On Gabrille Giffords

[DonCoquixote]

I made a loud comment that I wanted to explain a bit better, than I realized it might deserve it's own thread.

Look, it is simple science. If you reward a certain type of behavior, you will get more of that behavior. Whether you want to trot out Academic metaphors like Pavlov's dog, or simply talk about how a bratty kid screamed his or her way out of eating their vegetables, it's the same. Even if you never intened to reward the bad behavior, if someone sees it helps them get their way, they will do it again and again. Irf said person is a sociopath, or simply greedy, they will do that behavior a LOT, even to the point where they destroy themselves and everyone else in the area of the explosion.

LET'S CUT THE THE CHASE: THE RIGHT WING HAS BEEN REWARDED!
LET ME SAY IT AGAIN ANOTHER WAY TO CLARIFY:

SARAH PALIN has been rewardedfor putting Gabby Giffords in a literal CROSSHAIRS! This nation has said in a loud, clear voice "Sarah, the money you spent was worth every penny! Spend some more in the same way, and you will get more of what you want!"

The harpy that called for "SECOND AMENDMENT REMEDIES" and then had the nerves to wonder why we accused her of violence, got REWARDED! No every polticians can outright call for someone to be shot, and still collect, of all things, a fine giovernment paycheck, as well as whatever largess they get from the job, legal or otherwise.

RUSH LIMBAUGH, GLENN BECK, and all the assorted attack dog/lapdogs of the right have been REWARDED. They will continue doing exactly what they are doing.

But most importantly: the creeps that passed Citizens United are the big winners, because if this trick wiorks in Arizona, they will now have as much money as thye wat to repeat repeat repeat repeat and AMPLIFY the message.

Of course, let's not pretend this is anything new: especially since MLK day was last week, and Lincoln's birthday is near. But now what was once the mere act of loners and madmen will now have the massive support of Million dollar infascrutures. It is DOMESTIC TERRORISM, the means by which rich people convince poor ones to do atrocties that no army can do.

And yes, I know gabby is sick, yes I understand this must have seared her soul, but at the risk of being selfish, a leader knows that sacrifices need to be made, and that one of those scarfices means manning the gates so that the barbarian hordes do not ride through your city and slaughter everyone, and none of you can deny that those gates are open now!

To sum it up, this is a terrible day in American history, where we will see the fruits of many things: Clinton's compromise to the right on the Telecommunications act, The death of the Fairness doctrine, the bungled, castrated efforts at finance reform, but most importantly citizens united, which is about to turn the production of future assasins into a BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY! You know it is true.

[CTyankee]

3. I so totally agree with you! I had a similar, but much less serious, incident in my life in 2007.

I was working at a part time job for a small nonprofit and had a fairly "simple" elective surgery done to prevent acute diverticulitis. It was safe, I had researched it and had spoken with my gastroenterologist about it, and I was satisfied it would be OK. However, post-surgery I developed a serious scar tissue blockage, resulting in further surgery, subsequent infection, more surgery. Who knew? there was no test, no medicine, no way of knowing such a thing could happen. Either you develop scar tissue or you don't. Period.

I realized that the agency I worked for could not get the job done properly with me out for months, which was the case. I reluctantly but firmly resigned and helped the agency find my replacement. I could not stand in the way of the agency's important work but I also knew that I had a long road ahead to recover, which of course was the case. Nothing on the level of Giffords' situation, but an example of doing what you have to do.

[lacrew]

2. Huh?

The woman is recovering from a brain injury - her constituents deserve representation, more than she can presently provide.

As I understand it, her replacement will determined by special election - its not like Palin gets to reach down to Arizona and hand pick the replacement. If anything, this solidifies the seat, and makes it more difficult than ever for the GOP to flip it.

Finally, I sincerely doubt Jared Loughner was following Palin's Twitter account - the meme just doesn't work.

[lunatica]

4. Unfortunately sometimes they do win the battles

Gabby and other victims of violent crimes get to spend the rest of their lives, if they have one, fighting to regain health. Sometimes they win and there's not a goddamned thing we can do about it. And yes, it encourages them. The entire swell of teabaggers since Sarah Palin stepped on that stage for the first time is a result of being encouraged. She gave them permission to be hateful and violent and they ran with it. It doesn't matter that they seem to have tired of her. She turned out to be like opening Pandora's box, only I call it Sarah's box. The pestilence that has come from putting her in the public eye is what we face today.

We don't need to encourage anything. All they needed was Sarah Palin and the millionaire money to bus them around and pay for them to disrupt Democratic Town Hall meetings. They've taken over the reins now though as Scott Walker and his ilk have been elected. Not even the obvious threat of being recalled is stopping him from ramming legislation onto the floor. If anything he's sped it up.

They don't need our encouragement. They have their own.

[DURHAM D]

5. She doesn't owe you a damn thing.

You get in the fight to the extent that she has and then you can have a soap box.