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Congresswoman Gabby Giffords Shot "Point Blank In The Head" At Town Hall Event In Tucson

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 01/08/2011 14:25 -0400

From Breaking News: Local media is reporting Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a Democrat, was shot ‘point blank in the head at a town-hall like event in northern Tucson. Is this the beginning?

Update from NBC News: Dem Party in Tucson saying Giffords taken to hospital, 5 others also shot. Shooter apparently in custody.

Update 2: from Fox Phoenix: 12 people shot at Gabby Giffords community meeting. Congresswoman among the injured, while CNN reports 6 dead and 15 wounded.

Update 3: NPR confirms Gifford has died.

Update 4: Reuters refuting the previous NPR news, and states that Giffords is still alive, in surgery, nine other patients brought in from shooting, per a hospital spokeswoman

The best coverage of this event we have found so far is, ironically, on Sky News:

And now it gets pathetically political: Breaking news reports that a liberal blogger blames Sarah Palin for Gabrielle Giffords assasination attempt.

“F*** it. I’m going there” One liberal blogger wrote on Saturday
after news of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot dead in point
blank range at a Tuscon rally. The blogger TBogg
blamed former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin for the congresswoman’s
death after Palin named Giffords as one of her ‘targets’ during the 2010
mid-term elections. Palin was caught in controversy when she published on her Facebook
page a graphic that showed several ‘target’ districts, including
Giffords 8th district in Arizona.

Gawker has provided a description of the shooter:

A gunman indiscriminately fired into a crowd at a gathering for Democratic representative Gabrielle Giffords outside a Safeway in Tucson, Arizona this morning. Giffords and at least five others were shot, according to NPR. The gunman was tackled and arrested.

Update: We spoke to an eyewitness, Steven Rayle who
was on the scene at the time of the shooting and helped to hold the
suspect down while waiting for police. Here's what he said:

The event was very informal: Gifford had set up a table outside the
Safeway and about 20-30 people were gathered to talk to her. The gunman,
who may have come from inside the Safeway, walked up and shot Gifford
in the head first. According to Rayle, who is a former ER doctor,
Gifford was able to move her hands after being shot.

After shooting Gifford, the gunman opened fire indiscriminately for a
few seconds, hitting a number of people, including a kid no older than
10 years old. Rayle hid behind a concrete pole and pretended to be dead.
When the gunman apparently ran out of ammunition he attempted to flee,
but a member of Gifford's staff tackled him. The Rayle helped hold him
down while waiting for the sheriff to arrive, about 15-or 20 minutes
later. 30 minutes later the EMS came. Rayle said he was "stunned" by how
long it took medical help to arrive.

The man was young, mid-to-late 20s, white clean-shaven with short
hair and wearing dark clothing and said nothing during the shooting or
while being held down. He didn't look like a businessman, but more of a
"fringe character," our source said.

From Giffrods Wikipedia page:

Gabrielle Giffords (born June 8, 1970) is the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 8th congressional district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

She is the only member of the U.S. Congress whose spouse, astronaut Mark E. Kelly, is an active duty member of the U.S. military.^[1]

Giffords is known as a strong proponent of solar energy as well as for her work to secure the border with Mexico.^[2] ^[3]

Giffords was first sworn in as a congresswoman on January 3, 2007.
She is the third woman in Arizona's history to be elected to serve in
the U.S. Congress. In her inaugural speech on the floor of the House of
Representatives, Giffords said a comprehensive immigration reform
package needs to include modern technology to secure the border, more
border patrol agents, tough employer sanctions for businesses that
knowingly hire illegal immigrants, and a guest-worker program. In her
first month in office, Congresswoman Giffords voted to support increased
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, raising the minimum wage, endorsing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission,
and supporting new rules for the House of Representatives targeting
ethical issues. Giffords also voted to repeal subsidies to big oil
companies and invest the savings in renewable energy. "We put our national security at risk by relying on oil from unstable regimes in the Middle East and Latin America," Giffords told her colleagues in a speech on the House floor during debate on the Clean Energy Act. The act repeals $14 billion in subsidies given to oil companies and establishes a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to increase research in clean renewable energy, to develop greater energy efficiency, and to improve energy conservation.

During the 2007 session of Congress, Giffords introduced a bill (H.R. 1441)^[4] that forbids the sale of F-14 aircraft parts on the open market.^[5] She also voted for the contentious May 2007 Iraq Emergency Supplemental Spending bill,
saying, "I cannot, in good conscience, allow the military to run out of
money while American servicemen and women are being attacked every
day".^[6]

Giffords is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and the New Democrat Coalition.

More as we see it.

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Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:16 | 860833 JohnG

That's great!

Can you now retire from zh?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:51 | 861160 Reese Bobby

+1000

Just outstanding. Brilliant and pithy. I am not worthy...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:29 | 861214 palmereldritch

+1,000,000, adjusted for ponzi asshole factor

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:32 | 860851 gangland

I'm with you 100%. these hypocrite cowards can't handle truth. but they call themselves patriotic while getting fucked daily! see, as long as cnbc is on it's all good, cause after all "what's the trade on this thing" is all that ultimately matters despite all the fluff talk about AMERIKKKA the land of the FREE, where murderers and thieves lead the dumb, fat and blind. But, gasp! don't you dare criticize the USA! stars and stripes! lambasting truth ain't patriotic, it is jingoism pure and simple and today exposed their total and complete pussification. I never want to hear another asshole boast about american exceptionalism, liberty, guns and gold. It is patently clear, as far as most people on this site goes, after today's posts on here, you're all a bunch of talkers. can't take a risk of saying anything or doing anything that would fuck up your precious warm and cozy lives. How quickly all that bullshit talk turns into dogmatic cnn/fox/msnbc orthodoxy. you god forbid you step out of line. Everyone got right back in line. And tptb are laughing at you. pathetic faux rebels and champions of liberty!

