Gabby Giffords: A Few Words

[Alan Grayson]

A reporter called me a little while ago, and told me that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been shot at a public event. She is in critical condition.

I'm going to let others comment on what this means for America. I just want to say what it means to me.

Gabrielle Giffords and I served together on the House Committee on Science and Technology. She was the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, and I was a member of that subcommittee. Her D.C. office was one floor above mine.

I saw Gabby dozens, if not hundreds of times, during our two years together. And nearly every time that I can remember, she was smiling.

Gabby is one of the most cheerful, charming and engaging people I have ever known. She's always looking on the bright side. She has something good to say about pretty much everyone. Bad news never lays a glove on her. She loves life, and all the people in it.

No matter what is going on in your life, after fifteen minutes with Gabby, you'll feel that you can touch the stars.

Everyone knew that Gabby would have a tough race in 2010. (She actually won with 49% of the vote.) But I always thought that if each of her constituents could spend that fifteen minutes with her, and see what she is really like, then she would win with 99.9% of the vote. (Same thing about Harry Teague of New Mexico, who lost, and a few others that I could name.) You would want her as your Congressman, because you would want her as your friend.

I know nothing about the man who shot Gabby, and what was going through his mind when he did this. But I will tell you this - if he shot Gabby out of hatred, then it wasn't Gabby he was shooting, but rather some cartoon version of her, drawn by her political opposition. Because there is no way - NO WAY - that anyone who really knows Gabby could hate her or hurt her. She is a kind, gentle soul.

My heart goes out to Mark Kelly, Gabby's husband, and the many, many people who love her. Gabby, we don't want to lose you. Please stay here with us.

Alan Grayson

[The_Commonist]

1. Thank you, Sir...

Your words mean a lot to us here.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

2. kick

:kick:

[lisa58]

3. Thank you Congressman, that was beautiful

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Thank you. A message from someone who knows her is good to get (nt)

[progressoid]

5. Thanks for this.

k/r

[Taverner]

6. Thank you Congressman Grayson

:hug:

[Dennis Donovan]

7. Well said, Congressman. And welcome back, albeit under distressing circumstances...

My heart gos out to Gabby, Mark and everyone else involved in this horrible event...:(

[Avalux]

8. Thank you for this.

Words aren't just words, and any attempt by the media to poo poo the rhetoric used by her political opposition as harmless is idiotic. Words are powerful tools and can be used to invoke strong emotions; and in this case, incite a disturbed young man to take action against innocents.

Gabby, the other victims and their families are heavy on my mind today....

[MissDeeds]

9. Thank you, Rep. Grayson

It means a great deal that you came here to share your thoughts about your friend and colleague. She is in my thoughts and prayers, as are all those who have been affected by this horrific event.

:grouphug:

K&R

[bemildred]

10. Thank you, Sir. nt

[panader0]

11. Thank you sir. K&R

[Harry Monroe]

12. Mr. Grayson, you are a man of principle

Congress needs a lot more like you. I hope you are considering a return to politics soon sir! Your values and attitudes are sorely needed in trying times like this. Thank you for your service and hope to see you in Congress again soon.

[Ruby the Liberal]

13. Thank you, Congressman. K&R

[ElsewheresDaughter]

14. tears

[nashville_brook]

15. so good to see you here again...

i've been thinking about you...the Palin map reminded me.

i think this has many of us aware that there are those who seek to "muzzle the intelligent, by emotional excitement on the one hand and terrorism on the other." and we simply cannot fall prey to this.

your example of standing up for what is right continues to give me strength.

[DirkGently]

16. Thank you, Congressman. Our thoughts & well-wishes are with Rep. Giffords & the others hurt.

[DemReadingDU]

17. Thank you for sharing

[Stargazer09]

18. Thank you so much for this.

:hug:

[Hugin]

19. ...

:kick:

[me b zola]

20. Thank you

:grouphug:

[LeftishBrit]

21. Thank you. All good wishes to Gabby Giffords.

This incident was devastating. It has shocked the world, not just America.

[pa28]

22. We're all upset but it sounds like she is a friend of yours. Hang in there.

BTW thanks for stopping by again and thanks for great service in Congress. I'm hoping for a second chapter.

[smokey nj]

23. Thank you, Mr. Grayson.

[Lindsey]

24. Thank you, Sir. K & R

[midnight]

25. K&R

[Faryn Balyncd]

26. Thank you, Congressman Grayson. You are an American hero.

[girl gone mad]

27. Thank you, Congressman.

Judging from her interviews and the statements of those who know her, she is very clearly a kind-hearted person with much courage, compassion and intelligence. Despite your differing personalities and political styles, I think that both of you represent the very best in politics.

It's tragic to know that the actions of this killer, as well as the unrelenting vitriol and aggression emanating from the right, will no doubt dissuade many good people on the left from entering into politics at a time when we need good people more than ever.

I hope for the best possible recovery for Representative Giffords.

It feels like our country will never be able to heal from right wing extremism.

[WillyT]

28. Thank You Congressman Grayson - K & R !!!

:patriot:

:kick:

[Tripod]

29. Thank you, Congressman, for sharing your kind words with us.

:(

[Blue Owl]

30. K&R

K&R

:patriot:

[Doctor_J]

31. Welcome, Congressman. We now know what you risked

by serving the country as a Democrat.

We're up against a barely-human subspecies who will literally stop at nothing to get us to not be a part of the country any more. Your service, and your attitude, are what keeps America livable.

[Lugnut]

32. Thank you, sir.

Your personal thoughts and observations mean a lot.

[niyad]

33. thank you so much, rep. grayson, and welcome back here.

[Rhiannon12866]

34. Thank you for taking the time to post this, Congressman.

That was beautifully said. ;(

[Aristus]

35. Thank you, Congressman.

...

[grasswire]

36. may only good things come from this tragedy

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

[Tripod]

37. Thanks for your insight of Gabby.

I have found this to be the consensus of Gabby.

[mercuryblues]

38. Kick.

Very nice words for Gabby.

[stevenleser]

39. Too late to Rec, but I am kicking and Recommending this in spirit!

:kick:

[OneGrassRoot]

40. Thank you. It's comforting to see you here.

:hi:

:hug: