I don't think anyone could have said it better...its high time in this country that we held people personally accountable for their actions and not used every tragedy as an opportunity to advance any personal agenda, leftist or otherwise.....I think the American people as a whole can see through this rhetoric...thanks for you balanced viewpoint

The only reason the leftist thugs demand that the gun committed the crime is to justify - in their minds - their decision to relieve every American of our Second Amendment rights now. Why? Because as long as there is the threat of armed rebellion from us, they will be unable to fully enslave us into building their demented version of utopia.

When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.

The statists think the answer to everything is more government. What is the answer to big government?

Imagery contributes to violence, eh? THEN ALL YOU DEMOCRATS PLEASE HURRY UP AND MAKE LAWS TO BAN ALL VIOLENCE ON TV AND IN MOVIES AND OTHER MEDIA, ESPECIALLY VIDEO GAMES!!!!! QUICK!!!

We've been telling you for YEARS that our children are being systematically and constantly exposed to images of violence and sexuality and immorality that may numb them to human suffering and/or distort their ideas of the difference between right and wrong. Suddenly, NOW, you say that images DO contribute to violence?

So seeing Sarah's political crosshairs on an Internet website page took a teetering brain and shoved it right over the edge of reason, then the fact he had a GUN - which is attributable to lack of strong gun control laws - enabled him to go kill someone? PULL-EEEZE...

...so this means that if any of us sees a picture of a donut, then the person who publishes the photo of that donut is ultimately responsible for us arming ourselves with the means to fatten our children, right? And it would never have happened, had we not had ACCESS to the donut, right?

If you people would look at statistics, you'd see that the above imaginary (and wildly ridiculous) scenario makes JUST ABOUT as much sense as saying that stricter gun control prevents crime.

After working with police and courts for 35 years of my adult life, I can tell you that if a deranged person or a criminal with deliberate intent to eliminate another human life, is bent on doing so, they will STEAL a weapon...and if a gun isn't available, knives, clubs, bats, axes...well, the list is nearly endless...ANYTHING can be used or obtained that'll do the job. Robbing decent people of the right to defend themselves and their homes and property, has always resulted in more intrusive government, and less protection for the innocents.

PS: How come nobody is airing the fact that one of the murdered in AZ was a Republican judge????? So much for poor Sara Palin's crosshairs being to blame, eh?

I mean seriously, when are you Dems gonna get REAL and stop jerking us all around? If you want our trust and respect, start doing something to EARN it.

Mark, this is a fine example of real journalism.. I thank you.

I must applaud the tenacity of the liberal left. They have their talking points and ideology. No matter what, they will stick to them. Truth nor logic enter into their conversations.

Personally I get very frustrated when FOX News tries to interview a liberal, no matter what question they spew what they were sent in with. They really believe that We The People are stupid.

They should pay attention to what happened 11/2/10. The lame stream media, though still influencial has been neutured.

The symbols on the Palin map do not represent the "crosshairs" of a rifle scope. Those symbols are representative of a land surveyor's map location. Even Congresswoman Giffords was wrong in her previous mention as to the "crosshairs".

The liberal positions on just about everything is proof of the effectiveness of socialist propaganda.

Which side made a movie about the assassination of a sitting president?!?!?

Thanks for this island of clarity amongst the tides of demagoguery. The Left(progressives, left and right) are always looking to blame, blame, blame. Not that we do not, but they certainly pile it on.

Time for the people of America to stand together and be American.

semper fi

An excellent synopsis of where this tragedy has gone in the minds (a oxymoron if ever there was one) of the 'progressive' left. But then personal responsibility was never one of their arguments as that detracts from the 'village' philosophy. If one is guilty, then we must all be guilty! How utterly rediculous! The Great Communicator had it absolutely correct, we are each, and everyone responsible for our individual actions.

I wish there could be a million Mogadishus.- Nicholas De Genova, Professor at Columbia University

I hate Republicans and everything they stand for. - Democrat National Party Chairman Howard Dean

"[Republicans] idea of equal rights is the American flag and Confederate swastika flying side by side."

Julian Bond, president of the NAACP

"In South Africa, we call it Apartheid. In Nazi Germany, we'd call it fascism. Here in the United States, we call it conservatism." - - Jesse Jackson

It’s impossible to be both a Christian and a Republican.” - Hillary Clinton

The object of politics is to beat the other person’s brains out. – Hillary Clinton

“What we need now is not just a regime change in Saddam Hussein and Iraq, but we need a regime change in the United States." - Senator John Kerry (D) April 2, 2003

The rest of the crew (of Republicans), they just kill people for fun. - Aaron McGruder addressing the graduating class at Emory University

“We would stone Henry Hyde to death. Shut up! Shut up! And we go to their houses and we kill their wives and their children. We kill their families.” -- Alec Baldwin, on the Conan O’Brien Show

"Real freedom will come when soldiers in Iraq turn their guns on their superiors." - Professor John Daly, Warren Community College, New Jersey

"The United States has lost the war in Iraq, and that's a good thing.... I welcome the U.S. defeat... it's essential the American empire be defeated and dismantled." Robert Jensen, University of Texas

“Terrorists are freedom fighters.” Steve Best, “Chair,” Philosophy Department, University of Texas, El Paso

University of New Mexico professor Richard Berthold informed his young students that blowing up the Pentagon earns "my vote."