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:33 | 860865 jomama

i'm guessing nothing short of rioting in the streets would be acceptable?

while that is certainly warranted, there simply isn't a quorom in terms of will (let alone awareness) for such an uprising to occur - until the welfare spigot is shut off.

my hat is off to the schemers of societal engineering.

what's wrong with buying G&S and moving all your money out of taxpayer backed institutions?

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:56 | 860926 Kina

You're starting to sound like the shooter.

Have you taken your meds? Please take your meds.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:22 | 860988 TheGreatPonzi

So being a libertarian and not paying taxes means being a psychotic?

Go fuck yourself.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:23 | 860994 TheGreatPonzi

So being a libertarian and not paying taxes means being a psychotic?

Go fuck yourself.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:24 | 860999 TheGreatPonzi

So being a libertarian and not paying taxes means being a psychotic?

Go fuck yourself.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:31 | 861222 palmereldritch

Wow. Even your bullshit comments are a ponzi.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:33 | 861004 gangland

kina you have said absolutely: NOTHING.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:26 | 861083 Dr. Sandi

I retired myself from society.

We're sending a guy named Jared over to your place to help finish the job.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:08 | 860845 Protonrick

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:33 | 860864 imapopulistnow

caitieparker This is a circus. Good Morning America just called me.
about 6 hours ago caitieparker @antderosa it's loughner just checked my year book.
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @lakarune I haven't seen him since '07. Then, he was left wing.
about 6 hours ago in reply to lakarune caitieparker @noboa more left. I haven't seen him since '07 though. He became very reclusive.
about 6 hours ago in reply to noboa caitieparker @antderosa he had a lot of friends until he got alcohol poisoning in '06, & dropped out of school. Mainly loner very philosophical.
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @antderosa As I knew him he was left wing, quite liberal. & oddly obsessed with the 2012 prophecy.
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @antderosa he was a pot head & into rock like Hendrix,The Doors, Anti-Flag. I haven't seen him in person since '07 in a sign language class
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @antderosa He was a political radical & met Giffords once before in '07, asked her a question & he told me she was "stupid & unintelligent"
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @antderosa I can. That is him.
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker @antderosa I went to high school, college, & was in a band with the gunman. This tragedy has just turned to horrific.
about 6 hours ago in reply to antderosa caitieparker Official I went to high school & college, & was in a band w/ the gunman. I can't even fathom this right now.
about 6 hours ago

caitieparker Saying Jared Laughner was the gunman. Really hoping that's not the same guy I went to HS with, really good friend. Freaking out right now!!!

about 7 hours ago

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:33 | 860867 deepsouthdoug

Shooters nutty ramblings have connections to nutty right wing ramblings.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olb...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:01 | 860937 Trimmed Hedge

Jared didn't believe in God, videotaped himself burning the American flag, and liked to read commie books.

Sure sounds like a right-winger, eh?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:45 | 861045 Howard_Beale

He loved Siddartha. However, Fight Club was not on the list.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:40 | 860875 THE DORK OF CORK

Are the loudmouths really prepared for violence - do they understand that when a continent really tears itself apart it is not some epic adventure into the great unknown - I say again I am getting a real bad feeling about all this.

This is not fucking Odysseus.

Once you embark on this journey home will never be home again.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:47 | 860897 oygevalt

I suggest that whoever junked Dork open a history book.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:22 | 860990 robertocarlos

I give Dork a thumbs up for telling America to shut the fuck up.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:59 | 860924 Everyman

That has been my point all along, yet the "enlightened" among us fail to have recognized it. Funny that the so called "intelligent elite" could not recognise a growing disenchantment to total despair within the social body of America. It is clearly reflected in the divided polls.

Yet here we are again, wringing hands about "terrible tragedy" from a crazy man driven there by the effects of the economic and life realities. The economic realities and dissatisfaction is the driver, and mark my words: THERE WILL BE MORE.

America is hurting in a big way, and all the politicians can seem to do is bail out big corps and piss on the little guys over and over again. This one one crazy guy, that was pissed on for the last time. Nothing more or less.

I have posted many times there are 300,000,000 people in the US, and some are unbalanced to begin with, others become unbalanced with more pressure and deepair, other in extreme financial and cultural stress; such as losing your job, house, and giving up on the future. That is where we are. And there are many out there, and like in the 60's there is no an outgrowth of societal dissatisfaction, and it is growing exponentially with the increase in negative effects of a economic downturn that the government continually lies about, and only has "solutions" to bail out the big corrupt corporations.

Congress sowed their own row on this one, and are you really surprised that congress with a 13% satisfaction rate that this hasn't happened before? Are you really surprised?

My only issue with this is that this congressman was a good one. If a tragedy was to befall a Senator or congressman let be Harry Reid.

And you are right, we can't go back home. That is exactly the point of the economy, we can't get back to where we were.

This is what a "historical crossroads" looks like and this is how it starts.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:23 | 861113 RichardP

Everyman - your conclusion is not supported by history. Today's event is not a unique event. These things have also happened in the recent past. Start with JFK's assassination and count the killings and attempted killings coming forward. None of those events ever turned out to be a historical crossroads. And this 22-year-old's motivation is not likely driven there by the effects of the economic and life realities. Twenty-two-year-olds are still mostly idealistic, not realistic. That is why they can more easily be convinced to kill for hire than older men. Their idealism makes them an easy target for those who would exploit them. He obviously believed someone's proclamation that his actions today were an appropriate way of dealing with what he didn't like in life. Perhaps he reads Zero Hedge and thought those who used this forum to call for this sort of thing actually meant it.

This thread today, more than anything, has demonstrated that those who call for this sort of violent response to TPTB really don't mean it. What a surprise.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:37 | 861135 Everyman

That is because I am not using "today's event" as the precipitator, it is the "economy stupid". You are talking as if the violence is the driver, it is not, it is the economic collapse that has happened, and then propped up and lied about as more and more people get hurt.

That is what you miss. YOU are putting the violence first, I am not. As I have stated for the longest time the violence is the "LAST PART" and that is when all that has gone wrong is going wrong.

There is not a "call for violence" you stupid fuck. IT is the symptom of the sickness and that is crony capitalism and economic pain which is borne by those that can least handle it, thus you are breeding more and more "fringe people".

That ALWAYS happens historically at times of cultural and economic stress. Always has. IT is a consistent human response to corruption and cleptocracy.

Wise up and put the violence in its proper perspective. Only nuts and fruitcakes would go to violence first and or only analyze that portion and not look at the "Big picture".

If you don't like ZEROHEDGE, GO ELSEWHERE ASSHOLE! BUt the economy and the goobernmint actions of stupidity is breeding all these problems, and goobernmint is not the cure, and neither is a "great mind" like yours.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:32 | 861289 RichardP

This is what a "historical crossroads" looks like and this is how it starts.

My comments were addressing that statement of yours. I thought that statement was referring to today's events. If it was not, then obviously my comments were misdirected.

I don't disagree with the gist of both of your posts. But the folks who act out when things get desparate are usually middle-aged men with families that they cannot support. Not twenty-two-year-old young men. Jared's motivation more likely came from idealism, not desparation. You are correct in your assesment of the effects of desparation. I don't think you are correct if you are projecting desparation onto Jared.

Your writing suggest to me that you are not old enough to know what you are describing firsthand. Age will give you more perspective.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:03 | 860940 Crummy

I don't see this particular act as a sign of anything so dire, though when a increasingly irrelevant power structure attempts to force its relevency such an outcome is inevitable.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:39 | 861140 Everyman

You "get it".

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:40 | 861293 RichardP

Do you think Jared was responding to an irrelevant power structure's attempts to force its relevency such an outcome? Do you think his thought process are sufficiently mature that he came to this conclusion on his own? Or do you think he was responding to the ideas that others have put forward and that he was idealistic enough to believe? Either option supports your point. I just think it is a stretch to think he came to this conclusion on his own.

You are also putting words into Jared's mouth. He has not yet stated why he did what he did. That is also why I have a problem with the writings of Everyman and others. They are all projecting their own thoughts onto Jared. In the end, these projections may be more right than wrong. But at this point, we have no idea of what Jared's motivation was.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:22 | 860987 Aristarchan

You are very right. But I do not think the abyss will come as a result of this event. Do not let the lunatic fringe here on ZH distort your vision of what will happen. Cooler, saner and more intelligent heads always prevail.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:39 | 861142 Everyman

LOL, like YOU are the "more intelligent" here? That's a fucking hoot.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:05 | 861168 Aristarchan

I am not talking about me, you fucking idiot, I am talking about in the country. Why is it some of you assholes need a fucking roadmap to understand anything outside of your own childish, violent fantasies and uncorked conspiracy theories?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:35 | 861000 Aristarchan

Double post.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:15 | 861096 Dr. Sandi

Are the loudmouths really prepared for violence - do they understand that when a continent really tears itself apart it is not some epic adventure into the great unknown - I say again I am getting a real bad feeling about all this.

This is not fucking Odysseus.

Once you embark on this journey home will never be home again.

Dorkster, you are once again my short term personal hero of the day. And I hear you.

As pissed off as I am, and that's a frothy, amber, steamy brand of pissed off, mob violence just pushes the clown car off a cliff. This is no game with a nice "Free Life" or "Restart" position.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:43 | 860884 Michael

Expect the TV talking heads and the MSM to go into social engineering overdrive telling you what to think of this situation, adding nothing of value, and total praise of the government.

Use your mute button vigorously.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:53 | 860911 gangland

amerikkkans are nothing but bunch of fat fucking cows! call me lefty, a righty, a nut job, liberal, conservative, "use your illusions", but you CANNOT deny THIS inescapable FACT.

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts08192009.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts11222010.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts02012005.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts01292006.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts08162010.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts05282009.html

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2010/11/18/the-stench-of-american-hy...

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:56 | 860922 gangland

"It doesn't matter that the US and other governments lied us all into Iraq and elsewhere and bought[sic] about the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents"

the incongruity of the logic is absolutely stupefying! see below.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:09 | 860951 Kina

the incongruity of the logic is absolutely stupefying! see below.

