Expressing Sense of House Regarding Arizona Shooting

Floor Speech

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Ms. MCCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, last Saturday in Tucson, Arizona our colleague, Rep. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS, was shot by a disturbed gunman while she was meeting her constituents. This shooting resulted in the death of six Americans who were participating in the most common of events in this democracy, a meeting with their congresswoman. Fourteen additional Americans were wounded in the attack, including the critical wound suffered by Congresswoman GIFFORDS.

On January 10, 2011, dozens of concerned and compassionate Minnesotans visited my St. Paul District Office to express their support for Congresswoman GIFFORDS, the victims, and the people of Tucson. They also expressed their heartfelt condolences to those who were killed.

With the consent of the concerned citizens who I have the honor to represent, I submit the eloquent words of Minnesotans who send their prayers and support for Representative GABRIELLE GIFFORDS and all of those whose lives have been hurt by this senseless act of violence. I join them not only in praying for healing and peace, but I will continue to dedicate myself to working to make a more peaceful and less hostile America.

The following comments were made by Minnesotans who visited my St. Paul district office on Monday, January 10, 2011. These messages of support and sympathy were transcribed directly from their individual handwritten notes.

``My prayers and thoughts are with the Congresswoman and her staff. This act of horrific violence was a response to the everyday work that public officials do on a daily basis to serve their constituents. Congresswoman Giffords and her staff's work exemplifies this. I hope that the Congresswoman can continue to do this important work.'' Henry Parker, St. Paul, Minnesota.

`` `It is here my daughters, that love is to be found, not hidden away in the corners but in the midst of occasions of sin. And believe me, although we may more often fail and commit small lapses, our gain will be incomparably the greater.'--Saint Teresa of Avila'' Loren Cramer, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I'm so sorry to hear of this violent attack in Tucson. I hope for and pray for Giffords and others.'' Mary Doran, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Keep up your work. We need you now more than ever.'' Jason Garrett, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``God bless America. Thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.'' Nicole Ly, Oakdale, Minnesota.

``Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your staff, and your family during this difficult time. You have the nation behind you with an outpouring of love and well wishes.'' Shelly Schafer, Woodbury, Minnesota.

``Although Congresswoman Giffords may have been the target, all citizens who engage their elected officials have become unsettled by this act. Civil war < Be civil.'' Mary Jane LaVigne, Birchwood Village, Minnesota.

``I am so sad to hear about the shooting. I pray for your recovery. I want you to be strong and continue to be the fighter that you are so you can continue to walk and serve the people of America. Thank you for your service. Your district is giving up a lot for America and my thoughts are with you.'' Kao Ly Ilean Her, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My heart goes out to the Giffords family. I was born and raised in Tucson, and now serve in the Minnesota House. To think our public servants are under attack is so sad. We pray for you Gabby. We pray for the victims.'' Nora Slawik, Maplewood, Minnesota.

``Our thoughts and our prayers are with all the victims of the Arizona shooting!'' Susan Zumberge, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, the other victims, their loved ones, and the people of your congressional district. We hope that if any good will come of this horrific event, it will be that people will once again realize that our fellow citizens, regardless of political views, are human and deserve to be treated with respect and civility. Our words can have consequence so far beyond our intent.'' Steve Schaus & Angela Braun, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My heart is terribly heavy with this horrific event. For any public servant to be struck down while serving the people is an appalling affront to every citizen. For innocent and random

people to be struck down in this way is an affront to all humanity. Let us all pray for the families of the victims, and work for peace among all people.'' Ross Willits, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Gabby, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you recover. I am deeply saddened that someone like yourself who has willingly given of themselves has become a victim of such a senseless act. We pray that the rhetoric that inflames will be replaced by words of cooperation and collaboration in our houses of Congress. Blessings to you and your family.'' Jeanne Sedgwick, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``There are no words at my command to express my sorrow at what happened and my warm best wishes to all you so affected by truly cruel and senseless violence.'' Elmer Pierre, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Rep. Giffords: Please accept my deepest condolences. I also wish you immense strength and courage.'' Heather Meyers, Eagan, Minnesota.

