought a turning point in the raw debate that has defined national politics. After offering personal accounts of every person who died, he challenged anyone listening to think of how to honor their memories, and he was not shy about offering direction. He admonished against any instinct to point blame or to drift into political pettiness or to latch onto simple explanations that may have no merit.
"At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized - at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do - it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds," the president said.
The shooting happened as Giffords, a three-term Democrat who represents southern Arizona, was holding a community outreach event in a Tucson shopping center parking lot Saturday. A gunman shot her in the head and worked his way down the line of people waiting to talk with her, law enforcement officials said. The attack ended when bystanders tackled the man, Jared Lee Loughner, 22, who is in custody.
Obama's speech, by turns somber and hopeful, at times took on the tone of an exuberant pep rally as he heralded the men who wrestled the gunman to the ground, the woman who grabbed the shooter's ammunition, the doctors and nurses who treated the injured, the intern who rushed to Giffords' aid. The crowd erupted in multiple standing ovations as each was singled out for praise.
The president recalled how federal Judge John Roll was on his way from attending Mass when he stopped to say hello to Giffords and was gunned down; Dorothy Morris, shielded by her husband, but killed nonetheless, and Phyllis Schneck, a Republican who took a shine to Giffords, a Democrat, and wanted to know her better.
Obama spoke to a crowd of more than 14,000 in an arena and thousands more listened on from an overflow area in the football stadium. About a mile away, at University Medical Center, Giffords lay fighting for her life. Other victims also remained there hospitalized.
In a memorably dramatic moment, the president said that Giffords, who on Saturday was shot point-blank in the head, had opened her eyes for the first time shortly after his hospital visit. First lady Michelle Obama held hands with Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, as the news brought soaring cheers throughout the arena.
Speaking at a memorial at the University of Arizona, Obama bluntly conceded that there is no way to know what triggered the shooting rampage that left six people dead, 13 others wounded and the nation shaken. He tried instead to leave indelible memories of the people who were gunned down and to rally the country to use the moment as a reflection on the nation's behavior and compassion.
"I believe we can be better," Obama said to a capacity crowd in the university's basketball arena - and to countless others watching around the country. "Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
In crafting his comments, Obama clearly sought a turning point in the raw debate that has defined national politics. After offering personal accounts of every person who died, he challenged anyone listening to think of how to honor their memories, and he was not shy about offering direction. He admonished against any instinct to point blame or to drift into political pettiness or to latch onto simple explanations that may have no merit.
"At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized - at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do - it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds," the president said.
The shooting happened as Giffords, a three-term Democrat who represents southern Arizona, was holding a community outreach event in a Tucson shopping center parking lot Saturday. A gunman shot her in the head and worked his way down the line of people waiting to talk with her, law enforcement officials said. The attack ended when bystanders tackled the man, Jared Lee Loughner, 22, who is in custody.
Obama's speech, by turns somber and hopeful, at times took on the tone of an exuberant pep rally as he heralded the men who wrestled the gunman to the ground, the woman who grabbed the shooter's ammunition, the doctors and nurses who treated the injured, the intern who rushed to Giffords' aid. The crowd erupted in multiple standing ovations as each was singled out for praise.
The president recalled how federal Judge John Roll was on his way from attending Mass when he stopped to say hello to Giffords and was gunned down; Dorothy Morris, shielded by her husband, but killed nonetheless, and Phyllis Schneck, a Republican who took a shine to Giffords, a Democrat, and wanted to know her better.
Obama spoke to a crowd of more than 14,000 in an arena and thousands more listened on from an overflow area in the football stadium. About a mile away, at University Medical Center, Giffords lay fighting for her life. Other victims also remained there hospitalized.
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