If you think that then you don't know what logic is, and are just giving in to your blind hatred of anything, which is very apparent.

Inocent is inocent, one or one thousand. Your position seems to be that because Germany created WW2 that all Germans should die. Because the US bought about the death of hundreds of thousands in Iraq doesn't not make it ok to murder an American, all deaths of innocents are equally wrong.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:51 | 860903 Kina

Anybody happy at or supporting this shooting is total nut case and as bad as the shooter.

It is never OK to kill an innocent person(s), it is never OK to be happy over the killing of inncents because suits your present hatred. It doesn't matter that the US and other governments lied us all into Iraq and elsewhere and bought about the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents. An innocent is an innocent and we should all stand up for the principal that every life is sacred and be protected.

Having said that I believe this type of thing is inevitable. We have seen it many times already. This time however it involves a politician.

Any country with 250 plus million are going to generate enough lunatics with guns to see this type of thing happen from time to time. The only thing that surprises me so far is that lunatics haven't targeted banksters whom most would more identify with their present day troubles.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:31 | 861011 TheGreatPonzi

You're a fucking idiot, uncultivated, with a ridiculous vision of life.

Grow the fuck up.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 12:35 | 861912 ZeroPower

Your posts are fucking bullshit, you are a moronic dipshit, and i sincerely wish there was a feature on here that would make your IP permanently blocked from posting.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:43 | 861146 Magic Mamaliga

It looks to me like conditions are the catalyst. Conditions throughout the 20th century fomented the religious extremism in Afghanistan which became the entry point for imperialism into the region.

Example

---> Saudi funded ( Saudi involvement is reported, you decide if you believe it:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/saudi/analyses/madrassas.html

) madrassas taught the youth of the Mujehadeen, left with nothing after the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, nothing but Sharia law. These youth applied religious feverishness to their nationalism. Considering that the powers that be, the real pullers of strings, prey on our perceptions and understand how we form them, one can easily see how the general population is culled; the afghanis are fighting to protect their sovereignty and we're told that they are "religious extremists". Also, this stems from the fact that government does not need the support of public opinion when heading to war in this modern age, because the printing press is fired up, and voila, your war chest is growing nicely. This makes it so public opinion doesn't need to be changed, that takes time and critical thinking, all that is needed is perception management. Imagine, CONDITIONS made it so that these individuals who are fighting for their home would behave in this certain way which would make it a bygone conclusion to the sheep, that really don't have a choice anyway, that it's ok for them to allow (closer to ignore) their government's orders for drones and night-time raids and call civilian deaths "collateral damage". As an aside>>> Is it a far stretch of the imagination to consider that these conditions could possibly be engineered? <<< Essentially, no one sees the conditions before hand and their catalyst effect because "buzzwords" like "terrorist" and "religious extremist" make it impossible for reasoning to take place IMO.

In the same manner as mentioned above, it is very possible that CONDITIONS brought this man to commit this UNJUSTIFIABLE act. In the same manner, again, as mentioned above, no analysis of the conditions will take place to find out why this man found conditions to be so unbearable that he had no choice but to kill this women.

Thinking is dead, the sheep have been reduced to swerving left or right depending on which path has a threat in it's way. The question is, is there really some group of elites to blame for "engineering" this, or is this just the endgame of human error? Are they engineering conditions currently or are they just in a better position to profit off of it, cold and calculating like, while we fight straw men? The system needs to change but people are slaves in their own mind due to reactive thinking, how the hell are they supposed to free themselves from a power structure that knows this and uses it to their advantage?

Rene Descartes -

For in order that I should be free it is not necessary that I should be indifferent as to the choice of one or the other of two contraries; but contrariwise the more I lean to the one--Whether I recognise clearly that the reasons of the good and true are to be found in it, or whether God so disposes my inward thought--the more freely do I choose and embrace it. And undoubtedly both divine grace and natural knowledge, far from diminishing my liberty, rather increase it and strengthen it. Hence this indifference which I feel, when I am not swayed to one side rather than to the other by lack of reason, is the lowest grade of liberty, and rather evinces a lack or negation in knowledge than a perfection of will: for if I always recognised clearly what was true and good, I should never have trouble in deliberating as to what judgment or choice I should make, and then I should be entirely free without ever being indifferent.

WHERE IS TRUE LIBERTY, WHERE IS TRUE FREEDOM? For most it's locked up in their minds behind false perception and faulty knowledge waiting to be found...

"The only thing that surprises me so far is that lunatics haven't targeted banksters whom most would more identify with their present day troubles." --- I believe this would not effect any change to the status quo because being greedy and getting killed is not the same as being a religious extremist and getting killed; the average individual would find the murder of a banker to be too threatening to their sensibilities and still not see the contradiction in allowing their government to be at war in Afghanistan. IMO, to cheer the death of a banker (which I'm not accusing you of) makes an individual no better than them, the bankers. At least banksters have the nuts to be calculating and profit off us on a collusive and massive scale. They can be considered intelligent, wise, and prudent to see the human condition and to tailor their profit machine to prey on our deficiencies. A violent response would serve no purpose and revelling in it would be a waste.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:53 | 860909 Spigot

The guy is a schizophrenic or other psychotic mental case. That he is 21 yo also sounds like paranoid schizophrenia to me. There is a very high rate of development of this disease in late teens to mid twenties group, predominantly male.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:54 | 860917 Crummy

Most of his videos were incoherent to the point that I'm not even sure what he was for or against in any real sense so you could hardly expect his "solutions" to to those problems to be coherent either. His writing style is very timecube-esque

Anyone who can sort through any of what he said and claims to find anything resembling political purpose is either really stretching or suffering from a similar form of dementia.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:03 | 860934 gangland

not buying it and yet we're being told what his thoughts were very clearly by the media. what does that tell you? this guy, this whole thing does not make sense as it is being presented at face value. do you believe your own thoughts and observations or not? was he a very high functioning schizophrenic? anyone seen a deeply schizophrenic person? can't have it both ways unless you're parroting the media and the government.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:12 | 860961 Kina

Your ignorance on schizophrenia is stupifying. Put away your America hatred for just one second and try to post rationally.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:14 | 860964 Aristarchan

Well...if your seeking rational, this person is the wrong source.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:17 | 860973 gangland

not a mental health expert, hence the question marks. you don't have to be a mental health professional to realize something doesn't fit. maybe you help me out here?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:31 | 861014 Reese Bobby

You have a swastika on the American flag and call yourself "gangland"?

I'm guessing your not an expert on anything useful sparky.

A nice woman gets shot in the head and a young girl gets killed and you yap away like a PMS bitch?

You should be ashamed of yourself. This event was a tragedy for the victims and the even the deranged killer. EVIL is very real in the world and you have a welcome sign on your dumb ass.

Best of luck. John 1:9.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:39 | 861029 gangland

john 1:9.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:42 | 861039 gangland

you had me at john 1:9 and yes you're correct, you shamed me, I am very much ashamed of myself. I'm going to run right out and repent. thanks for the "evil is real" tip captain obvious.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:53 | 861058 Reese Bobby

GFY. Matthew 4:1-11

Finance is so much more interesting than your bullshit...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:08 | 861085 gangland

"A nice woman gets shot in the head and a young girl gets killed and you yap away like a PMS bitch?"

no you're the 'lil bitch and you can quote your bible verses to all the "nice" and "young" people you are responsible for killing in the name of your pathetic book.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:10 | 861089 TheGreatPonzi

Christians are the most hypocritical persons I've ever met.

"Thou shall not kill"? "Love your enemy"? My ass! They always killed in the name of the Bible.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:21 | 861108 Reese Bobby

Keep forming your world view from the NY Times pal. Your ultimate problem is real men think your kind are clowns. Yappy, yappy, yap, yap. One big empty and stupid support group of scared rabbits...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:38 | 861237 palmereldritch

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:39 | 861238 palmereldritch

dp ?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:41 | 861241 palmereldritch

@ Ponzi

Yeah, that's the irony of so many religious books.

They can so easily be manipulated to justify deceipt and death for the clever fools that fall for that interpretation.

[reply position is fucked like Ponzi's attempt at demolition]

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:15 | 861095 Reese Bobby

Blah, blah, blah. I get you now. You have a bad case of crappy country penis envy. I can't help you with that. But we do take it as a compliment. Thank you girlie nazi douche...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:18 | 861102 UpShotKnotHoleGrable

try again bobby....big fail....

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:24 | 861115 Reese Bobby

Don't need to... Finance is simple compared to "life." I do not expect to be popular on this kind of topic. Sort of goes with the territory. But ZH commentary is getting very mean and dark. I just call them as I see them. God Bless.

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 23:57 | 860928 msjimmied

Griffords message to Sarah Palin about the cross hairs map.

http://yesbuthowever.com/gabrielle-giffords-5000205/

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:35 | 861021 robertocarlos

New twist to nailin' Palin.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:30 | 861121 penisouraus erecti

Bad imagery for sure, but wasn't there a whole movie out there based on assassinating W as well as many similar Bush in the cross-hairs stuff?

Bad people do bad things and it's doubtful they pay any attention to that sort of thing.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:45 | 861149 Everyman

Funny how the "Kill George Bush" is not mentioned in the Media or by liberals when it was in race a total war cry from the left. Selective outrage indeed.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 16:17 | 862366 penisouraus erecti

Kos - gotta love it. Do it then blame someone else........

http://hillbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/screen-shot-2011-01-08-at-3-...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:16 | 860969 RSDallas

Tyler,

Some (few) of your postings are ever relevant to reality, but your reference to first a town hall meeting and now I see "a town hall like meeting" makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. What exactly are you trying to achieve? Shame on you! You better ask yourself real quick what you want to achieve with this site. I know I will be somewhat skeptical from now on.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:28 | 861120 Reese Bobby

How dare you question the self-feeding philosophy of ZH! Why you could be junked by closed-minded, group-think, know-it-alls! Beware!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:34 | 861230 SilverIsKing

Best way for you to prove your conviction is for you to stop reading and posting here. What's the URL for your site?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:49 | 861298 DaveyJones

you better ask yourself what you want to achieve with your comment when you confess to frequenting sites where "few...postings are ever relevant"

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:18 | 860977 Kina

Remember this schizophrenic?

John Nash continued his studies and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1994. His life was depicted in the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:27 | 861006 Trimmed Hedge

1.) There are varying degrees of schizophrenia.

2.) Some schizophrenics function better than others, depending on a variety of factors.