“I have a very hard time with this word ‘non-violence,’ because I don’t believe that I am non-violent…. Right now, I would love to kill George Bush - Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate July 24, 206, Australia

“I mean right now, I could kill George Bush , no problem. - Betty Williams, July 11, 2007, Dallas , Texas

"I could have gone to 1600 Pennsylvania and killed the real bird with one stone." - John Kerry on the Phil Maher Show

"They bring a knife, we bring a gun." - Barack Obama

"The man who, how do I phrase this diplomatically, who will put a bullet between the president's eyes if he could get away with it. The toughest senator, the best representative. A great, great member of the Congress of the United States." - New York State controller Alan Hevesi at the Queen's College Commencement, where he was formerly a professor of government and politics, in 2006

http://michellemalkin.com/2011/01/10/the-progressive-climate-of-hate-an-illustrated-primer-2000-2010/

@TJS re: 01 13 11 at 12:42 --

"The statists think the answer to everything is more government. What is the answer to big government?"

No.

Strange place to put a lever safety, Mr. Ramirez.

Macabre though it may be to consider, I can only imagine how the Tuscon shooting would have played out had the law-abiding citizens present been armed as well.

To my understanding, a recent development in Arizona law provides the ability for citizens to carry concealed firearms without a permit, one of the few states in the Union to do so, and open carry, though I'm sure would arouse suspicion, is also technically legal, even without a permit.

I would contend that neither looser nor stricter gun laws are, enacted by themselves, an adequate method to prevent gun violence. This psychopath, Mr. Laughner, did what he did with the confidence that nobody would be able to challenge him, despite the ease by which an Arizona citizen can obtain a weapon. Perhaps, then, we must not only make it easier for law-abiding Americans to arm themselves, but we must also encourage them to do so.

"...Being necessary to the security of a free state," indeed.

It is interesting that with every article about Representative Gifford's attempted murder, the more moderate she becomes. I have seen clips of her secure-the-borders speech, and I am told that she is pro-gun.

Yet the two past full years, 2008 and 2009, that the Club for Growth has rated her, she earned a grade of 12 (out of 100) for her votes on bills that are growth-related. That compares with Pelosi and Sestak who each had a 7; Stupak (MI) at 13; and even Left-winger Kucinich (OH) scored a 28. Could it be that Giffords doesn't vote as moderately as she speaks?

Excellent commentary Mark. Thinking about the word "Target" and the bulls-eye symbol at the top of your essay - if the word and depiction is so evil, shouldn't the namesake discount department store chain be shut down?

The irony may have escaped some, but not all: the "polarization" to which BHO refers and to which he calls for an end, is nothing more than the product of his own radical leftwing ideology. In all things there must be balance; the extreme right is created to offset the extreme left. If BHO were more to the center, the offset would not be so far to the right.

Does no one remember the most radical leftist of all? The one who puts paid to the leftists lies, deceit and subterfuge? I'm speaking of a horrible little man named Lee Harvey Oswald. I don't hear anyone on the left bringing that name up. Wonder why?

Thank you for this in-depth posting.

Each and every liberal, left-wing, progressive,

statist pundit, T.V. 'journalist', and politician

owes Sarah Palin and the American people a profound

apology for their unwarranted, empirical and

unfounded remarks and reactions to Tuscon over the

past five days. The very people who hold the

microphones are the ones subscribing to this

despicable and divisive behaviour.

As I wrote on so many sites yesterday; the real issue and the primary topic of discussion, should

not be gun magazines and plastic shields, but rather

the importance of healing and repairing a failed

mental health care system, which in fact was

promulgated upon this nation by Democrats many

years ago, allowing people like Loughner to remain on the streets. So, now it's time, my fellow Americans, for everyone and especially our legislators to concentrate on the state of our mental health laws, so as hopefully to avert another Loughner from carrying out his sick vengeance on innocent people.

Good luck, America.

Thank you! Might I add? If guns kill people, so do YouTube and social networking sites such as Facebook. (Isn't that where a lot of murderers leave their suicide notes or other murderous plans for all to see?) Round 'em up and shut 'em down, boys, they're dangerous!

Sen. Barbara opined that "it should not be easy for a killer to obtain a gun...".I know that my reaction will fall on deaf ears, but has the Senator considered that, at the time Jared Loughner purchased the gun, he was not a "killer". That being so, in her mind, we all become potential killers, and since we can't distinguish between those who are and those who are not, we must of necessity, confiscate every one. I have news for the Senator, such action would in no way come close to solving her perceived problem.

Your article is right on the mark. I would change the gun graphic to show the safety as the person holding the weapon, not the gun's mechanical safety. Keep up the excellent work in defending our God-given rights...

Thank you once again for a very well written commentary on the tragic shooting in Arizona. I find that I agree with 99% of what you write and I wanted to let you know that.

In the wake of the tragedy, I have been calling on friends and family to spread the idea that we should all return to civil discourse and forswear the ugly rhetoric which characterizes our "news" media. It is possible to disagree and do so without ugly, hateful words.

God Bless all of you at the Patriot Post for your hard work exposing the lies of some of our "leaders" and "representatives". May you continue your work for many years to come, or until Jesus returns for the church.

Salient and on-the-mark as always!!

And no, Targets do not incite violence, but apparently Safeways (or 'apparently safe ways') do...

If "gun control" works so well, why don't we just move to Mexico. We would be far safer there (assuming the left's theory held water). Anybody ready to move yet?

Excellent points! However, Americans (particularly those claiming to be Christians) need to figure out that according to the Bible there is no such thing as God-given inalienable rights (including Second Amendment rights), but only God-given immutable responsibilities. Children clamor for their rights, adults look to fulfill their responsibilities.

Until then, Congress will continue to use such isolated shootings (individual irresponsible firearms use) to whittle away the Second Amendment "rights" of responsible users.

