Reactions to and analysis of the killing spree in Tucson that killed so many innocent victims. What can we learn? by Joel S. Hirschhorn
(libertarian)
Monday, January 10, 2011
I confess to staying choked up and teary for many hours after the recent Tucson killing spree by an obviously disturbed man. I recalled my years as a congressional staffer when I participated in hometown events hosted by members of Congress and the frequent intensity of citizen rage that surfaced in them. Now that I have calmed down I look for larger lessons from this awful event.
A main lesson is that something terribly negative happens when huge numbers of citizens in an electoral democracy that is also a constitutional republic no longer believe in the power of voting to change, reform and improve their nation. Much of this sentiment relates to a huge loss of confidence in the two major parties that have sent successful candidates to run government, but a government that is widely seen as corrupt, dysfunctional and inefficient.
When citizens cannot eliminate their political opponents through voting and promoting the campaigns of candidates they support, then those that are irrational and have access to guns can resort to mindless violence, as did the gunman in Tucson.
The disintegration of American democracy that I have long described as delusional promotes toxic rhetoric within the two-party plutocracy. No one should be surprised that so much nasty, toxic rhetoric, particularly mass produced by cable and radio pundits and celebrities, produces an anti-social atmosphere in which psychologically disturbed individuals see violence as their only rational and effective option. Ugly rhetoric serves as entertainment as well as political strategy that pays very well. It is like a free buffet of poisonous food for those with weak minds who are psychopaths or sociopaths. The sad reality is that there are probably millions of such people in our nation, nearly all with easy access to guns and materials to make explosives.
The United States of Violence desperately needs an alternative to the police and criminal courts solution to political aggression, both semantic and physical. We need true, genuine and deep reforms of our political system. The kind that can make Americans eager to vote in elections, and even run as candidates and serve as campaign volunteers. Never forget that voter turnout in the US is abysmal compared to other western democracies.
I do not believe that either Republicans or Democrats in power will pursue the kinds of reforms that are needed. I hope that the energy of the Tea Party movement stays alert to the actions and behavior of Republicans in Congress, because if they do, then they will be rightfully disappointed and disillusioned. What unites Democrats and Republicans is their dishonesty and corruption. To change this will take monumental, revolutionary action that hopefully will be peaceful, though that is not the lesson of history.
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Posted By: Bentree
Date: January 12, 2011 01:14:09 PM
Joel wrote;
"I do not believe that either Republicans or Democrats in power will pursue the kinds of reforms that are needed. I hope that the energy of the Tea Party movement stays alert to the actions and behavior of Republicans in Congress"
If they do and stay engaged through at least two maybe three election cycles, it will take at least two for Congress to become believers, then there is a chance. I am not optimistic that we have that long, especially if Obama is re-elected, that will be our death rattle. I don't believe we have seen the last of problems at town hall type meetings, especially if the republicans begin to act like rinos and cinos again. It could get ugly and the progressives are just looking for an excuse to crack down. If they do I fear for my children and grandchildren, it could get ugly.
