Probably having a tough time in the Florida heat. The difficult life of a politition.

"Hovey was in Florida last week to attend a board meeting of the Women in Government national organization when Giffords visited."

Another political hack, another turf argument.

Yea right, if you believe that I have a bridge to sell you!

Not wise????

"Gabby Giffords stay out of my towns," the post on the Facebook page for State Rep. DebraLee Hovey, a Republican who represents Newtown and Monroe, said last week.

What a complete A-hole. We need a Constitutional amendment allowing regular citizens to punch these people in the face for comments like this. My towns??? Who does this woman think she is? Last time I checked, she, like all politicians, are on the public dole, and these are our towns. What does it take for a representative to get fired? What ever it is, she just crossed that line and peed on it for bad measure.

"Our community has struggled greatly through this tragedy, and we are all very sensitive to the potential for this event to be exploited for political purposes. This is what I wish to avoid," she added."

Huh. How ironic...

I renew my demand that ALL politicians must pass drug and IQ testing before being allowed to take office. This woman would have obviously failed at least one test. (Rick Santorum would probably be unable to even find the test facility) Further, I strongly support the Constitutional amendment suggested by theCavalier.

Sounds like Hovey is just another Republican on the NRA payroll.

I would say that Gabby Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, have a very personal reason why they want to visit Newtown and express their sympathies and understanding since they have been the victims of gun violence, too.

Mark Kelly has been outspoken about gun violence since his wife and other innocent victims were wounded and killed. He doesn't need to play politics. He just needs to look across the kitchen table at his wife every morning to see what mentally ill people with access to assault weapons can do.

Thank goodness new gun laws are coming.

JimSpence,

The problem is that she verbally attacked someone without cause in the first place. Republican or not, she was seen as a vicious unfeeling person, and only apologized after people complained about it rather than before.

takenaka

Not a wise woman.

Too stupid to be a politician? Naaahhh.

So, Cavalier, you're IN FAVOR of a Constituional amendment that allows violence against women? Gee, that's a real progressive stance.

I have a great deal of admiration for Gabby Gifford and her husband. But this representative, like all of Newtown were still reeling and in shock from the tradgey, so cut her some slack. And it seems that Ms. Giffords, no matter what her personal intentions were, is being used to advance the Democratics case for banning guns. As Obama's people have said, "Never let a good tragedy go to waste." I think they are using Ms. Gifford and Newtown to cash in on two "tragedies". And in that light, I can see why the representative may have felt the media is promoting a political agenda. Not to mention thhat the people of Newtown have had enough of media converging on the town and want and NEED to regain some sense of normality and peace while they heal.

Spence your "political" vitriol contradicts everything you are writing about the liberal "agenda".

" Of course the Liberals/Progressives will spew their typical hate, anger, racism, rage and vitriol at anyone who disagrees with the dog and pony show they use to promote their propaganda. This is status quo for the "tolerance" of the Left as they constantly contradict themselves."

How would you describe this statement if not vitriolic and hateful? Pure NRA propaganda. Your agenda is to protect gun makers, not gun owners, regardless of how many innocents pay the ultimate price..

But this representative, like all of Newtown were still reeling and in shock from the tradgey, so cut her some slack.

Sorry...post ANYTHING on a public forum, and "reeling and in shock" or not, you better make darn sure what you post is what you mean to say before you hit "send". It's amazing to me reading what gets originally posted, then the apology that follows. The original post usually sounds like it came from a second grader with an attitude...the apology usually sounds thought out, scripted and changed two or three times before it's actually posted. Personally, I tend to believe that the original post is probably closer to the writers true feelings than is the apology.

Did anyone else think that Rep. Hovey's threat to Gabby Giffords sounded like a line out of an old western gunslinger movie?

"Stay outta my towns ..."

genafan201

It's amazing to me reading what gets originally posted, then the apology that follows. The original post usually sounds like it came from a second grader with an attitude...the apology usually sounds thought out, scripted and changed two or three times before it's actually posted. Personally, I tend to believe that the original post is probably closer to the writers true feelings than is the apology.

Agreed. My personal favorite is the posters who start with a sweeping, over-broad generalization. Then, as responders pick their position apart, they follow up with a half dozen posts adding qualifiers to their original statement.

And Aggie...nice to know you judge me for making a statement without knowing anything about me. It's easy to go back and change a statement. I stand by my first one.

Whenever you post something to a public medium that will be viewable by anyone, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

1 Does this REALLY need to be said?

2) Does this really need to be said by ME?

3) Does this really need to be said RIGHT NOW?

4) Will this add anything constructive to a discussion?

5) Am I ready to defend what I said with logical, thoughtful arguments if someone dislikes what I said?

If the answer to any of these is no, then you probably shouldn't post it. 1.18 above is an EXCELLENT example.

So basically, Rep. DebraLee Hovey told an American citizen to stay away so she doesn't have to deal with the guns issue. Yeah, much better to just ignore it.

Sorry Spence but you're about the biggest hypocrite on these boards. You pop in with your 'libby' this and 'right wing' that all the while whining about out how others are doing the same to you cons.

What's ironic is that the only people claiming this is a political event are you and that piece of sh*t Hovey. Giffords met with those families and she didn't bring a camera crew, or reporters or issue a statement. And if anyone in this world had a right to sit down and sympathize with the victim's families, it was her.

Some advice, turn down the rhetoric because you're really coming across as pathetic right now.

Liberals Selfish Agenda: Protecting kids from gun violence.

Republican Selfish Agenda: Protecting gun manufacturers profits from gun violence.

Whoa. A d-bag with a capital "R". What's truly shameful is that it is not in the least unexpected.

If Ms. Giffords is going "to meet with families" Um, I guess that means that some one has agreed to meet with her, maybe even invited her. Sorry gun lobby. You guys look terrible after all of these shootings. Banning a victim from another shooting from meeting with "your" victims sounds like you are trying to make it look like there is "no connection" between two events when we all can see that there is. Talk about manipulating and exploiting.

My comments were meant to be protective of the privacy of the families and our community as we work to move on,

Never ruin an apology with an excuse.

JimSpence, what about James Brady, he was a Republican, worked for Reagan. You can thank him for many of the current gun laws.

Jim Spence: Your grandstanding makes me laugh! You're trying to sound smart and educated and I applaud your desires. For your and everyone else's sake, hopefully you'll gain an open mind through the process. In order to do so, you'll have to dissolve your instinct to attack "liberals/progressives" as your number 1 defense of your currently closed mind. Good luck!

The Right wingers spewing nonsense to support Hovey are only showing everyone exactly why the Republican party is in decline and will continue to be for a long time to come. Good job, fellas. The more you spew the faster the Republicans sink.

Why does everyone assume that it's only Democrats and 'libs' that want to control gun insanity? Does that mean that there are no Republicans and 'cons' with the brains god gave doorknobs?

When the events in Sandy Hook first began to unfold, I wondered how people would react. I discovered that an awfully lot of the first posts were from pro-gun advocates bemoaning the shooting because of the bad publicity the event would create for the gun lobby. They expressed little concern or empathy for the children or their teachers. On the contrary, they immediately began posting diatribes against those who might dare to criticize their right to own weapons of mass destruction. It appears to me that guns trump children for some of the rabid gun advocates.

When I think about these events, I see the ravaged faces of parents who have to identify the bullet shredded bodies of the babies they sent off to school that morning and I wonder how they will survive the next days and weeks and months and years without those beautiful children.

Are there gun issues to discuss? I suppose there are, but couldn't the gun lobby wait a few short seconds to think about those children before they begin laying out their political positions?

Why does everyone assume that it's only Democrats and 'libs' that want to control gun insanity? Does that mean that there are no Republicans and 'cons' with the brains god gave doorknobs?

Actually, it's because republicans are aware of the fact that there have been numerous gun laws passed in different states and cities over the years. Some with the idea that if guns were less available, criminals would have a harder time getting them, and crime would go down. Others with the idea that if guns were more available the average citizen would be more likely to be armed, and prevent crime.

Neither of these routes had ANY effect on gun related violence.

