Congresswoman Shot in the Head

…

…

Fox reporting that she is still alive and in critical condition

Four others are dead, including one child.

Tragic

CNN, Reuters, & NPR have retracted their reports that she has died. So for now the official word is she is in surgery.

Looks like damage control is being done everywhere, just in case. Pages showing/mentioning crosshairs are being taken down by Palin, Kelly and others. Just 20 min ago this still existed:

http://www.votejessekelly.com/news/2010/09/05/kelly-……places-crosshairs-squarely-rep-giffords

Now the link just takes you to the generic “we lost” page. Again, I really hope it wasn’t politically motivated… :-/

h/t Jason Kelley

News speculations are that this was motivated by the Health Care bill. Citing other congress members stating that they have received threats regarding their vote on the HC bill.

Yes indeed. I’m just in shock!

Surgeon speaking re: Congresswoman Giffords. She is out of surgery and they are optimistic about her condition. She was shot in the head, it was a thru and thru shot, it did pass thru her brain.

Per the Hospital: 1 Child killed, 5 others in critical condition. This report does not include any other hospitals reports.

Correction on spelling of individual in custody’s name. It is Jared Laughner not Jerrod.

More MSM sources are citing the name as the potential suspect’s name. Also citing that he is a 22 year white male. Unconfirmed is that he is an afghan veteran

Murphy they are also starting to pull down the FB and youtube pages posted by jared loughner the possible shooter.

#5 Murphy
The congressman from California was killed in Guyana while visiting Jonestown. I think his name was Ryan.

Maybe he wasn’t counted because his death took place outside the country and therefore he wasn’t actually assassinated ‘in the United States’.

Here’s that link

http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/08/giffords-opponent-jesse-kelly-held-june-event-to-shoot-a-fully-automatic-m16-to-get-on-target-and-remove-gabrielle-giffords/

Here is what Rep. Gifford HERSELF had to say 3/15/10 about “Consequences” To Palin’s cross-hair Hit List

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/36033690#36033690

I agree Zee, (and I know you are not accusing me of anything) and I am not in anyway giving a pass to the perpetrators. BUT, we are after all taking about Arizona, and the rhetoric and the “second amendment remedies” bullshit has to be not only called out, but also addressed. And that goes for ALL of those that have used that dangerous rhetoric for their political purposes. Additional appendages, or lack there of, has nothing to do with it. If they used this “rile up the crazies” crap, I want the spotlight shining brightly on them… ALL OF THEM!!

Giffords Opponent, Jesse Kelly, Held June Event to “Shoot a Fully Automatic M16″ to “Get on Target”.
http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/08/giffords-opponent-jesse-kelly-held-june-event-to-shoot-a-fully-automatic-m16-to-get-on-target-and-remove-gabrielle-giffords/

Per Puppethead in the comments, Giffords’ 2010 Congressional opponent Jesse Kelly held a June 12 gun event that was billed as follows on the Pima County Republican website: Get on Target for Victory in November Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office Shot a fully automatic M15 with Jesse..

.

Zee,
yep, unfortunately.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-01-08-gifford-shooting_N.htm

you probably already have this link, but at least Congresswoman expected to survive. The child who died was a 9 year old girl. If this is a duplicate, apologies. Careening around after dragonflies all day. . . just got the news. The psychosis of the patriarchy . . .

Watergate, Oklahoma City, Ford, Raygun, abortion doctors…
crosshairs, “Get on Target for Victory in November Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office Shot a fully automatic M15 with Jesse.”, “they bring a knife, we bring a gun.”–Obama, “get in their faces” — obama, “a man goes into a room with Hillary, and only one walks out”, hanging Palin in effigy…

kill the bill, the bill is dead on arrival, killer movie, killer game…

For those who object to so-called “word police”, words carry meaning, words carry weight, words mean something, words can be inciteful, words are one of the carriers of culture…

Websters’ First New Intergalactic Wickedary of the English Language
Authors: Jane Caputi, Mary Daly

The author “believes that our present language has evolved as part of a process of systematic repression of women by men. . . . {In this work she attempts to create} a new working vocabulary, able to express exclusively female experiences and phenomena. . . . The core of the Wickedary, the ‘Word-Webs’, contains alphabetical, ludic reconsiderations of words . . . and the delving after derivations to imply new, factitious meanings. In this section may be found ‘Webster’ (not Noah, of lexicographical fame, but ‘a woman whose occupation is to Weave, esp. a Weaver of Words and Word-Webs’) and ‘Wickedary’ itself–’dictionary for Wicked/Wiccen Women; Metamysterious Web-Work Spun by Websters; Guidebook for the Intergalactic Galloping of Nag-Gnostic Voyagers; Book of Guide Words for Wayward, Weirdward Wanderers’.” —from the Times Literary Supplement

So sad. Such a beautiful woman. Such a beautiful person. This was a truly evil act, committed with complete disregard for the collateral damage.