``As someone who has been involved in politics for years and met many members of Congress, I was horrified as I watched the events of this past weekend unfold. I was deeply saddened by this attack and I want to show my support for the victims and their families. I hope and pray for a speedy recovery and I believe that Congresswoman Giffords' service and devotion to her country is truly heroic. You are in the hearts and minds of all Americans. God bless.'' John Moore, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I offer prayers for Representative Giffords, her family, and all others affected by this senseless, terrible tragedy. The wounded and killed, especially Christina Green and her family. May you be comforted and strengthened by the prayers of our nation.'' Florence Steichen, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``We need better gun control measures and an increase in civil discourse--sending prayers to the families who lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence and also to the family of Congresswoman Giffords for her speedy and full recovery.'' Lyn Burton, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Congresswoman Giffords: Thank you for your service. Thank you for your support of health care reform. Prayers for you and your family for strength in adversity.'' Mary J. Pohl, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``The rhetoric of violence, scapegoating and demonization must end! My sympathy to Rep. Giffords, her family, her staff and all victims of violence in Tucson.'' Richard Lee Dechert, Maplewood, Minnesota.

``My prayers, thoughts, and heartfelt sympathy go out to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords's family, friends, and supporters. My daily prayers will include the wishes for the long term recovery of Congresswoman Giffords. I express my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the Federal Judge, the young girl and all others who died or were harmed by this uncaring perpetrator.'' Fred Gates, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Please know that you are loved and supported in vastly greater measure than the distortion and hatred that made this unspeakable tragedy possible.'' Lori Stee, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My thoughts are with Rep. Giffords' family as they support Gabrielle's recovery and with the others affected by this violent act. We are incredibly lucky to live in a country where political violence is extremely rare. The rhetoric that creates a context for violence must cease. Hate is not a response for disagreement.'' Anne Claflin, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I extend my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Giffords and all the victims of this senseless tragedy. There are consequences to the violent rhetoric that plagues the political landscape today--it's the innocent and the brave that suffer.'' Dr. Mary de Leon-Denton, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

``My prayers are with you and especially I pray that somehow, someway, some good will come of this horrible tragedy.'' Michael Michauk, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Congresswoman Giffords, I give you my deepest and heartfelt support to the service and honor you give to our country. The needless violence and anger that has been shown in our country over politics has to stop. It is sad that something like this had to happen in order for the dialogue to begin to change how we promote change with deepest prayers and sympathy to all harmed.'' Aaron Crawford, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``In this time of great sorrow and shock, my great hope is that all this will serve to wake up those in our nation who don't believe that gun violence is a huge problem that needs to be addressed--yet again. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you--and with our country!'' Julie B. Goldstein, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``To Congresswoman Giffords, her family and those injured and killed: This morning I received a note from two constituents--St Paulites in the summer and Arizona snowbirds in the winter. Gene and Ginny shared their affection for `our dear Gabby'. The road ahead is difficult for all of us. I wish you strength in your recovery and wisdom for all Americans as we reconcile the meaning of this tragedy with our own actions as citizens. To be truly free from violence and persecution, we must persist in our efforts to maintain an open society where we can disagree peacefully and move forward together. My best to you and your families.'' Minnesota State Rep. Erin Murphy, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``To Congresswoman Giffords, victims, and their family and friends: My heart goes to all of you, and I continue to pray for all of you. Public service is noble work, and it is difficult. Thank you for all you do, and know the goodwill of the people of our state and country is with you at this very difficult time. Together, we will heal and find grace in our democracy.'' Minnesota State Rep. Kate Knuth, New Brighton, Minnesota.

``My heart bleeds for all of you. Courage.'' Ted King, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

``May you experience a speedy recovery. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.'' Peter Austin, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

``May you heal and feel better in time. You are in our prayers. May God be with you. You are in our thoughts as you recover from this tragic event.'' Paehin Young, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

``Thank you for all your service to the country. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your staff. We need more people like you.'' Sam Dougherty, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Our prayers go out to those affected by this attack'' Kevin Weingart, Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

``My thoughts are with you and your community in this time where senseless violence has changed how everyone feels. Public servants and those who engage in our government and the political process should not fear for their safety. I hope that everyone affected by this tragedy can come together in solidarity. Thank you for your service and bravery.'' Meagan Bachmayer, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

``May the sun rise in your hearts and souls. Our deepest condolences, warm wishes and never-ending prayers are with you.'' Jill Curran, Larry Wichlans and Family, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I feel so saddened by the events in Tucson, AZ. My sincerest sympathies go out to all the victims. God bless, Gundy.'' Gundy Gunderson, Oakdale, Minnesota.