And the reason for that is criminals, and mentally unstable people are the problem, and no law effects the way these people think.

Gun control is a distraction from the real issue, which is the mental state of criminals. Any attempts to stop violence that doesn't involve that, has been proven to be a waste of time, over and over.

Do we as a nation have any responsible politicans that have been elected to any office. ? I highly doubt it since none show any common sense at all. The ethics of our elected are beyond mention or description..they seemly have none..yet if anyone from the middle class makes a statemtn that is ill conceived then they are punished..yet our politicans remain in an office of power......does anyone wonder just who they care about other than themselves ?>

Well, DOUGLAS OATS. Are you really a black bastard or are you just trying to make people think that you are. Either way you are showing your complete ignorance.

Spencer-399802

Nothing gets anti gun liberals hot and bothered like dead children

You are one sick puppy! If you actually believe that, you are truly one dimensional, and can't have many friends, or even anyone that wants to be in the same room with you. Oh and of my friends, the ONLY ones that were posting anything other that sympathy were my conservative republican friends, with the OH NO here we go again and posting You'll pry my gun from my cold dead fingers. Not one of my liberal friends posted ANYTHING at all about gun laws!!

There is no reason to attribute bad behavior like this to politicians in general. We have seen several years' worth of disparagement, bad manners and distorted viewpoints from almost always Republicans. I think the problem is that they hang out with each other, listen to the same radio programs, and feed on the extreme language heard there. When they bring it out into the public arena, it sticks out as sullen or rude or ignorant and they kinda-sorta apologize. This party needs to open the doors and let some fresh air in. I don't think most Americans act that way and certainly don't want their representatives to do so.

Non-par, for the same reason assumptions are made that all gun owners are Republicans. Assumptions are constantly made on the vine. Civil dialogue is rare, generally it's mean spirited and accusatory (typically the pot calling the kettle black). But of course we all keep coming back because it's a train wreck. Try as we might to avoid it we have to look.

Two comments. #1 Hovey's towns ? Who is she- the queen ? #2 Support. It is usually helpful for people who have experienced a tragedy to meet with or reach out to people who have experienced the same type of tragedy. It is therapeutic. Hovey is a piece of political trash.

Spencer, NYC has tough gun laws and they are the 2nd safest city in the Nation. Only 414 murders in a city of 8 million people, so gun laws do help. Stop reading NRA points and check out the facts.

Once again I have to ask myself, 'what is wrong with Republicans?'. It never seems to end with these people; somewhere along the way they forgot how to be civil.

Uh sorry, but Mark Kelley is exploiting this and his wife's shooting. If you see him on talk shows, which you must because he's always promoting himself, he comes across as very self-absorbed, consumed with his own agenda and somewhat of a used car salesman.

silverton-2953905

JimSpence,

Better keep stock-piling your arsenal of assault weapons and giving your paycheck to the NRA.

New gun laws are coming.

Sound advice. I'm sure law enforcement won't take notice of you buying an absurd amount of ammunition for multiple assault rifles...

Fake dope conservatives deserve as much blame as faux liberals.

Only lunatics are arguing that nothing should be done about gun laws or nothing should be done about people with mental health issues. Those lunatics have shown enough irresponsibility to get their rights removed now. And it won't take a lot of rights to be removed. Just the ones that the irresponsible lunatics keep insisting they need.

Those rights are the right to carry an assault weapon, and the right to ever own a gun of any kind if you are in a household with someone with a history of mental health issues that could hurt you or someone around you.

That's right, lunatic, fake conservatives AND liberals get to BOTH lose rights.

Come down on everyone until school shootings stop. Your right to bear arms or have mental health issues and use them comes second now. If you wanted those rights, you should have already come up with better answers by now.

When he was in space, did he venture too close to your home planet ? The man's wife suffered a devastating injury at the hands of a gunman. Of course this issue has taken on a personal nature and new relevance to this man.

No apology was necessary. It's the way it is.