3.) While most schizophrenics aren't harmful to others, the fact is, sometimes some of them are.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:18 | 860978 Trimmed Hedge

In all honesty, I'm not surprised this happened to a political figure.

Actually, I am surprised -- that it took so long.

I'd have figured it would have happened at least a couple years ago.

And also to a more prominent political or financial figure.

I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the last, either.

Really, this is nothing new. But the reason it's gotten so much publicity is that something like this hasn't happened in a while. Who was the last, Reagan back in the early 80s?

Still a lot of sitting targets, and still a lot of pissed-off, mentally-deranged people out there with not much left to lose.

I hate to say it, but for her sake, I hope Gabby doesn't make it. Odds are she's not going to have much of a life if she were to survive after such an injury. And I'm being compassionate, here... The fact is, sometimes creatures (including humans) are better off dead, rather than suffering through the alternative.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:23 | 860996 BankRiot

You guys notice that you can no longer post anonymously on Yahoo?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:37 | 861236 ThePhysicist

Nor ZeroHedge...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 12:37 | 861918 ZeroPower

i.e. Yahoo owners = ZH owners ? WOW!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:29 | 861007 Randall Cabot

Her grandfather was a rabbi.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:35 | 861020 TheGreatPonzi

Sounds like a psy-ops operation to me, or at least a very convenient event that will be used by the MSM and the gov to push their agenda.

- We need gun control

- Being anti-gov or liking gold are signs of dementia

- Killing people means being insane

- etc.

Should I remember some Americans, and notably the dumb fuck "Kina", that your country would not exist without a couple of murders (i.e. War of Independence?)

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:38 | 861027 Aristarchan

Should I remember some Americans, and notably the dumb fuck "Kina", that your country would not exist without a couple of murders (i.e. War of Independence?)

So, that means every act of violence should be celebrated by us?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:47 | 861048 Dr. Sandi

So, that means every act of violence should be celebrated by us?

Most of the really good ones already have their own holiday.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:05 | 861080 Aristarchan

Probably not for the reasons you subscribe too though.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:18 | 861100 Dr. Sandi

I'm not a big subscriber. I mostly buy individual issues.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:32 | 861128 UpShotKnotHoleGrable

nice!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:40 | 861143 Aristarchan

Funny....look up all the definitions of the word "subscribe."

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:15 | 861193 Dr. Sandi

If I have to look it up, it ceases to be funny.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:23 | 861202 Aristarchan

Typical.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:29 | 861213 Dr. Sandi

I may be a lot of really nasty things, but I know for damn sure I'm not "typical."

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:37 | 861231 Aristarchan

In your view, perhaps. But, "views" are like opinions, and opinions are like assholes.....and as a doctor, you know everyone has one. Mine are as apt to be wrong as right, and I recognize that. I am just another blob of meat with a view and an asshole. If I knew the "truth," I would be running things. No offense here to you at all.....sometimes I just like to argue, and sometimes I have to express my asshole at people who celebrate mass murder. I am not, BTW, suggesting you are doing that.....I just figure one smart-ass remark deserves another:)

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:08 | 861275 Dr. Sandi

Touche my friend. Well fought.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:43 | 861295 Aristarchan

Stay in touch, Doc.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:42 | 861032 Aristarchan

Double post....this site is so busy it is almost dysfunctional.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:45 | 861251 palmereldritch

The War of Independence was an act of self defence.

What that nutter did was murder. Like what your threadjacking is doing to the reasonable, intelligent debate of the days events on this thread.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:48 | 861256 TheGreatPonzi

Bullshit. Stupid bullshit. There was no invasion threat coming from the UK. It was just a matter of independence.

When you killed Indians it was also self-defense? The hypocrisy of Americans is really disgusting.

By the way, you can thank the French, because without us and Lafayette, America would not exist.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:51 | 861262 palmereldritch

I didn't kill any Indians and you're not French.

Get bent and peddle your disinfo puppet show somewhere else.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:50 | 861050 TheGreatPonzi

"No! I won't pay debt with a currency that is not backed by gold or silver".

http://www.youtube.com/user/Classitup10#p/a/u/1/nHoaZaLbqB4

Jared Loughner was a libertarian hero.

Hurrah for Jared

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 00:57 | 861066 mouser98

except for the inconvenient fact that libertarians do not support murder for any other reason than self defense...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:08 | 861086 TheGreatPonzi

If you kill someone, you commit murder, no matter who this people is or what his actions are.

When you kill a murderer, you kill someone. Period. You do the act of killing someone.

Self defense?

A long time ago, it was a common tradition in Europe to kill politicians (see the Terreur in France, against the artistocracy and then between revolutionaries themselves, see the 6 février, etc.). This was considered self-defense against crooks.

I'm not advocating murder here, because if I did, the FBI would be knocking at my door (funny, in a supposedly free speech country).

I just point out that in history, things like that occurred.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:16 | 861098 UpShotKnotHoleGrable

American dna seems to short circuit at the slightest critique and/or displayed inconsistencies....

