Let tragedy make us better

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The search for meaning after a senseless act of violence, even if it’s bound to come up short, is part of human nature.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. For even if the pursuit inevitably adds to the sadness and frustration, it raises questions that can lead to fruitful discussions and needed introspection.

So what can be learned from Saturday’s assassination attempt on U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords outside a grocery store in Tucson, Ariz., a bloody rampage that left six people dead and 14 wounded, including the congresswoman?

One answer that seemed apparent to some right away — that hateful rhetoric and violent imagery in our political discourse can set off people already on the edge — was obvious before Saturday. Taking that notion several steps beyond fact, some were quick to assume that Sarah Palin’s use of gun sights to “target” certain congressional districts — including Giffords’ — last year was to blame.

The emotions that spark such speculation may be understandable, but they underscore a symptom of the polarization and lack of civility in our politics today. Those with whom we disagree aren’t the political opposition, they’re the enemy — capable of inciting or even inflicting violence.

Not constructive.

While Palin’s choice of imagery was juvenile at best, and certainly had no place in responsible campaigning, no evidence so far has shown that it motivated the alleged gunman, 22-year-old Jared Loughner. The picture emerging of him shows an increasingly deranged young man in a downspin that others had noticed.

Which raises another important public safety question. At what point does someone’s behavior suggest they’re dangerous enough to force an official intervention?

Loughner’s aggressive and erratic behavior had prompted Pima Community College to insist that he could return only after a mental-health professional agreed he didn’t pose a danger. Despite such official recognition, he was able to purchase the semi-automatic gun and ammunition clips that were allegedly used to such deadly effect Saturday. Can’t a reasonable and constitutional method be found to raise at least some barrier to a legal gun purchase in such a case? In a society with more than its share of deadly violence, it’s a question worth exploring.

So is a more civil, mutually respectful tone in our politics, even if the current lack of it isn’t directly responsible for Saturday’s attack. Responsible leaders of all political stripes need to rise above the hateful chatter and set a new example.

It might not bring meaning to this tragedy, but it would serve as a worthy tribute to its victims.