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OpEdNews Op Eds    H3'ed 1/10/11

The tragedy in Tucson is about mental illness, anti-government sentiment and anti-Semitism, not politics


Michael Haltman
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From The Political Commentator, written by Michael Haltman
 

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Democrats attempt to take the tragedy in Tucson and politicize it

I have always said that if a deranged, insane or evil mind wanted to commit an atrocity in a free society such as the United States, there is not much that can ultimately be done to prevent it. That is one of the prices that we pay for the privilege.
Of course one could stay inside a building with metal detectors, explosive sniffing dogs and radiation sensors forever, but that of course is just not feasible and would not guarantee safety anyway.
In a free society the actions of a man like Jared Loughner are the exception not the rule and we are not set-up to deal effectively with such people by anticipating their future actions.
The murder and wounding of innocent people that took place yesterday in Tucson is an example of this fact.
Society is structured based on the rule of law as followed by sane and rational people. Men such as Loughner are neither so such rules are not effective in stopping the madness that develops inside their heads.
Politicizing tragedy

If they bring a knife to the fight we bring a gun

Some Democrats when speaking of this tragedy are engaging in an attempt to point the finger of blame at the Tea Party and Sarah Palin for campaign signs and slogans that had fighting rhetoric in them. Rep. Giffords was on a political "Target List" not unlike many political target lists that exist in campaigns.
Are phrases such as the one above over the top and potentially responsible for inciting violence? This phrase was uttered by President Obama and is not any more responsible for the actions of Loughner than phrases used by the Tea Party of Sarah Palin!
Sick, mentally ill and deranged minds will do sick and horrendous things.

Loughner is obviously insane, possibly anti-Semitic and anti-government. As a result, this man possessed the ability to target innocent men, women and children in a heinous attack.
Let's not color this tragedy as anything more than what it was. An horrendous and tragic event that critically injured some while killing many innocent victims including a nine-year old girl.
This is not a political football to be used by either side.
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Michael writes about topics that are central to the US economy and the real estate market primarily in New York.

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