Obama said to bring a gun if they bring knives. That is our POTUS. We are lucky there has not been more violence. And even though we know who shot Bill Gwatney, we will probably never know why.

THE POTUS IS A THUG FROM CHICAGO!

Blame the Tea Party? Palin? The rumors are flying. Including the rumors that the shooter was a leftist.

The latest I hear is that the shooter was not acting alone and they are looking for middle aged male as an accomplice.

i didn;t hear about the shooting until almost 8:30 when I logged onto my computer in time to see the video of the Sheriff’s press conference. He said the shooter tried to enlist in the army and was rejected, which CNN confirmed later. Sheriff said he could not discuss why the shooter was rejected due to privacy laws. I immediately thought ‘gay’ and thought he may have believed that now he could join the armed forces. His writings are pretty left wing. My speculation is that he is actually a left wing nut and true to obot mysogyny, chose to go after a woman politician (conservative dem who supposedly voted against Pelosi as House Speaker). Stay tuned for more info. By the way, Hillaryis44 has saved his videos and facebook pastings.

Everyone except for me

invalid
I told you, from Hillaryis44 where his videos and Facebook are posted. Still no facts about this, just speculation.

His writings are pretty left wing.
——————–
Wha?? Have you read his writings on his youtubes?
They seem to be anti-government and anti-grammar (??)…

or anti-currency or anti-language.
Hard for me to understand when I read them.

BigCatLover 01.08.11 at 10:30 pm

Well you got that right…. “no facts” …. Want some facts??
here I’ll point you on a trail and after you have traveled it, come back and tell me if it still believe “His writings are pretty left wing.”
deal???

You have read his writings about grammar and language.. yes?? (I assume those are of which you speak) if not start there, .. then Google David wynn miller sovereign citizens movement or just go to the southern poverty law center (splc) and read about it there to start. here I will even start you with a link

http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/fall/the-sovereigns-leaders-of-the-movement

there do some of your own research, instead of just tossing out crap and then coming back with “no facts yet” and get back to me if you can then tell me this at all looks like “His writings are pretty left wing”

and pardon the inserted eye roll here, I hate the propaganda games placed when this crap happens!!

Jeez, Invalid. Everyone is in shock and no one can be sure of any motives yet. Didn’t mean to step on your theory if you have one. You and DWP talk among yourselves. I’m outta here until things calm down and I get some facts.

BigCatLover 01.08.11 at 11:02 pm
No need to go away mad, I simply ask you to back up your statement
“His writings are pretty left wing” I simply sent you down a path that would clearly show you that your statement “His writings are pretty left wing” could quite possibly be absurd.

Sure hate it that an opinion that differs from yours, that comes with a bit of possible evidence has sent you running for cover, it was not my intent.

Invalid
I read a comment on FB where someone said one of the shooter’s favorite video was one in which an american flag is burned…
no one can conceive that the a rightwinger / republican/ tea partier would burn an american flag.
That might be where the “liberal” thing is coming from.

yep, that is another reason that the “sovereign citizens movement” could have been involved. here is the “favorite video”

http://www.youtube.com/user/Classitup10#p/a/f/0/3L1lsLU-kUw

also included was this:
_______________________
=|
If there’s no flag in the constitution then the flag in the film is unknown.
There’s no flag in the constitution.
Therefore, the flag in the film is unknown.
Burn every new and old flag that you see.
Burn your flag!
I bet you can imagine this in your mind with a faster speed.
Watch this protest in reverse!
Ask the local police; “What’s your illegal activity on duty?”.
If you protest the government then there’s a new government from protesting.
There’s not a new government from protesting.
Thus, you aren’t protesting the government.
There’s something important in this video: There’s no communication to anyone in this location.
You shouldn’t be afraid of the stars… etc etc…
_______________________

Sorry that video, and quote sounds anything but “left” to me

As recently as Saturday, the killer posted a message on his Myspace account hinting that he was going away.

“Goodbye,” he wrote at about 5 a.m. Saturday. “Dear friends . . . Please don’t be mad at me.”

Just spitballing here, but watch How that flag was burnt. Although, not exactly done correctly, if you know how a flag is officially supposed to be destroyed, this one has many “correct” elements. It was done in silence, the stripes were cut and burned first, although the blue and the stars were not first removed, and burned last (as is “correct”) they did burn last. I dare say that this flag burning was a variation on a reverent flag burning.