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:21 | 861110 Aristarchan

I think you meant "human" DNA, not specifically "American" DNA. I have lived in 14 different countries, and travelled to many more, and have yet to find a nation of humans that do not bristle at critique...assuming they give a shit, of course - which in an individual trait.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:31 | 861122 UpShotKnotHoleGrable

ok it's relative....but exceptionally so in this country....shining city on the hill and all...sure every country has it's own national ethos, this country has been around roughly 223 years, what exactly is the American creed please? (rhetorical)...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:48 | 861154 Aristarchan

None, really, other than the Freedom thing. But, no country that I am aware of has a creed that lasts forever. And, most of them are based on propaganda. Creeds are typically formulations of national powers designed to "motivate" the populace toward a ruling view.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:22 | 861201 Reese Bobby

I think "creed" is an odd noun, but The United States of America was founded by non-pussies who founded a Country based on the most unique Constitution ever written. Only a Democracy founded with this Constitution would have not exploited a multi-year advantage on atomic weapons to the fullest. Only this Country would have given the world's largest oil reserve back to the Saudis. Only this Country would fight a war with any interest in controlling civilian casualties. Have we lost our way? Have we headed down a path of unsustainable Imperialism? Has our governement become unduly controlled by Banksters? YES! But our Country and our Constitution can still fix it. Would two Paul's be in positions of power if that was not true?

The United States of America was founded by Christians who wrote a Constitution that accepted other faiths. Our acceptance has been our strength until the Welfare Society was built in order to insure the votes of an ever growing populace enslaved by dependence on the State.

But U.S. citizens are waking up thanks in large part to the breaking of the MSM monopoly. Anyone rooting for the failure of The United States knows not what they do. The U.S> always has been, and remains the Light on the Hill.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:32 | 861223 gangland

VOMIT!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:16 | 861280 Reese Bobby

LOST!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:52 | 861263 Rusty Shorts

The Cure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m1CCzsgvso

Thank God for Ron Paul = FREEDOM

lol just kidding.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 21:12 | 862731 DaveyJones

we're the brightest light on the hill and we'll invade your country to keep it lit

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:50 | 861153 RichardP

If you kill someone, you commit murder, no matter who this people is or what his actions are.

Dictionaries exist for a reason: words have meanings. Dictionaries tell us what these meanings are. There is a reason we have the two words murder and execution. They each refer to different things, and so their definitions in the dictionary are not identical.

It is not useful to go through life without making distinctions - even small ones.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:54 | 861162 Aristarchan

Good point. And, although the technicalities vary from place-to-place, self defense is usually pretty clearly defined as per its difference to murder.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:05 | 861174 Thanatos

That is a fallacy.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:10 | 861180 RichardP

No. I'm pretty sure that the term self-defense is in the dictionary too. Therefore, by definition, it is an action different from murder and execution. That is why it has a definition different from those other two words.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:08 | 861177 RichardP

And at what point does our government's treatment of middle America justify the lable self defense for America's attempts to protect themselves from their government?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:19 | 861196 Aristarchan

Well, under present law, it does not allow killing anyone unless they pose an immediate threat to your own life or limb.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:55 | 861304 RichardP

Rhetorical questions:

Does starving because you have no money for food, or freezing because you have no roof over your head count as an immediate threat? (Just for the sake of discussion.)

In the old days, you were permitted to defend you gold against the mauraders coming from the next village to take it. Even to the point of killing them. Why are actions by our government, or agents of the government, that erode our purchasing power viewed any differently? (Just for the sake of discussion.)

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:32 | 861123 Lucius Corneliu...

RIP Congresswomen Gifford. God bless the Gifford family as they try to come to terms with this tragic loss.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:37 | 861132 HamyWanger

Did you know that in the Roman Empire, murder was a common occurence, and Senators/emperors were routinely assassinated? Not even talking about the circus games. Just sayin'.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:48 | 861152 Lucius Corneliu...

I was getting conflicting reports. I guess she is still alive. Regardless, this was a senseless act of violence and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families that are impacted.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:18 | 861195 Dr. Sandi

It's the Lazarus Syndrome. Happens when you get news media that aren't worth the powder needed to blow them back to Langley, Virginia.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:39 | 861141 cougar_w

There are no lone gunman. Ever. Even when there is only one gun and one person pulling the trigger. They are never alone.

We all make these people, in our own image. Someone here is reading these twisted posts about how the bitch earned it and they're going to get their gun and sit down on the couch and think things over. Maybe they'll put it back in the closet. Maybe not. Still thinking about it.

They are not alone, even if they are alone. They have all of you with them.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:58 | 861167 RichardP

Some here would refer to posts about how the bitch earned it, or TPTB deserve it, as poisen. Imagine that.

They are not alone, even if they are alone. They have all of you with them.

And what of yours have they taken with them? Poison, or good nutrition?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:51 | 861158 cocoablini

Remember the guy who flew his plane into the IRS offices? Like 2 years ago?

Unfortunately, the wrong person was killed. But it does portend some serious ANGER at the inept and moronic US government and how it has:

-Given the future of the country away to the banks

-Secured nice pensions for government employees

-destroyed the private sector

-killed millions in stupid wars

-still has the FED run the country after it has totally clued out out what a deflationary depression is.

When you steal, de-educate and austerize the people sometimes they don't like it. And then again, sometimes people had a short fuse to begin with...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 01:57 | 861166 barroter

Teaparty f*ckhead I bet. This IS Arizona...

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:14 | 861189 RichardP

It has been well established in these posts and the news media that Jared was not a Teaparty f*ckhead. Please make informed comments.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:43 | 861247 ThePhysicist

It has been established that he was a liberal, atheist, drug user, flag burner.

Clearly not a Tea Party activist. But fits the mold of a leftwing Democrat.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:14 | 861190 chumbawamba

Wow. I don't really have anything to say here that 7 pages of comments hasn't already expressed.