Instead, Christians need to recognize that their inalienable commission to bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, and their neighbors comes, not from the Second Amendment, but from Yahweh and His perfect laws and altogether righteous judgments (Psalm 19:7-9). See "Firearms: Scripturally Defended" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/firearm-right.php and "Amendment 2: Self-Defense: Constitutional or Biblical" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt12.php.

This God-given responsibility must be enforced by the biblical judgment for any irresponsible (unlawful) use of the same, which means, if convicted of murder (regardless his mental state), murderers such as Loughner, would be put to death.

Furthermore, in a biblical court of law, this would not be some long drawn-out process over who knows how many years (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

What an excellent essay and comments. It helps to know there are like minded, deep thinking citizens out there whom are not hoodwinked by the sensationalism of the leftist media.

I am The One who brings peace, hope, and change. I gather the people from across the nations to establish true unity in my name. I calm the waters and orchestrate the winds. Worship me, for I am The Obamessiah.

I suggest that the person who gunned down Rep. Giffords should have his name erased from public memory.

The person who bombed the federal building in Oklahoma City did so for his own selfish reasons and to make a name for himself. I heard shortly afterward that there was a movement to abolish his name from public memory, to assign all memory of him to the trash bin of history. I think that was an excellent idea at the time, and I think it would be a good idea in this case.

This kind of person wants to see his name in public, splashed all over the news media. He is trying to draw attention to himself, and this is the best way he can think of to do it.

Since he was captured alive, he should stand trial for murder and then promptly be executed. There should be no thought given to an "insanity" plea. This man is not insane; he knew exactly what he wanted to do, and he did it.

Keep all mention of him out of the news media, except to announce his date with the executioner. That, I think, would be a fitting punishment for him, to know that he will be promptly forgotten; that essentially, he never existed.

You will notice that I have not mentioned the name of either one of these two persons. Keep the innocent victims in your thoughts and prayers, but let the names of the perpetrators of these heinous criminal acts be forever banished from polite conversation.

Mark

you might want to check out Gabe Suarez today

http://www.warriortalknews.com

His article on Where were all the CCW guns and his

the "wolf in a crowd of sheeple" analogy is way too

accurate......

I realize that the Marxist in our government want to ASSASSINATE my belief system as a conservative ENEMY.

I guess I should revise my CAMPAIGN and not TARGET the socialist agenda. I will need to RELOAD my perceptions of my God granted freedom and rights, to conform to the BATTLE PLAN the liberal progressives have for my future. I need to realize those on the left will come to the WAR of ideas with a bigger GUN and I need to just capitulate so as not to become a CASUALTY in this WAR of ideas.

Excellent. Thank you for all you do....your sound logic and facts are a breath of fresh air given the actions of "both major" parties. Possibly a better option in our next election cycle is to "unemploy" all elected officials and use the saved funds to buy all legal Americans their carry gun of their choice.

I couldn't agree with you more, Sir. At this point in time, and after the mid-term election losses, the Democrats are grasping at straws and blaming their adversaries for everything from hangnails to cheap booze. They remind me of some of our gossip mongers here where I live. These people have to have their gossip fix everyday or they aren't comfortable. If there are no bits to spread around and chat about, they will make something up. How pitiful that is. I remember Walt Kelly's Pogo commenting on what was wrong with the United States: "We have met the enemy and he is us." I can see going to Tucson to comfort the relatives of the fallen, but to turn the so-called Memorial Service into a media circus, and at the taxpayers expense was a bit much. Many will say I am insensitive, really? I think I am reasonable. And to blame guns for the event in Tucson is foolish beyond the pale. People have come forward now after the fact, with all sorts of tales about the shooters instability and ravings. Why didn't they blow the whistle on this guy beforehand, so that something could have been done to prevent it? I am a firm believer is "Love thy neighbor as thyself," but if the neighbor has a problem, get him help, don't ignore it and then blame something else after the fact.

What a wonderful essay! It is shameful to think that a peaceable group of people should be held to blame for ONE person's irrational, sick behavior... but I suppose Jesus faced the same adversity. Ronald Regan hit the nail on the head speaking of personal responsibility. If more people took responsibility for their actions instead of having other people make excuses for them all the time, the world would be a much better place!

Thank you for standing up for what is right! (No pun intended... well, maybe a little.)

Why did we have a political circus in Tucson?

It seems to me that a 5 minute talk from the East Room would have been in keeping with the recent tragedy. The circus was an insult to the dead, the wouunded and the families of both. Quiet, worshipful services in local churches would have been much more in keeping with the dignity of the citizens of this nation.

Our politicians should be ashamed to have allowed such an event, spent so much money just to give Mr. Narcissus (Obama)another photo op and an additional platform for his "eloquent words"!!

Thank you for your excellent essay. Although I condemn violence, I will not apologize for feeling and expressing anger over the theft of my national heritage via the vitiation of our constitution and the rampant abuse of power carried out by our congress. Contrary to popular post-modern philosophy, truth does exist and the true intent of the founding fathers in establishing our national covenant must be honored by our elected representatives. While the debate over correcting our course in this regard can be done with respect and 'civility', I am convinced that by 'civility' the left really means we should shut up and accept their deleterious actions. I hope this doesn't happen and that we stay the course to restoring our nation to its foundation of greatness.

Yes the shootings in Tucson were a tradgedy, but when I switched over to Obamas part of the Memorial service for them and saw all those fools applauding all his remarks, it was more like a political rally. I could not stand to watch it. Did I hear him quote scripture, who is he trying to kid?