DancesWithPumas 01.09.11 at 1:08 am
But that isn’t the important thing here
———-
But to me, what IS IMPORTANT is that all this rhetoric that has been used to make political careers and gain or maintain power in this country, and force the fear of loosing their country into the hearts of the citizens, this “us” against “them” crap is fricken dangerous and has consequences. No matter who that politician is. And it has got to stop.

my heart is breaking..

“Nine-year-old victim of deadly Tucson shooting rampage identified”

“TUCSON, AZ – The identity of the nine-year-old tragically killed in Saturday morning’s shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona is Christina Taylor Greene.”

snip-
“Born September 11, 2001, Greene was excited about the political process, was on the student government, and went to the Giffords event Saturday to learn more about the political process, family members say”

http://www.kidk.com/news/national/113148689.html

************************************************************************

My thoughts and prayers are with Rep.Gabrielle Giffords and All of the victims and their families.
So horrible..it’s hard to find the words.

for me at this moment..there is no right or left to this story..
just dead and wounded..
pain and sorrow.

night (((Pumas)))

oh ..I want to say..

I’m not reacting to anyone on this blog..I appreciate all of the links, opinions and discussion here by Pumas.
It’s just that I took a spin around the blogesphere and all of the finger-pointing drove me crazy.
I should stay away from ‘memorandeum’ for a few days.

((((Pumas))))

((((Pumas))))

PumaRhythm, I concur…it’s crazy-making looking at everyone all over the blogosphere pointing fingers and trying to make this an ideological war.

The little girl had just been elected to student government and was excited to meet her congresswoman. Heart-rending.

The gunman was a disturbed young man whose influences seemed internal.

Now they are going on about the congresswoman’s being Jewish and trying to make it an antiSemitic act.

One thing I haven’t been able to chase down…it’s being reported the shooter was a vet…and also that he was rejected from the army. Which is it??

I’m back with some more reports I heard late last night and this morning (note, I said reports, not facts). Fox says Loughner is ‘a member of’ or ‘affiliated with’ or ‘influenced by’ a group called American Renaissance. I looked them up and found a site for American Renaissance magazine. Pretty extreme and yes, Invalid, they seem to be right wing. Look for yourself. Again, I’m not sure this is the same group:
http://amren.com/siteinfo/index.html

I also heard about midnight last night that he was rejected by the Army in 2008, not recently as the media seemed to be reporting all evening. So, since that didn’t happen recently, it probably did not trigger him and my speculation that DADT was involved is not valid since it happened before repeal of the law.

He’s a nut, and I was trying to counter all the anti tea party, palin, etc. propaganda that was flying around the internet based on what I saw and heard. All my statements were clearly labelled as ‘thoughts’ and ‘speculation’ and in no way facts. I never claimed to have all the facts.

DWP – sorry I didn’t mean to bring you into the argument, I was just referring to who was on the blog at the time I left. I didn’t see freddiebrown’s comment until this morning.

I’m off to try to get more info. Okay Invalid, attack away.

I am stunned!I am stunned!
We need mental health clinics on every corner in America, when can we put on colored ribbons and march for mental health!
Obamacare is shit!

“Scan This: You can’t even protect your public servants, you peckerheads!”

Truer words…

I am so sad and angry………

#95 Ditto NYS DITTO! Thank you…..repeat none of their drivel.

Are they counting on Americans being that stupid to swallow this bs? Or are they themselves the morons?

——————————
I say BOTH!! The usual crap on a propaganda roll.

News conference with FBI’s Mueller coming up on Fox and CNN.

20 people were shot, 6 died. The congresswoman is able to follow simple commands, is still unable to speak….she’s in a medically induced coma with part of her skull removed and reserved in case of brain swelling. The bullet passed thru the left side of her brain.

The other man wanted in connection with this shooting is not necessarily involved, but he must be found and questioned to determine this. It may have simply been an older man who entered the scene the same time as the shooter. They had a surveillance shot of him from above.

Law enforcement officers are not routinely informed of political gatherings or meet and greets. Sometimes they are, sometimes not. There is no immediate plan to make such events safer, if possible, but there is a conference call today with all members of congress and law enforcement agencies.

Well, delle, I wouldn’t put it past the obamacrats. One the regular WH trolls is over at TN guerilla women working overtime insisting the shooter is connected to the tea party. No link, no proof.

