The President will fly to Tucson today where he will attend a memorial service for the victims of Saturday’s shooting. He will also address the nation. In his speech the President is expected to express his condolences to the families and commend those who put their own lives in danger to offer assistance. He is also expected to call for a more civil tone in our political discord. On this final point let us hope he succeeds.
The President’s speech comes at a time when hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric has become accepted rather than the exception. It comes at a time where violence and threats of violence against elected officials are at an all time high. The Secret Service reports that death threats against members of Congress have increased substantially over the past two years. Members of Congress and other high ranking officials who were never afforded protective details now have them because the Secret Service is concerned for their lives. Political pundits who voice their opinions now see an increase in violent threats.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s tragedy House Speaker John Boehner has emerged as a leader for restraint. He has called for an end to the harsh rhetoric that has dominated the political landscape and in so doing has struck just the right tone. His actions, words and demeanor are to be commended.
There are some that have already gone on record in their hope that the President fails tonight. They see this speech as merely an attempt to use false compassion to win political points. These utterances are crass and deplorable.
It is said that the President has poured a lot of himself into this speech. It is said that he has been up into the night trying to find just the right words to move this country to a more civil place.
All Americans, regardless of political persuasion, should hope that he succeeds.
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