R. C. Haynes, Concord, NC

Great article! I vividly remember Hanoi Jane. I guess I'm telling my age here. I served three years in the U.S. Army just after that infamous Hanoi visit. Veterans were angry then and they are still angry to this day. Hanoi Jane has no idea how much REAL harm she caused. Some sick people in the liberal left may still consider her some kind of hero. Many many Veterans and others cannot understand why she has never been tried for treason and is still allowed to breath air. I personally have heard all I can enjoy from the liberal left.

I wonder what would have happened in the Arizona mall if there had been a couple of citizens who were knowledgeable about guns and carrying a pistol in the area.

As far as I know, liberal concealed carry laws reduce violent crime.

Cheers,

Barry Harmon

AMEN, to Patrick Simpson. I was in the Navy during the entire Nam period, and to this day I get sick every time I see Hanoi Jane. Thanks for remote controls, because I can switch her off.

So, as we all anticipated the Left and their looney elected dupes all want to impose more gun control. This they say will certainly help to make us all more safe. Hmmmm, as noted D.C. has extensive gun control and of course there is NYC where you have the "Sullivan Act" and it's almost impossible to carry a weapon legally. A quick look at the safety provided to the citizens and a logical thought process should lead to a resounding rejection of more gun restrictions. Someone did say once "stupid is as stupid does". You would think these elected officials would take personal responsibility and admit they're unqualified for their position and resign.

You wrote:

"According to his friend Bruce Tierney, Loughner fixated on Giffords after she was confused by a question he posed in a previous public forum about government manipulation of grammar. 'How do you know words mean anything?' he asked.

Her confusion was understandable."

Call me simplistic, but it seems to me the obvious answer to that question would be something like,

"Words mean something when spoken or written by honest people who use them to describe the truth, and 'truth' is that which reflects realites, vs. opinions."

Could it be that were politicians not obligated to speak "Political Correct," and not obligated to "sell any party line," they might answer in plain English, according to their understanding, rendering them able to think faster, answering simple questions with simple answers? Isn't that what Ronald Reagan did? He was not on the defensive or offensive, angry, petulant, uncivil, or pretentious - he was just honest - except that there is no "just" about honest.

The day we take away the right to own and bear arms is the day we announce to the world that the United States is available for invasion by our competitors, and our people are at the complete mercy of the government (elected or not). Don't think it can happen? It can. We do not conscript our military, only those who volunteer are trained to use firearms so only a small fraction of the US population can be relied upon to be proficient with organized military skill. The rest have to learn on their own. I learned to shoot with my father and brother before my military service and am a legal gun owner and avid hunter today. Most Americans learn this way, not in the Military. Owning guns and knowing how to use them in not just about personal self defense, it is about the rest of the world knowing who they are dealing with. We are Americans, we have guns, and we know how to use them. Let that fact stand as the best deterrant to our potential enemies, and serve to enable our citizens to continue defending their own. Sure, there are other countries where every home is allowed to keep a rifle. Even in Iraq every citizen can keep an AK-47 for protection, but they rarely know how to use it effectively. Every American should know how to handle and fire a weapon safely. Some may choose not to, it's a free country. They can line up with the rest of the sheep and wait it out while the patriots carry their share of the responsibiity to defend and protect this country. History is full of examples of what happens to entire societies incapable of defending themselves. Let not the actions of one lunatic dictate the future of our rights to own and bear arms.

Semper Fi,

Rick

What galls me is that the Left assumes that conservative talk shows are responsible for my anger. My anger arises from what the Left is doing to my country. In the absence of talk radio, I would still pick up a newspaper and read that the Obama Administration has implemented yet another phase of it's plan to "fundamentally change America" from a representative republic into a socialist "Utopia." My anger will not somehow disappear because the Left shuts down talk radio, ends the multiple-party system, banishes Sarah Palin, and sets up a Marxist politburo populated solely with "progressives." In fact, I will be all the angrier because of what the Left will have done!

If laws need to be passed against things that cause

death, what about the 130,000 that are killed every year by incompetence the Medical Profession????

Paul Wellstone's funeral became a pep rally for Democrats and a hate-fest against Conservatives and Republicans.

Immediately after Ted Kennedy passed, the Reid-Pelosi-Obama Axis of Hatred and Misinformation carped that Obamacare must be passed "for Ted."

The Democrat/Progressive/Liberal/Marxists will use corpses to further their agenda.

Nothing is beyond them.

Nothing is sacred.

Nothing is true but what they deem.

And their Reality is constantly shifting, metamorphosing.

Individually, they are Delusional. Collectively, they are a cult.

Mr. Weiland,

What if one is not a Christian? What law does he follow?

Also, if Christians have “God-given immutable responsibilities”, and that “their inalienable commission to bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, and their neighbors comes, not from the Second Amendment, but from Yahweh and His perfect laws and altogether righteous judgments (Psalm 19:7-9)” and God’s law is above man’s law, in this case the Constitution, then do you have a problem with Muslims who place their beliefs above that of the Constitution? After all, both are religious beliefs. Your “immutable responsibilities” come from Yahweh, Muslim’s come from Allah. So, when there is a conflict between the two, which one is right?

Excellent editorial. Also remember how the left wanted to hang Bush for war crimes and hoped that Dick Cheney would succumb to a heart attack? The left's hypocrisy astounding. Their reaction to the shootings was pre-packaged, ready to go, off the shelf, just waiting for some incident to roll it out.

"Therefore" warns the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans, "let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God..."

The writings of Paul in Romans 1 and 2 are the Biblical source for the Christian belief about self evident truth. Paul uses two Greek phrases that correspond to the concept of being self-evident.

In Romans 1:19 the words "phaneros en autois" mean "evident in themselves" and in Romans 1:20 the words "tois poiemasin nooumena kathoratai" mean "by means of things that are made are understood, being clearly seen".

Paul written of in the scriptures uses both phrases in the context of what men know naturally by natural revelation, apart from the special revelation of Scripture. The apostle makes it clear that this is a general revelation through nature and through man's conscience. It is a revelation only of the first principles of truth and morality.

This revelation comes upon men from God despite man's darkness and sinfulness. Its knowledge does not originate with man, but is a gracious endowment from man's Maker. All men know it naturally, both through conscience and through observing the natural order.

The Declaration of Independence proclaims its rights theory with the words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

These were rights ordained by God in the constitution of the universe, the Holy Bible. Whether or not the British acknowledged them was irrelevant because these rights were "self-evident" - clear and certain.

Twentieth-century society has lost its foundation for an understanding of "rights". Most see rights as a matter of politics where the government can create and take them away. There is a great deal of talk about "human rights" and "civil rights" but the concept of "unalienable rights" is all but lost. This situation signals a crisis in modern political thought and threatens Western freedoms, since the concept of rights is "theory dependent".

America was founded on "unalienable rights"- those that man may not unconditionally sell, trade, barter, or transfer without denying the image of God in himself. "Inalienable" is another word for eternal, unaffected by the passage of time without beginning or end under any circumstance. It implies that there are moral absolutes. Today, the rights theory of the founding fathers is routinely traced to secular tradition. Why should Americans care that the Biblical roots of our culture have been exchanged for a wholesale commitment to the prevailing secular philosophy? A major difference is that secular philosophy is based on notions of power, whereas Biblical politics is based on concepts of authority. In the secular view, nothing is ever impermissible because no lines are drawn that cannot be crossed.

The Declaration bore intense resolve and reflected the soul, conscience, and mind of America. This declaration was written with an understanding that mans law cannot be arbitrary, in so required being written with the awareness not to insult the laws of nature and of natures God, the God of the Hebrews and the generations since to present times.

God created men, and created them equal; endowing them with inalienable rights - rights these men, no person, or government could forfeit the citizens, better known as “We the People.” Knowing these rights were endowed to them by their Creator for all generations, unchanging through the ages or political ambitions of the future, this Nations foundations were being forged through guidance of divine providence.

In secular reasoning, whoever wields power can determine the content of laws, the extent, and even the existence of other people's freedoms. Biblical philosophy, on the other hand, admits to predetermine lines of authority which the civil government is not permitted to cross. Personal rights and freedoms are God-given and inalienable; they do not exist merely for civil convenience or at the discretion of those who hold civil power. Our founding fathers clearly meant for all to maintain these God-given rights and freedoms unconditionally -- not subject to conditional "civil liberties," liberties granted by the government at its own convenience. The American Revolution is not over. The ideals enshrined in the Declaration for which the founders fought and died - ideals of law, justice, equality, liberty, and inalienable rights, self government- are barely understood in America today, much less in the rest of the world. The American Revolution was more than a contest with England. It was and is a war to defend a vision about law, rights, justice, and the God-given dignity of man. The vision was inspired over time by the words of the Holy Bible and the teachings of Christianity but applies to all men everywhere regardless of their faith.

One thing that I understand and respect, however, is that one of the cornerstones of this nation is there is no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. I do not think there is any group forcing anyone to believe Gods truths and wisdoms, so why are those progressive ideas trying to force people NOT to believe the values and mercies presented by the God of Israel?

If any expression of Christian faith is really that offensive, then one could consider carefully; does one deserve the freedoms created by Christian faith in the United States - regardless of whether or not they were born here.

The so called "Crosshairs" on Sarah Palins map are surveyors symbols. The media hype about crosshairs, is incorrect. The public doesn't know any difference, and the talking heads, the empty suits, and empty skirts are merely reading what's on their teleprompters. Nor do they care. Sick, sick,sick.

George Romagno

I wish there had been a few armed citizens immediately available to react to the thug. Fewer would have perished. The evidence is incontrovertible: firearms ownership saves lives. Gun-grabber localities and cities have the worst crime rates. But their non-leaders accept that for their conceited and condescending sense of control over their populations. They care not whit for reality--rather for their fiction-endorsing ideology, which they refuse to bring to the realm of reality, due to their underlying selfishness and conceit. Shame on them!

We will not allow the collectivists to pervert and neuter the Second Amendment--not like in '68.

Jim H,

We also know that he was a Pothead. We can just as easily blame the killings on the Marijuana Lobby and the Liberals who want to entirely legalize this anti-social drug, which just happens to help lunatics like this guy further distort reality.

For what it is worth. A properly trained, legal CCW permit holder standing in that line could have stopped this assassin after the first shot, when he paused, according to those that were present. Nobody wants to be put in that position, but we never know when a doped up nut-job like this guy , (or even a psychiatrist like Abdul Hassan decide to make a point.)

Drug use and mental illness. Bad combination.

Before this issue burns itself out I suggest you list the names of the soldiers killed by "Major" Nadal Hasan at Ft. Hood and mention their accomplishments and interests in the same fashion that Obama did Loughner's victims. Obama had little to say about the Ft. Hood incident at the time and has said nothing since. His speech about Loughner and his victims was mere political theater, for all practical purposes his speech finished the issue as far as he's concerned. If anything it was timely for him, it delayed the House action against his dictates, the worst being the socialization of the medical industry.

Conservatives are missing a golden opportunity here!!!! The liberals again are taking the lead and we are in defense mode AGAIN.

What freedom loving people MUST do (and it's a bit of a trap) is take the focus off who said what and point out the big obvious fact that ALL Americans can agree:

1. That physical force or threat of force and coercion of any kind to any human being is unacceptable (big cheer-how could anyone disagree).

2. That force and coercion LEAD to physical violence and should be eliminated wherever it is found (big cheer again).

3. That force or coercion of any kind used to extract life, liberty or property from another individual is unacceptable (big cheer-but fades fast-liberals start to realize they can't have it both ways.)

4. With that being the universal truth we all must live by in these United States: Any force or coercion made legal by the government, is the absolute reason it must be LIMITED as set forth in our constitution.

----Conservatives need to take control of the subject matter...we seem to always be playing checkers while the liberals are playing chess.

Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. -George Washington

Well said, Mark, WELL said!

You sound surprised! WHY??????????

Bravo, Mr. Alexander! I Had just mentioned to my husband last night about the tragedy at Ft. Hood vs the Tuscon shootings and the difference in the media coverage. I'm SO glad that others are seeing this very lop-sided, biased approach of "lame-stream" media. I totally agree with everything thing you've said, but be careful. You could be accused of inciting "hate" or putting a "target" on the backs of so-called "reporters". Oh well, at least you're in good company, huh Rush?

If high limiting the capacity of gun magazines is supposed to save lives, then why not limit the passenger capacity of cars and airplanes? Since more people die each year in car and airplane accidents, we could save a lot of lives! I can hear the wheels spinning in a politician’s head already!

The Editor’s Reply to Mike Dean is reminiscent of Harry Truman’s similar admonition (paraphrased) to “never get into a sprayin’ contest with a skunk” Particularly appropriate in view of the odious nature of the comment.

"Arizona must quiet the voices of intolerance..." The voices of "intolerance" are in fact the voices of dissention, particularly when faced with a leftist takeover of the nation that leaves the constitution in tatters. The voices of dissension will not be silenced by lumping them in with psychopathic wing-nuts. More likely, the "silent majority" will strengthen their resolve to outvote the leftist loonies.

I call upon all lovers of liberty to boycott the lamestream media until they themselves provide a balanced view of our political system. And be sure to let the ratings companies know WHY you are boycotting ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and all of the various Times publications.

Excellent article, Mark. One of your best.

You claim the murder rate in Europe is 5.4 but this is only true if you include Eastern Europe which has a murder rate of 15.7. Western and Central Europe have a murder rate of only 1.5. Of course if you exclude most of the violent crime in America (drugs and gangbanging) our murder rate will drop.

What kind of nonsense is this? Misusing statistics like this calls into question everything you say.

POLITICIANS PREFER UNARMED PEASANTS!

And so do criminals!!! Is there anyone out there who actually believes that should gun control legislation pass, that the criminal element in our society will fulfill their patriotic duty and turn in there guns?

A slight disagreement with Robert the Bruce: to erase the name of the monster who perpetrated the Tuscon carnage would be a significant error. If this were the right thing to do, then few people alive today would know the murderous capabilities, and horrifying accomplishments of a Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini or Mao. We all need to be aware, and stay aware, that there are seriously screwed up people in the world from whom we MUST be able, and willing, to protect ourselves. I do agree that Mr. loughner need to be arraigned, tried, and, if found guilty, sentenced and executed quickly, and very publicly. Based on the evidence found, to allow this man to escape his due punishment, via the "insanity plea", would be a travesty. However, to erase the knowledge of his existence, and his heinous crime would be a far greater one. Like all his ilk, who exist only to spread misery, suffering and pain, we MUST be ever aware thet we have a responsibility, both individually, and as a people, to protect ourselves and our way of life from them all.

If the mass murderer of Tucson had used his car to plow through the people assembled in front of Safeway, likely killing more than he accomplished with a firearm, what would they be calling the incident and him? A Driving? The carman? Would all the knee jerk attackers calling for more infringement of our rights be calling for more restrictions on drivers? Surely those restrictions would prevent a criminal from obtaining a car to commit a crime. Oh, wait…they do that everyday all day.

Guns don't kill people...political correctness does!

I guess TARGET department stores will have to get rid of their Logo.

Would the Democrats ban the incendiary speech of Muslims, the Koran, and Hadith?

Islam allows or requires, per the Koran or Hadiths, the following:

Rape, Child Rape and Child Marriage, Child Divorce, Domestic Violence, Polygamy, Slavery, Sex Slavery, Torture, Amputation, Extortion (Jizya), Lying (Taqiya), Theft, Robbery, Murder, and every other behavior contrary to the "Golden Rule." For more, see CrazyIslam dot com - Sample below:

Kill anyone who insults Islam or Mohammed. (Koran 33:57-61)

Kill all Muslims who leave Islam. (Koran 2:217, 4:89) (Bukhari 9.84.57)

Koran cannot be doubted. (Koran 2:1)

Islam is the only acceptable religion. (Koran 3:85).

Muslims must fight us, even if they don't want to. (Koran 2:216)

We are pigs and apes. (Koran 2:62-65, 5:59-60, 7:166)

We can't be friends with Muslims. (Koran 5:51)

We are sworn enemies of Muslims and Islam. (Koran 4:101)

We can be raped as sex-slaves. (Koran 4:3, :24, 5:89, 23:5, 33:50, 58:3, 70:30)

We are the vilest of creatures deserving no mercy. (Koran 98:6)

Muslims must terrorize us. (Koran 8:12, :59-60) (Bukhari 4:52:220)

Muslims must strike terror into our hearts. (Koran 8:60)

Muslims must lie to us to strengthen and spread Islam. (Koran 3:28, 16:106)

Muslims are allowed to behead us. (Koran 47:4)

Muslims are guaranteed to go to heaven if they kill us. (Koran 9:111)

Marrying and divorcing pre-pubescent children is OK. (Koran 65:4)

Wife beating is OK. (Koran 4:34)

Raping wives is OK. (Koran 2:223)

Proving rape requires 4 male Muslim witnesses. (Koran 24:13)

Lying, stealing, robbing, kidnapping, raping, extorti

Perhaps they should make the Target Stores change their name. That should stop a lot of violence.

The Patriot Post provides outstanding service to all patriots by arming us with information supporting freedom and liberty. Uh...I mean "providng" us information...Sorry about that.

I would like to buy some of those stickers that Barbara Boxer is complaining about. Didn't know I wanted any until I found out she didn't like them. Don't cave to these people. They don't really care what the PatriotPost does in response to their complaints. They only object to the fact that it exists.

Maybe while searching through Jarod Loughner's personal belongings, authorities will find "Rules for Radicals" by Saul Alinsky. Alinsky was a left-wing radical and a legendary Chicago rabble-rouser.

In this book he lists thirteen rules which radicals must use to subdue their opponents in order to kill open and honest debate. Here are three of them:

Rule number 5: Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage.

Rule number 8: Keep the pressure on, with different tactics and actions, and utilize all events of the period for your purpose.

Rule number 13: Pick a target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

Saul Alinsky trained his acolytes in highly agressive techniques of community activism. Alinsky also mastered the art of scape-goating or displacement of rage.

Please advise me as to how to obtain my Liberal Hunting License. Barbara Boxer made me aware of this license and I want one, and one for everyone I know! According to Boxer, if IDEAS and ACTIONS do not agree with her social agenda, then they are wrong, dangerous, and UNAMERICAN.

An investigation into the cases in which the Judge made determinations... and whether criminals involved in those cases could have also been involved in the shooting... will no doubt be done.

I feel like I'm living in a loony bin! The whole country has gone stark raving bat$$it crazy!

Senator Boxer might recall that the largest U.S. mass murder (excepting the 9/11 attack), was the arson of Happy Land night club in New York City, in 1988. A drunk customer (yes, alcohol was involve) who had been thrown out of the club earlier, murdered 87 citizens by arson in a fire started with a fifty cents worth of gasoline and two matches. Last I checked, gasoline and matches are much more accessible than Glocks and high-capacity magazines.

Some additional comments:

In my opinion, Loughner never intended to survive this attack. He failed in his attempt at "suicide by cop".

With this said, a lesson that must be heeded is the vital necessity for all of us to maintain situational awareness. Pay attention to what's going on around you. Live life in a "yellow alert" situation. It's easy to Monday Morning Qauaterback, and I certainly wasn't there, but I think it very likely that a lot of folks at this event were very distracted. They probably had their cell phones out and were taking photos and texting about their meeting with Rep. Gifford. Laughner, either by luck or by design, was able to approach without being identified as a threat by anyone in the crowd. He was able to exploit this situation to work his evil plan.

Speaking of violence and mass murder: Barbra Boxer thinks nothing of condoning the deaths of thousands of full-term babies by the hideous practice of partial-birth abortion. She has declared open season on them and no bag limit.

Oh, and for the record, if she contacts me, please refer to me as "Dr." not "Mr." I worked hard for that title.

What many of what "we the people" fail to realize is that there are Liar's, Dam Liar's.Then add to the mix liberals and progressives and you have the toxic combination of Liar's Dam Liar's with a rather large helping of Bull Crap and Horse Crap.Thus making for our society a very unsavory and deadly concoction. Semper Paratus.

To everyone who is calling for stricter gun laws in light of the tragedy in Tucson, may I offer this little tidbit: If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words, cars drive drunk, and spoons make people fat. Remember: Hold the person accountable for their actions, not the means they chose to utilize their actions!!! Guns don't kill people, people kill people.

Guns are an instrument of self defense an not meant to be in the hands of nut cases. If gun control were an answer, how would you people keep guns from getting in the hands of criminals through the black market. If the people that wish to be shot up by burglars, rapist, gang violence that runs ramped, people which chose to hold you up for what little money you have for their next fix. By all means be their target, but don't expect my family to suffer because you like living in dangerous times. People who carry concealed go through rigorous background checks, and in some states must prove proficiency with a hand gun. A hand gun is only a tool just as a tire iron, a knife, a skill saw, a chain saw, a hammer, and the list goes on and any of the recently mentioned can be just as deadly to you or your family. Think about it very carefully and realize that anything in the wrong hands can be deadly to you and your family. At least a hand gun and proper training puts you and your family to a better advantage than having nothing. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, and the life of a family member by an idiot and you watching and could have done something is even a worse thing to waste. You people get real remember that even Law Enforcement around the country are having furloughs’ and cut backs, and some running 12 hour shifts with limited manpower and takes sometimes and hour to get to you in the county. Tell me that the home evaders don't have a chance to succeed unless stopped by your or a family member.

Truth well written, Mark. Thank you.

I do have one concern though, and I think there are many who would agree.

It is of this talk about the term "surveyors symbol", in reference to the crosshair symbol that was used on Sarah Palin's website last year during the election.

There is nothing wrong with using a crosshair symbol, when pointing out an area, or an opponent.

It is a symbol that has been used by many, for a many number of instances. Democrats have used this symbol the same way.

Sarah Palin has no reason to feel a sense of shame for a symbol used, and any metaphor that she used in order to get her message across in order to defeat an opposing "idea".