I just wanted to be the tail end of the longest thread in ZH history.

I am Chumbawamba.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:20 | 861199 Aristarchan

Come on CW....you have to have SOMETHING to say........

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:14 | 861191 Trimmed Hedge

Reminder: Jared, through no fault of his own, has severe mental issues.

Case in point: http://www.youtube.com/user/Classitup10#p/f/0/3L1lsLU-kUw

Watch the whole thing....

America: Your Last Memory In A Terrorist Country! From: Starhitshnaz | October 02, 2010 | 67,537 views Loading... =|
If there's no flag in the constitution then the flag in the film is unknown.
There's no flag in the constitution.
Therefore, the flag in the film is unknown.
Burn every new and old flag that you see.
Burn your flag!
I bet you can imagine this in your mind with a faster speed.
Watch this protest in reverse!
Ask the local police; "What's your illegal activity on duty?".
If you protest the government then there's a new government from protesting.
There's not a new government from protesting.
Thus, you aren't protesting the government.
There's something important in this video: There's no communication to anyone in this location.
You shouldn't be afraid of the stars.
There's a new bird on my right shoulder. The beak is two feet and lime green. The rarest bird on earth, there's no feathers, but small grey scales all over the body. It's with one large red eye with a light blue iris. The bird feet are the same as a woodpecker. This new bird and there's only one, the gender is not female or male. The wings of this bird are beautiful; 3 feet wide with the shape of a bald eagle that you could die for. If you can see this bird then you will understand. You think this bird is able to chat about a government?
I want you to imagine a comet or meteoroid coming through the atmosphere.
On the other hand, welcome yourself to the desert: Maybe your ability to protest is from the brainwash of the current government structure.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:02 | 861273 Reese Bobby

"Reminder: Jared, through no fault of his own, has severe mental issues."

Amen. In a Country of ~300 mm souls this kind of thing is sadly inevitable. I expect survivors of this tragedy will probably express sympathy for someone as sick as this kid.

What has troubled me for many years now is how this kind of sad event becomes an full-time, wheel-spinning news story. I am depressed that the President of the United States feels the need to hold a nationally televised statement reminding us that this kind of act has no place in our society. And I am not singling out our current bone-head President. We have had the same insanity for a couple decades now. But the current guy is as bad as any. "Thanks President guy. I was just now trying to figure out if shooting innocent people was bad or not."

More importantly, we can't judge a kid like Jared. I am peaceful in my faith in the Grace of God. I am constantly amazed at how faith affects people. Recently, the murderer of a young man in NYC asked for forgivness in court from the Christian mother of boy. After his long pleading she quietly said: "I have already forgiven you."

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:30 | 861221 GreenSideUp

Heard 2 interesting things on CNN:

When the constitution was read in the House the other day, Giffords was the reader for the 1st Amendment.

Because of the shooting, Boehner is not going to take up repeal of the health care bill until later.

Also, the discussion about how the political rhetoric needs to be toned down. As though it's rhetoric alone that's causing anyone to be angry with the government. I don't watch teevee much so maybe I'm just out of touch with how out of touch with realtiy these folks are.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:46 | 861252 Aristarchan

You are probably pretty close to being right.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 02:50 | 861261 TheGreatPonzi

" I don't watch teevee much so maybe I'm just out of touch with how out of touch with realtiy these folks are. "

Same for me. I usually watch the MSM to gather intelligence on how stupid the level is.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:24 | 861286 palmereldritch

This just in...

You've been staring at your reflection the whole time.

Plus! the Nielsen's are in:

Unfortunately, Your Avatar has been cancelled and has been sent into turnaround to come up with a more convincing m.o.

Thanks for playing Cass!

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:00 | 861269 rampancy777

this seems relevant to me. sorry if its repost but sf police shot a man who was in a wheelchair two times. the suspect was supposedly deranged and brandishing a knife, and allegedly destroyed some property with his knife. anyway, watch the video to see a few details including: at least six cops have the guy surrounded. when he brandishes the knife on video the cameraman announces it so you can see the sequence. it happens after all the cops already have their guns drawn on him. remember he is in a wheelchair... so one of the cops runs back around the corner while the others prepare to fire, you can see and hear the police charge their weapons. so the wheelchair guy says to hell with this, drops the knife and tries to flea. and then, when the guy IN A WHEELCHAIR is no longer facing the police, presenting no threat and no chance of escape they open up on the crippled mans side and back. there were multiple police present, and just one crippled and presumably not yet under arrest and not yet charged with anything crippled guy who was no longer a threat. any unarmed person can apprehend a person in a wheelchair. the police say it was necessary bc he stabbed an officer but watch the vid and see for yourself.

story: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/01/san-francisco-police-shoot-wheelchair...

vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyUQamT33vk

the scary thing is, the only thing the press seems to get out of this is that tasers are a good idea. That and the fact that being unarmed and a non threat doesnt guarantee that the police wont shoot you anyway.

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:13 | 861277 Reese Bobby

Provide a link to a real news source and I'll accept the fact this is,

1) real

2) accurate; his "knife" could have been a machine gun or grenade given the video quality.

Watdayagot hippy boy?

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 03:29 | 861288 rampancy777

if you cant make out the video i don't know what to say.

not that i trust google, but if you do google "san police shoot wheelchair"