Off topic but worth noting. Received from the Alice Paul Institute . . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Jon Houston, Maloney, 202-225-7944
Menendez Press Office 202-224-4744
Ilan Kayatsky, Nadler, 212-367-7350
David Frey, Moore, 202-593-8574

As Constitution is read aloud,
Maloney, Menendez, Nadler, Moore cite need for Equal Rights Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. Gwen Moore, along with representatives from national women’s organizations, joined outside the Capitol today– as the U.S. Constitution was being read on the House floor– to highlight the absence of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and restate the need for its passage.

Maloney, the prime House sponsor of the ERA in the last eight Congresses, said, “As the Constitution is read inside the Capitol today, America is hearing what is included in the Constitution. But we are here outside the Capitol to point out what is excluded: explicit equal rights for women under the Constitution. So, thanks to this new Majority– and to Justice Scalia– for making clear what we, here, already know: that women need equality written into the Constitution—an equality that cannot be easily repealed.”

Menendez, the Senate sponsor of the ERA in the last Congress, said, “Three out of four Americans assume that the Equal Rights Amendment is already part of the Constitution, and many others probably believe that social progress has eclipsed the need for it. But Justice Scalia’s recent comments have made it crystal clear that until equal protection for women is explicitly spelled out in the Constitution, the courts might not guarantee it. In 2011, I can do my banking on my cell phone, I can have all of my music and photos in the palm of my hand, I can even video chat with friends and families thousands of miles away — but I still can’t guarantee to my daughter that our legal system will protect her against discrimination. It’s time to fix this.”

“It is mystifying to me that we are still fighting to ensure that equal rights for women is codified in our nation’s constitution,” said Rep. Nadler. “This amendment is common sense, nonpartisan, and long overdue. I proudly join Congresswoman Maloney, Senator Menendez, and Congresswoman Moore, along with the many committed women’s advocates across the country, in supporting this pivotal legislation.”

Moore, co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, said, “It’s a wake-up call when a sitting Supreme Court Justice says there is no Constitutional protection for women against discrimination. Apparently women’s rights are at the whim of the Court and will remain that way without the Equal Rights Amendment.”

Huffington Post link regarding politicizing the act of a mentally ill individual. This troubled young man might’ve been another VA tech type shooter…had he not been kicked out of his school pending examination by mental health professionals.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dj-jaffe/gabrielle-gifford-jared-l_b_806279.html

Here is a tribute to Christina, the beautiful little girl who was as American as they come…into ballet and softball and just entering the public arena at age 9.

http://themoderatevoice.com/97556/politicizing-murder-an-arizona-story/

off topic: (a feel good story)
Now here is a story that should be spread far and wide, but since it is totally against the “us” against “them” rhetoric you can bet it will be ignored.

“Muslims turned up in droves for the Coptic Christmas mass Thursday night, offering their bodies, and lives, as “shields” to Egypt’s threatened Christian community”

Story link:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/3365.aspx

Former person-of-interest in Tucson shooting was a cab driver who drove gunman to supermarket.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2011/01/law-enforcement-releases-photo.html

Thanks for the story on Egypt, invalid. Much needed!

lorac, I do believe I read baseball and just amended it to softball because I thought they don’t teach young kids baseball but use softballs. I don’t have school-aged kids so I may be behind the times in this. I’m sorry if I got that detail wrong!!

Zee, think of Little League – it’s baseball! Boys are SPECIAL lol

I had no idea, lorac. Good to know!

The people shot were so promising and/or involved in making the world better.

There has to be more intervention on behalf of these young troubled kids who take others down to their personal level of hell.

There’s APS (adult protective services) to report possible elder (or disabled) abuse, there’s CPS (child protective services) to report possible child abuse – but I can’t think of anything for the ages in between.

Apparently the shooter was suspended from college for his disruptive behavior, and they told his parents he could not re-enroll until he had a psych eval clearing him. The shooter decided to leave school, instead.

The school took action to protect the people at the school, and they notified his parents of the need for psychological evaluation. But there was no notification to the larger world, or to an agency mandated to check him out. Maybe we need an agency like that, something for the people who need help in between childhood and senior status… then the school, or his parents, could have placed a call, and someone would have had to check into the situation – before a tragedy like this happened….

Thanks Delle

Everything about this incident from the finger pointing MSM, Politicians, Pundits etc. just sickens me, people died and where horribly injured, that’s what they should be talking about.

I am completely disheartened, not listening or reading the news today.

I have lit a candle and am saying prayers for all the victims and their families. That’s about all I can handle today.

lorac #121, unless of course you are catching for Cat Osterman!!!
http://www.catosterman.com

Apparently KOS is implicated in inciting violence in the Gifford shooting and he has been scrubbing away.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/01/is_daily_kos_to_blame_for_giff.html