Stop!

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

10 January 11

I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound. Everybody look what's going down.
– Stephen Stills

s I lay listening to Crystal Bowersox's timely cover of Buffalo Springfields' classic song "For What It's Worth," I reflected on the events in Arizona that have stunned our nation.

It is not enough to dismiss this as an isolated incident that was the work of a mentally disturbed individual. We must pause and reflect on the poisoned, hate-filled political climate that led to this despicable act.

It is not enough to condemn the actions of the shooter. We must also condemn the root causes of this violence. It is not enough to blame the other side of the political spectrum and continue to demonize people we don't agree with. We must recommit ourselves to trying to reconcile our differences without resorting to violence.

While we must take responsibility for our own actions, we must also condemn activities that threaten to fuel the fire and call on public officials to repudiate past actions that could lead to further violence.

Sarah Palin should immediately apologize for placing crosshairs on Congresswoman Gifford's congressional district and clearly condemn all acts of violence against political opponents. I am not saying that Sarah Palin intended her political ad to inspire the atrocity that was committed. However, we have already seen reports of another member of Congress targeted by Palin's crosshairs receiving a threat stating that he is next. If Congressman Bobby Rush becomes the next victim how will Sarah Palin's silence be viewed? And what further violence will result?

I also call on Fred Phelps and his followers to stay away from the funerals of the victims of the national tragedy that took place on Saturday. Protesting at their funerals will only add to our national suffering at a time when people need to heal.

I could continue to point fingers - at Glenn Beck, Fox News, et al - but instead let's all reflect on our own actions, and make an effort to do our part in toning down the rhetoric while continuing to stand up for what we believe in.

I am not saying give up on your beliefs. I am saying we need to be more civil in our tactics, or we all will be losers as our country becomes more divided.

Scott Galindez attended Syracuse University, where he first became politically active. The writings of El Salvador's slain archbishop Oscar Romero and the on-campus South Africa divestment movement converted him from a Reagan supporter to an activist for Peace and Justice. Over the years he has been influenced by the likes of Philip Berrigan, William Thomas, Mitch Snyder, Don White, Lisa Fithian, and Paul Wellstone. Scott met Marc Ash while organizing counterinaugural events after George W. Bush's first stolen election. Scott will be spending a year covering the presidential election from Iowa.

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