Skip to main content

Yes, Blame the Arizona shooting on Sarah Palin

It is the inchoate fear of the increasingly virulent language and actions of the right-wing that led to this "senseless" shooting in Arizona today of the Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the killing of half-a-dozen people, including an aide and Judge Roll, along with injuring more than a dozen others.

After listening to Limbaugh, Palin, and their arch-conservative cohorts, it has been clear to me they have encouraged hate, fear, and violence in their attacks against the President, with lies, distortions, a total ignorance of the U.S. Constitution, all with a crucifix around her neck. 

I want our Democratic leaders and our President to call this for what it is:  Fear of how the world is changing, and how it must change, how it was destined to change.  In the next days, you will hear about the "senseless" killer(s).  Not true.  Everything is connected -- and the fearmongerers in this country who are making millions for their lies and hypocrisy need to be challenged by our leadership who understand that we must be tolerant, peacemaking, inclusive.

But of course, many of them won't -- they want to appeal to the "mainstream" who is also afraid of the changing demographics in this country, the economic and cultural impact of globalization, climate change, the aging economics of this country -- but please, they don't want things to change right now. 

So it will be up to us to call our representatives and demand that they take a stand on this shooting that is not senseless at all.

Better yet, I hope that women around the country take these guns away from the boys and the girls who think that being a boy is somehow special, once and for all. 

Power doesn't come from a loaded gun, Ms. Palin.  It comes from a woman who recognizes that we are here to heal the world.  A woman who stands up for Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Healing.  That kind of woman is truly fearless, it is not weak at all.  And that kind of woman is inside each and every one of us if we're not afraid to listen.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Can I get a VIA Bus after my cerveza?

Okay, so today I met with Juan Lopez, who, like me, rides the VIA bus. If you live in the city, the bus is pretty good if you're going north/south.  It's the crosstown buses and the 551 Looper that drives me crazy.  I wish they were more colorful, like in Mexico, and that the drivers were allowed to play their music!  This Calvinist heritage!  But I love the bus.  Babies, tattoos, the elderly, ride the bus. Humanity.   For reals. Today, Juan said something really profound. "If the city is so concerned about DWIs (Los borrachos, he means), then why doesn't VIA offer 24-hour service during Fiesta?" Are you listening, VIA? I know you offer special service for the basketball games, the Rodeo, And God knows what else... Or is the City wanting the fines from the DWIs or maybe just wants to put more borrachos in jail? http://www.viasmartmove.com

Twelve Heads in a Bag: Hector Saldana's Krayolas painting in bold, true colors

Longleaf pines are native to the southeast United States, and their conservation status is vulnerable. Only three percent of this historic, unrottable pine tree forest that can live up to 500 years remains. With long leaf pine (no smack gum) by the comeback sensations, The Krayolas, it is clear they intend to make great music for the long haul. I’m talking about one song in particular, “Twelve Heads in a Bag,” a deceptive rock-ballad (written and sung by Hector Saldana, with Max Baca on bajo sexto and Michael Guerra on accordion). Twelve Heads… is dedicated to the beheaded victims of Mexico’s drug wars. As has been said before but needs to be said again, it is the first corrido of the 21st century and it’s for the history books. Twelve Heads in a Bag makes you want to dance with a Lone Star in your hand, no matter the barbeque stains on your Tshirt, wondering why it wasn’t you in that bag.
Today is Tuesday, May 3rd, and so much has happened.  A brain tumor.  More yoga and walking.  A little less combat.  Weight dropping.  Spirit rising.  Back in the city, where I belong.  Looking for good photos to give you, organizing my crazy files.  And a new President!  So much to say, more than beating up on him -- that will only take us so far.  Time to hit the streets, challenge the fears that he represents.  Don't be afraid, no tengan miedo.  If I survived a massive brain tumor -- big as a grapefruit -- we can survive and transcend this. More tomorrow.  One day a week from now on.