The horror in Tucson

The horror in Tucson

By Thomas H. Greco

I was shocked and dismayed to learn of the assassination attempt on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the killing of several bystanders in my home district of Tucson, Arizona. I express my heartfelt condolences to all those whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by this heinous crime.

I think it is clear that such violent attacks are being encouraged by the vitriolic rhetoric that has become commonplace in American politics, particularly the tirades that are directed these days against so-called “liberals.” Such rhetoric only serves the narrow self-interest of power-seekers and does nothing to promote collaborative inquiry and improvements to the status quo.

It seems curious that mainstream news reports about the assassin chose to highlight his alleged advocacy of a new U.S. currency. An Associated Press report had this to say:

In one of several YouTube videos, which featured text against a dark background, Loughner described inventing a new U.S. currency and complained about the illiteracy rate among people living in Giffords’ congressional district in Arizona.

“I know who’s listening: Government Officials, and the People,” Loughner wrote. “Nearly all the people, who don’t know this accurate information of a new currency, aren’t aware of mind control and brainwash methods. If I have my civil rights, then this message wouldn’t have happen (sic).”

Will that kind of journalism serve to discredit all monetary reformers and critics of the money and banking regime? That remains to be seen, but I think the American people, in the face of recent economic events and financial revelations, are now sufficiently informed to recognize the difference between lunatic ranting and sincere attempts to improve the human condition. –t.h.g.