Blog: A Gem from the Rubble

Many significant issues have been raised in the aftermath of the shootings in Tucson. This one event has triggered countless concerns and has shed light on major problems we all face. The issues of mental illness, gun control, and even political conflict flooded my mind upon hearing the news, and I know I was not alone.

The issue that I found the most pressing was the tension across political party lines. It is not necessarily as important in the events leading up to the shootings as many people argue, but it is critical in the aftermath. Our nation’s reaction to catastrophes such as this are important, and we are currently stuck pointing fingers across the political aisle, gritting our teeth and blaming all of the wrong people. Gabrielle Giffords was a politician that should be celebrated for her efforts to change this.

Giffords is a Democrat in a Republican district. This didn’t occur because she won in an off year for Republicans, or even because of a dirty campaign, but rather because of her willingness to connect to people with views other than her own. Giffords doesn’t limit herself to being a straight-ticket Democrat, or even a left-leaning person. She is a true moderate. Giffords is a strong supporter of the second Amendment and gun possession, supports immigration reform, and promotes green energy improvements. This is such a rare occurrence in the current political climate that many in her district and across the country have found faults with her ways. Giffords is not the one with the problem, but the person to look to for solutions.

Giffords should have been a household name long before the tragedy in Arizona, and I believe it was only a matter of time before her methods spread. I am a product of the numerous politically polarizing groups (such as the Tea Party) emerging in recent times. I can’t say that I am a member of one of these groups, because I am far from it. I am a newly found moderate. As I discussed this with others, I found that I am not alone. I recently thought about the definitions of conservative and liberal that have been drilled into my brain from a young age and I realized we have been restricting ourselves. These titles do nothing but encourage combative behavior and hinder our political growth. My search will continue for those beacons out of Washington: those that can truly follow the strides of Gabrielle Giffords.

Reacting to this event was difficult for me. Putting the pieces together is never easy, and when faced with a tragedy I tend to dig through the rubble to find that one gem, the thing to hold onto. In this case, I chose to look past the shooter and the hateful reactions. They don’t deserve another look. My eye was drawn to the thing that has given hope to a nation, the gem among rubble. My focus remains on Gabrielle Giffords.