This "surveyors symbol"..."crosshair"...is nothing more than a mincing of words..."tit for tat"..."splitting hairs"...and it sounds more like someone trying to cover up what it actually is, and using the term "surveyors symbol", is a copout.

It is a symbol to mark a point of reference...a place...a target point. Nothing more, nothing less.

Had Palin placed a picture of Gabrielle Giffords with a crosshair across her face...(which I don't believe she did...and I honestly cannot see her doing so)...then maybe people could knock Palin around a bit for her tactic.

I hope that many here, will take this into consideration when talking amongst friends. And when given the chance, correct someone when they try to say "...it wasn't a crosshair, it was a 'surveyor symbol'...", whether it be amongst friends, or written by a journalist or commentator.

Thanks again Mark, great job.

In times past, when common sense and sanity prevailed, there would not have been almost 24/7 coverage of this horrific slaughter. There would be no speaking to the mother and father of their murdered nine-year old the day after her murder. There would be no using this tragedy as political fodder.

In other words, humanity, common sense and sanity are sorely lacking in our culture of death, destruction, and delusion.

May God help us to revert back to being humans rather than mere animals with little use of our brains.

I just sent Senator Boxer a note asking for help with my business: "I am sure that your promotion of the Patriot Shop in connection with that terrible sticker that you advertised at a televised press conference, has boosted their internet traffic and business orders ten fold. What can I do to get one of the most powerful people in our government to advertise my business?" What was it that the Clinton machine used to say? "All publicity is good publicity". Ride the wave!

Thank you for your relentless, tireless endeavors to shed truth into the whole discussion of freedom and rights in the American discussion. We will win if there is honest and open intercourse with all parties involved, but the repression of free speech as well as gun rights is the tactic of the Left.

Blessings, always.

Mark, excellent commentary.

Dr. Don Bailey,

Exceptional post - Thank you!!!

I am disappointed that you removed the Liberal Hunting License from your shop site. I would like to purchase them ALL and distribute them far and wide.

I truly hope I am not the ONLY one on whom it is being impressed over and over that the Democrats and liberal lefties who spew hate,lies, and double standards on our media stars and political heroes and heroines are running so scared, they are actually nominating our side for leadership. The more they kick at "Tar Baby", the more he sticks to them. Thank you Uncle Remus! I was disappointed to see Richard Steele step down as chairman of the RNC. We have to watch out for over reacting and remember, THEY are on the run and squealing and running away from the Farmer's Wife who cut off their tails with a butcher's knive. Go Sarah and Michelle you gals have them in your death ray gaze. I also enjoyed with great guffahs how Sen. Bachman made a complete media jerk out of Chris Matthews when he kept repeating his question,"Are you hypnotized? Are you drugged? Answer my question." And Michelle just took up the free air time pouring on her conservative agenda. What a winner. She must have got fifteen minutes free air time advancing her cause at Hard Ball's expense. WAY TO GO Sarah!

Owning a gun is a pro-active method for personal protection. Law inforcement is for the most part, a reactive system that is unable to provide protection when it is needed.

Well thank Heavens I downloaded the picture to my files when I did! I am sickened by the paranoid rantings of the liberal (communist) left!

Didn't read all the posts so my apologies if this idea has already been proposed. I heard Bill O'Reilly suggest an expanded U.S. Marshall force with one assigned to every Representative or Senator at these type of public events. Why pay for this service when carry permitted volunteers would show up for free. And the perps would never know who or how many would be there. He would be so obvious in checking out all attendees for possible concealed weapons that he would be easy to spot for those with weapons.

First suggestion in the hat for a name.... how about "Second Amendment Angels". I know someone can come up with a better one... let's hear them.

Thank you for keeping the actions of the left current lest we forget what they intend for us. The juxtaposition of the Major Nadal, Ft. Hood shooting and the Loughner rampage and the immediate media reactions says volumes about the left's PC "Political Cowardice" on the one hand and their unrestrained hypocritical attacks on the other. This situational schizophrenia exposes their erratic loyalties and should inform all Americans as to their trustworthiness.

Great column Mark! Prayers for the PP.

@billc - great idea! Like the Patriot Guard Riders at soldier's funerals. No bureaucracy or payroll.

Well said, I am not in the loop on every thing. But with out this right all others fall. Thank you.

As you say, those who propose gun "control" laws are intent on disarming law-abiding American, not increasing "safety." A bumper sticker I saw several years ago says it all: "Guns cause crime like flies cause garbage."

Bravo, Mr. Alexander! Well reasoned, well stated.

This was a very long response to your article, so I may have missed it somewhere. As has been pointed out previously, the gun is an inanimate object. It does not and cannot, function without manipulation by a person. That being said, the graphic of the weapon is a GLOCK semi-automatic pistol. The only safety on a GLOCK is the person holding the weapon. There is virtually no other way for the weapon to be fired unless the trigger is "pulled" as has been tested and tested and tested. I carried one for the final 16 years of of my 23 law enforcement duties. In fact, I had the trigger mechanism replaced on the 'factory' shipped weapon due to the extreme (in my use) pressure required to discharge it. I understand the reason for the stronger pressure is to avoid accidental discharge by 'reflex' pressure caused by a sudden outside influence, i.e. auto backfire, dropped can etc. I just seen the graphic and immediately recognized it as being incorrect.

The agenda for the Progressives democrats is to disarm the nation, does any one recalls part of what BHO'S campaign was. I want a National Police Force just as strong or stronger then the Military ? Just ask your self, Why? If we loose our right to own arms then we loose everything, our freedom.