MAY OUR HEALING BEGIN

This week the nation witnessed an unimaginable tragedy in Tucson, Arizona when a gunmen opened fire at an open forum with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. She remains in critical condition as do several others who were wounded at this event. Six people, including 9 year-old girl Christina-Taylor Green born on 9/11/01, were not so lucky and perished from the gunman's bullets.

Since that horrific event, there has been near-constant finger pointing and politicization. Thus, it was a breath of fresh air to watch President Obama's address from Arizona today.



President Obama's remarks were delivered with sorrow but also grace and the knowledge that we as a country will not be broken by this act. Indeed, he cited the fallen as ideals to which we should strive and whom we cannot let down with our behavior. He spoke of elevating our debate and focusing on civility. He shared with us the untainted view that 9 year-old Christina had of politics and what she must have hoped to get out of the event with Congresswoman Giffords last weekend. He reminded us that while we cannot stop all evil in this world, we are in control of ourselves and our actions. He reminded me why I am lucky to be alive with the family and friends that I call my own and why I put my trust in him some 4 years ago.

The mood in the country may not shift to civility after this speech. Rancor and partisan sniping may persist. Yet, on this January day in 2011, like that September day in 2001, we were all Americans first and whatever else divides us second.



The sign shown above from President Obama's address says it all. May our healing begin...