By Gary Rotto
SAN DIEGO — My friend Tyree, posted the following on her Facebook page:
“Can’t stop thinking about Giffords’ staffer who was killed or the other two injured. That could have been me… or a countless number of my friends and colleagues. Just at a day at the office. Just another event. When I think of all the events we have done and all the crazies we have encountered, this one just cuts too close to home.”
As ABC news cut into its regular programming to announce the shootings in Tucson, I immediately imagined what it would be like to experience this horrific situation first hand. As an ex-staffer, you wonder what would you have done? What could you have done?
Congresswoman Susan Davis observed that, “The event that Gabby had was very typical.” She went on to add that “these small community meetings are held to allow people to stop by and say hello, share a concern about a federal program and just allow easy access for people who work during the week and can’t come by the district office.” Just another day outside of the office.
With the vitriol that has dominated the larger town hall meetings, the Congresswoman notes that these small meetings tend to attract the average person, the one who is not inclined to stand up in front of a large vocal group, to approach their elected representative. “Easy access,” as she termed it.
Now, when staffers “advance” an event, looking for the right place to set up the table or to suggest where the elected official should stand so that people can talk about their concerns, we have that fear at the bottom of our stomachs what if something terribly wrong happens today?
“This is a terrible comment on our society,” adds Davis. “But it will probably make more people aware that language does matter. People can discuss things in a civil way.”
And they must, I find myself thinking. There must be a way to continue to be passionate about an issue but be civil. And while there will be those who rush to say that this was nothing but a deranged person acting out, I assert that by tolerating the type of imagery of using crosshairs to mark the district of elected representatives, we are desensitizing people, tacitly allowing them to drop their inhibitions.
The vitriol that passed for debate ahead of the town hall meetings on Health Care Reform last year caused many people – especially local law enforcement– to worry. “Local law enforcement – police and the sheriffs – called us before the events to see how they could be of help,” recalls. Davis. “They are much more comfortable to have people on site, not just for us, but for everyone.” For everyone.
There were six people killed and about 14 wounded or injured in the Tucson shooting spree. There are those who will say that having law enforcement on site is either taking the police away from preventing crime in neighborhoods or draining public funds for a special privilege on behalf of an elected official. However, Tucson shows that such protection would benefit the public.
“We were on a bi-partisan conference call today and we heard from key people – the leadership – including both Speaker Boehner and (Minority Leader) Nancy Pelosi – that law enforcement is there for all of us,” noted Davis in reflecting the very clear message that members of Congress need to notify and coordinate their public events with local law enforcement, especially at this time.
“You will have people say ‘forget it’; we’re not going to do this,” Davis notes when asked how things will change and if casual community meetings will continue. “My family is concerned. but we are going forward.” Davis notes that many members of Congress have held Tele Town Halls, in which a telephone call is placed to a group of constituents who can opt in to participate in a conference call with their member of Congress. This seems to be one way to get many people engaged and allow for people to ask questions of their elected representative. But Davis was clear that she plans to continue with in person meetings as well.
Davis considers Giffords a close friend. Both are involved in the Jewish community and sit on the Armed Services Committee. “She is a great friend, cares about people and cares deeply about her district.” Davis added that Giffords rides a motorcycle and is a gun advocate which some people could see in contrast to her personality. “She is sweet and soft and charming.”
Davis told of a post holiday conversation she had with Congresswoman Giffords. How did Giffords spend her winter vacation? “Gabby had been in Rome with her family,” tells Davis adding that the family had an audience with the Pope. “It was an amazing experience. I’m Jewish, but of course it was still amazing,” Giffords told Davis.
“Gabby was very passionate, but members on both sides of the aisle respect her,” added Davis. “If anyone can do it (make a full recovery), she can.” Maybe we should all say a Mishaberach? “Absolutely,” responded Davis. Maybe in his own way, the Pope will say that special prayer for healing for Giffords, her staff and for the people of Tuscon as well.
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Rotto is a San Diego-based freelance writer