It's the first night "on the road." After about 10 hours of uneventful driving, I find myself at the Hampton Inn in Forrest City, Arkansas. The roads are unusually icy here. I'm about an hour away from Little Rock and the Clinton Library; I'm really looking forward to that tomorrow.
Throughout my drive the news was filled with stories of the Tucson shooting on Saturday, and particularly the heated political "rhetoric" that we hear in the media these days. There were interesting conversations about mental health and firearms as well. I particularly enjoyed the conversations on POTUS radio and Pete Dominick's show in particular. We've got to do better as a country in our political discourse. What role does education play? Interaction design? These are issues for us to consider.
By the way, 20 year old Daniel Hernandez, an intern for Rep. Gabrielle Gifford, was a hero in helping to save the Congresswoman's life, providing her first aid immediately after she was shot, potentially endangering himself. But he responded with competence and action. Could any of us respond similarly?
Be well...
Marty
It is hard to know if one would respond similarly without being placed in such a situation. It is a gut reaction. I think that in the face of fear, he had the courage to stand stand up and do what he thought was necessary and best, whether it was right or wrong was to be determined later. That is a lesson we can all learn from. As for the political rhetoric, it is disgusting. I think all the politicians that allowed themselves to link politics in any such manor to this horrific tragedy are completely missing the point and are 100% disconnected from society. It is the bridge that I hate the most. It is not the left or the right or anyone in between. It is precisely this divided mentality that people hate so much. It is no longer governing for the sake of the country, it is more like a political sporting event now. It is all about wining and strategizing. Analysts for politics are like analysts on ESPN now.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, great post. Hope all is well.