``A truly tragic moment in our nation's history. My prayers and support are with the victims and our nation's leadership as we struggle with the complex issues that led to this violent event.'' Cheryl Westman, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Thank you for doing this, our prayers are with the Giffords family. This is not what our country is about. It is time to come together.'' Jody Prip, New Prague, Minnesota.

``Blessings of hope and prayers for each one of the innocents killed and injured in this tragedy. This feels the same as the tragedies of Bobby Kennedy, MLK and 9/11. God help us all--if we calm down--we will get through this.'' Robert F. Riesert, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Following the violence, it has been a painful and angry weekend--much of it emailing my own vitriolic reaction to personal friends. Expressing fear for our country and the safety of our representatives was a helpful and immediate necessity. The shock remains although many of us, as was Gabby herself, feared the new language and images presented often now in a repetitive fashion filling the airwave and filling especially vulnerable minds with pictures of weapons as political tools. We shared emails then too, as we heard and watched the rhetoric become louder and scarier. Helpless to counteract these emotional appeals, we signed petitions condemning them. We still wait helplessly for the apology that will not come. We pray for cool down and safety.'' Janyce Kovash, St. Paul, Minnesota.

`` `Violence is a cycle,' said Dr. King. When met with senseless actions against public servants and the public at large, we must strive to do justice to the sacrifice and heroism of so many--by reaching out to those who serve and thanking them by tamping down the rhetoric and respecting those of all political persuasions. And also by answering the call to justice and caring for our friends and neighbors. We will never have a satisfactory answer to the question `why?' but we can use the moment to consider for fully `how?'--How do we ensure that this never happens again? My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, especially Gabe Zimmerman, who gave his life in service to the people of Arizona. It could have been any of us. I also wish Rep. Giffords a speedy recovery and hope to see her return to the House and serve her constituents.'' Devin Driscoll, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Please accept my deep sympathies for your current situation. We as, U.S. citizens, are a very special society. Those that attempt to steal our lives, and the lives of our friends, will find that we are strong in the face of adversity. The actions against the U.S. citizens in Tucson, including Rep. Giffords, are a tragedy that I hope is never repeated. Trusting in God's healing and your full recovery.'' Jim McKie, West St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Thank you for all of your work and service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we hope you have a speedy recovery.'' Warren Claflin, South St. Paul, Minnesota.

``This weekend's events were a sad reminder of the consequences that can arise when political rhetoric becomes hateful or violent. Angry, upset and unbalanced people respond in unpredictable ways. Thank you, Rep. Giffords, for your service to your district and your country. Thank you to the staff that helps you in this work. No American should ever fear violence as a consequence of participation in our democracy.'' Paul Rohlfing, lives in Minneapolis, works in St. Paul.

``Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family from the St. Paul Federation of Teachers in St. Paul, Minnesota.'' Julie Hawkins, Inver Grove, Minnesota.

``I feel anguish at this terrible violence (senseless) and the resulting loss of life and hurt. Gun violence is too prevalent in our society and too many unstable people have too easy access to guns. I do lay some blame on radio shows with hosts that stoke the flames of people's anger and sit back and say they have no responsibility. Please continue to get stronger and the keep the faith.'' Julia Fish, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``In these challenging times, know that the thoughts, prayers, and best wishes of all Americans are with you and your family. We mourn the loss of life, and share your vision of a healthier and stronger country. One of my close friends works in Congresswoman McCollum's office in St. Paul. I know how hard our public servants work, and you must be so proud of the bravery of your young staff intern, Daniel. I am sorry beyond words that this happened. Peace to you, and all who were impacted by this tragedy.'' Adam Robinson, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved in this terrible tragedy. Hopefully this will become a time of healing, and a time when the vitriol between opposite sides ceases. We pray that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all the wounded recover. Our condolences go to those who lost their lives in Tucson. We pray for the safety of all public officials, and the continuing health of our nation.'' Tom and Susan Pugh, South St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Our thoughts are with you as you recover from this brutal and senseless attack. I am confident you will continue to serve the people of Arizona and the United States. To the families who are struggling with this unimaginable loss, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you.'' Samantha Gemberling, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I wish Congresswoman Giffords, and all others who were wounded, a steady and complete recovery. I also wish to extend my sympathy to you who lost family members. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.'' Cheryl Kenney, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My prayers are with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all who have been injured or killed in this vicious act of violence against persons serving US citizens as part of this great democracy--also with all who love them. To be engaged in dialogue on the issues--to engage civilly in our civic process needs to be returned to our democracy from citizens to the media to the halls of Congress. Committed to civil civic engagement and to prayers for our prayers for our nation as we move forward from this tragedy, I remain,'' ``Ginger'' K. Virginia Hidsfrom, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My family and I were stunned to hear of this senseless violence. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of those killed, and we pray for ongoing strength for those wounded and their families.'' Kathleen Proctor, Lauderdale, Minnesota.

