What did we learn from the Arizona tragedy?

After reading all the blogs and newspaper articles yesterday and today about the tragedy in Arizona, I feel as though everyone is having the same argument they did back in March and April of 2010 that was rehashed from years before. In other words, they’re regressing, instead of what we should be doing–progressing.

As Nicole Coulter at Conservatives 4 Palin writes, “As victims still fight to survive, and as families mourn, we who love and support Gov. Palin feel dual pangs of sadness. We witness the senseless violence springing from the mind of an unstable individual and we also witness the cruel divide of politics that apparently can’t even take a day off to pray for fellow Americans.”

Coulter is addressing the reignition of the age-old argument over political rhetoric and a mis-directed blame by some toward the Tea Party and Sarah Palin. Even though it’s clear the Arizona shooting was the work of a mentally unbalanced young man lashing out at the government, the rampage has reignited an argument and false narrative that continues to feed the anger, hatred and division.

But why? One thing is clear–Americans are angry, still.

People are unhappy about the unemployment rate, executive bonuses, the national debt, mortgage bailouts, stimulus packages, and more. People are in anger over the direction of our country. The health care bill sparked a wave of tension, bringing death threats and vandalism to politicians on both sides of the fence and continues to have many pointing fingers as the tide of anger and outrage grows. There’s frustration on the left and the right and it seems lately there’s little compromise on major policy matters.

Although it’s an awful way to receive a wake up call, the Arizona shooting can be looked at as an awakening. So what can America learn from this heinous act? First, that violence is not the answer. We all have a voice and that’s our vote, which is why we should all use it. Second, is that political rhetoric is NOT to blame. Just as we witnessed back in April, the attention and misplaced blame is simply being used as a distraction method, trying to veer Americans away from the most important issue at hand–the problems plaguing our nation.

Debate is good. It’s healthy. But at the end of the day, and beyond all of the divisive politics, Americans need to channel their energy on the one thing everyone can agree on–that Americans need to put the needs of our country first. People want a government that’s going to do its job, safeguarding and protecting our nation from unbalanced people who wish harm on our great nation and people.

So as we look ahead to 2011, to a new year that calls for unity and positive transformation, we must also focus on the American way. The American way to stop, pause and reflect on the lives that have been lost, and forever altered and how Americans help communities cope with a disaster.

…

As published on Examiner.com