Like many, I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on what happened and praying for guidance. After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event.
President Reagan said, “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election.
The last election was all about taking responsibility for our country’s future. President Obama and I may not agree on everything, but I know he would join me in affirming the health of our democratic process. Two years ago his party was victorious. Last November, the other party won. In both elections the will of the American people was heard, and the peaceful transition of power proved yet again the enduring strength of our Republic.
Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.
Read her full statement here
President Reagan said, “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election.
The last election was all about taking responsibility for our country’s future. President Obama and I may not agree on everything, but I know he would join me in affirming the health of our democratic process. Two years ago his party was victorious. Last November, the other party won. In both elections the will of the American people was heard, and the peaceful transition of power proved yet again the enduring strength of our Republic.
Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.
Read her full statement here
16 comments:
Well but, Governor Palin, that's quite possibly the best statement I've heard from you. Thank you for putting the issues in perspective.
We are responsible for our own actions. First and last.
While I don't think she is to "blame" for the actions in Arizona, I do believe that she set an angry tone in this country when it comes to politics.
When it was first announced that John McCain had chosen her to run with him, I was delighted.
The delight quickly changed to dismay once I heard her spewing her hateful words.
She's a beautiful woman on the outside but she proves whole heartedly that beauty is only skin deep.
She's pretty ugly on the inside, in my opinion.
I definitely wouldn't ever want to be around her in person. She's filled with hate and spews it regularly while at the same time trying to make herself look like a saint. Sorry Sarah, you're no saint!
I don't think that she is angry or filled with hate.
I actually watched her show on TLC (the one that was cancelled), she seem like a nice person.
She is just way over her head and is incredibly stupid. I don't think she even realized that crazies like Loughner may actually take her seriously.
I agree that this is a refreshing change in tone from her. I hope that she will continue to state her views, but do it with a little less verbal venom and political trash talk. And yes, there are others that need to do the same thing. I, for one, would just like to here an intelligent give and take of ideas instead of a playground smackdown.
Politicians like Palin and the media pundits on the right and left are directly responsible for poisoning political discourse in this country. This has nothing to do with the violent attacks over the weekend. But has everything to do with the reality of American governance today. Instead of a factual exchange of ideas and policy proposals, we have now two sides stuck in perpetual campaigns looking to demonize the other side and jam through their respective agenda as if their party is God's gift to governmenance. We as the American people have bought into this system, which is remarkable considering that we are the main ones who suffer.
I think she is great. It is nice to see someone with some common sense to be in the political arena.She is not the problem with this country, it is more like the media and left who try and exploit these tragedies for their own gain in political power.
12:12, is it possible for you to see that there are always 3 sides to a story? It's people like you who have blinders on and can only see blame on one side. There is enough responsibility for the tone of our national discourse on BOTH sides. Until folks like you get that, these problems will be forever perpetuated.
While everyone is accusing the left and the media, does anyone remember that it was Rep. Gifford's own father whose statement told us to look at the tea party for responsibility. Those were words from a distraught father, and his gut was reacting to what his daughter endured during a very ugly campaign in
Arizona. Of course we now know this loony was probably not a tea party person, but it's the emotions they invoke that caused this gut reaction. Palin is not responsible for this shooting; her violent, gun/shooting based rhetoric does contribute to the climate that leads people to have such suspicions. Again, there is no place for "reload" and crosshairs on maps in any civilized debate. Yes, you have the right to say it, but that doesn't make it right or productive. That's what Palin doesn't get, and that's why she will never be president.
geezus, how do some of you even put your clothes on without help?
I wish you could all move to your own country and see how long you last.
liberalism is truly a mental disorder.
thank God for the second amendment.
I wish 1:31 could see beyond the end of his nose. But even if he can't, he can still get a gun! Lucky us!
whatever she is , or is not,she scares the dem party to death. they hat her more than Hitler
we all live in glass houses..so lighten up francis..she is a trooper, has smarts, talks perfect sense that hard working middle class folks get... and it scares you don't it..an independent right of center women..she allot better then Hillary or any other progressive democratic lady you can bring up..I say Condi rice and Plain in 2012 YEHH..clean the floor with any dem team ...oh wait I used a janitorial slur towards my democratic opponent..oops sorry)
Hope a right winger does not misunderstand me and goes out and buys a bucket n mop and cleans house
Please some of you, learn how to spell!!!!!! Sarah Palin is a Class Act!!!!!! She understands what this Country is about and she LOVES it and she would NEVER go to another country and apologize for the U.S. like a current one did!!! Do you all realize that he has flown on Air Force One 172 times in 2 years! More than any other President while they held office!!!!! So, while Sarah is out hunting and filling up here freezer with food, We the TAXPAYERS are paying $100. dollars a pound for steaks to be flown in to the White House for the current ones in it! Can't even say his name!!! Also as for the Congresswomen, I am praying for her and she has a D beside her name and she is a moderate one and when she is all better and looks back on this and hears and reads everything I will NOT be surprised to see an R beside her name!!! 7:35, you are funny!!!!!!! Glad to see some people understand what is going on!! I will take Sarah anytime!! A. She is married B. has 5 children (one with downs, Isn't he Beautiful?) C. LOVES her family. D. She is very intelligent. E. She presents her self very well! F. She is for protecting our Country and stands for the Troops!!!! Sarah, You will have my vote anytime!!!!!
BTW, The "Rights" are always responsible for (our) themselves. The "Libs* always want to blame others!! Typical!! I think I know of a current leader who does that!!! Also, If you don't like what this country is about, please leave or better yet, Go stand in front of out troops. I am almost positive they would love for you to be there! I stand behind the troops and our country and great news, the current one will be out of office in approx. 763 days!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!
Well said 944PM. Thank you!
LOL, whoa what a rant. Thanks for informing us that Obama is A. single B. is a slouch with only 2 kids, none with a disability C. doesn't like them anyway D. is a dum dum, forget the ivy league success E. slouches when he talks and wears wrinkled shirts and F. hasn't sent troops out to win our wars or use clandestine/aerial attacks to kill terrorist leaders.
4:58 that was an awesome response. too funny. Unfortunately you can't convince these numbnuts.
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