``To all in Tucson, AZ affected by this senseless tragedy: You have support from us in Minnesota by way of encouragement during your time of pain and grief. We will advocate for a return to civil discourse in the US rather than vitriolic campaign language that goes on. May your pain and anguish turn into positive communication among people in every community of our country.'' Joanne Tromiczak-Neid, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My heartfelt wishes and prayers to Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and constituents she proudly represents. My heart, mind, and soul grieve for those who have died and have been injured by this senseless act of violence. May we, as citizens of the United States, and as members of our global world, continue to foster peaceful solutions to violence that surrounds us.'' Mary Tacheny, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My prayers go out to you, you who were injured or killed, your families, your friends, your loved ones. My prayers go out to you, you who witnessed the violence, you whose lives won't be the same. I pray for the person who did this. Only God understands. I pray for our country to find peace. God bless you all. May somehow, some good come of this.'' Laura K. Kochevar, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``I thank all public servants and especially their staff for their dedication to the people they serve. As a former staffer, my heart goes out to all the families directly affected by this tragedy. Also I send the thoughts and prayers to every Member of Congress and their staff to get through this and pray that our country will learn from this and stop the incendiary rhetoric. Thank you.'' Kathleen Murphy, St. Paul, Minnesota..

``We are all saddened by this tragedy. As Speaker Boehner said, `An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.' We all stand with you and your staff in solidarity as we grieve this incident and work to make sense of this senseless event. We thank you for your sacrifices in service to the people of Arizona's 8th District. May you all have a speedy recovery and also never forget those who were lost, and use the memories we have as a guide and inspiration for the future. Godspeed, Gabe Zimmerman, Christina Green, Judge John Roll, Dorothy Morris, Dorwan Stoddard, and Phyllis Schneck.'' Melissa Jamrock, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Change-makers walk a difficult and scary path. But one that gives us hope and energy. Thank you for walking, for walking yours with courage and pluck. My heart aches for the violence, pain, and fear that has been done to all of you and us. I send you my heartfelt wishes for healing, safety, and peace.'' Sheri Smith, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Love will conquer all. Remember you have the support of the people. Be well.'' Chuck Repile, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``My deepest sympathies for Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and their families during this difficult time. I wish the Congresswoman and all those injured a speedy recovery.'' Cameron Erickson, Eagan, Minnesota.

``To all parties involved: This is a tragedy in every sense. Not only for Rep. Giffords, Chief Justice Roll, and the other civilians involved. Now, more than ever, it has become apparent we are a broken, divided nation in need of repair and healing. We must disconnect from hateful political rhetoric and campaigns and come together in this time of tragedy. God bless the Giffords.'' Louise Dickson, North Oaks, Minnesota.

``To all AZ residents: This is truly a tragic time, not only for the families of those directly affected by this horrible incident, but all residents of the 8th district and the state. They have lost their representation and voice in DC and in government--the foundation of our country. That a mentally ill young man did not get the help needed, was allowed to legally purchase a weapon, and used it against innocent citizens--is wrong. That our political discourse has gotten so angry that it fed this young man's delusions is wrong. We must always remember there are other Loughners out there. May all those wounded hail those who died and may we all learn from this.'' Laura Neritt, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Thank you and thanks to all our U.S. representatives for your dedicated service. Our freedom sits with all of us as you represent we all the people. I pray for your good health and protection.'' Carol Gariann, Shoreview, Minnesota.

``My condolences to the shooting victims, their friends, and families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and all who feel the pain of this tragedy.'' Mark Jenkins, Maplewood, Minnesota.

``My condolences go out to the families of the victims of this horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to you all.'' Kenneth Sinn, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Rep. Giffords--you are right. We will be mellowing the rhetoric. Let's listen to the Pima County Sheriff.'' Rick Cardenas, St. Paul, Minnesota.

``Like Congresswoman McCollum, I am shocked at this event and want you all to know I am thinking of you. Some good may come from this evil, however, as people are now discussing the role inflammatory speech may play in today's America.'' Bernice Vetich, St. Paul, Minnesota.

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