Its super easy to spot those that are still living in their moms basement and reading everything that they know on MSN and believing everything that they read. You are a joke, more than a joke actually, more of a sad sad story. The fact that you believe that anyone looks at your posts and says "wow, that person is well educated and knows what they are talking about" is astonishing (sound it out slowly, you will get it). You truly believe that anyone that does not believe that same things that you believe MUST be a republican, MUST support the NRA and MUST be ignorant. Amazing.....absolutely. All I can say is "your ignorance is no excuse for your sputtering on a subject you know nothing about". I am quite sure you went out and got an "inhale" tattoo on your left hand and "exhale" tattoo on your right hand just so you can remember how to breathe.........flippin mouth breathers!

Representative Hovey is treated unfairly. Her message wasn't political or partisan.

She acted as a politician vested with intimate interest of her constituency, without any regard to any particular party line.

She fiercely and emotionally defended their most precious asset in trying times, their privacy.

We need to trust our elected representatives a little bit more.

In other words, we need to afford people more kindness and understanding, regardless of anything else.

Okay Hovey, maybe I will buy that you just want to protect your citizens and help them move forward.

So having the families speak to a woman who has personally been through the same ordeal and survived would actually hinder that healing process? What a joke! Hovey is the one that made it about politics, merely because the visitor is a Dem. So much for caring about her constituents!

Gaby had a psychological bond with those children. A bond forged by a personal tragic incedent. I felt pain for her and those who died around her. I cried for those children who died and those who will live with the pain the rest of their lives. I have been shot , and shot to kill

I can only imagine the impact that the news media, pro and con gun advocates, and gawkers in general, had on this small town. I can empathize with the residents who had had enough, and their representative trying to protect them. I would think that Rep. Hoveys' response was precipitated not by politics but the sheer pressure of public insensitivity. That could be why her appology was rather scattered.

For much of the last 25 years, the visceral conservative movement, has used it's money and corporate influence (ALEC for example), to elect reactionary demagogues like Hovey to state office and gain control of many state houses nationwide. Disguised as concern for the well being of their constituents, reps like Hovey employ a backward, irrational "logic" that is little more than shilling for these special interests. Often initiating or supporting legislation actually crafted by these narrow special interests/organizations, reps like Hovey, are so skewed from the REAL needs of their constituents, that when a crisis occurs, they go on these politically tone deaf rampages in public forums, until the blowback from real people in their districts compels them to apologize. Not from any concern for the victims, but from the realization that they even have offended the sensibilities of those for whom they shill. Pathos, irrationality and a very limited understanding of the real role of an elected representative, are poor substitutes for statesmanship, for anyone allegedly "serving" in elected political office. Moderation and solution-oriented centrism, representing ALL people, are what we need first and foremost from all our elected officials, on every level, not politically and morally tone deaf shills.

I am constantly reading and hearing about the controversy over the comparison of guns and cars. First of all, there is no comparison to guns and cars. Cars are manufactured for transportation purposes, guns were manufactured for what...?

No one is trying to take away anyone's 2nd Amendment Right. People with common sense are simply trying to put federal laws into place that prevent the use of military style rifles and ammunition. There is no need for these types unless you suffer from Paranoid schizophrenia. If you do suffer from this then all the more reason you should not possess any kind of fire arm. You need medication and mental health counseling. Otherwise there are several countries located in the Middle East where you are more than welcome to own these types of weapons. I am sure Israel and the other Middle East countries will make you feel safer than in the USA.

So, tell me again why guns are manufactured...???

"Gabby Giffords stay out of my towns."

Really Mrs. Hovey? Like you own the towns and have checkpoints setup as if Connecticut is a remote area of Afghanistan and you are a tribal leader? This is America and any American has the right to go to any city in this beautiful country that they want no matter what some hack job GOP attempted diversity insert says. Well guess what happens now, next election Americans will say "DebraLee Hovey stay out of our government."

Spencer, NYC has tough gun laws and they are the 2nd safest city in the Nation. Only 414 murders in a city of 8 million people, so gun laws do help. Stop reading NRA points and check out the facts.

DC, and Chicago have tough gun laws, and their a couple of the most un safe cities in the nation.... Which is an absolutely useless argument in the gun debate. Just as NYC being safe with it's gun laws.

The argument is about how the safety of the city changed due to gun laws. And in every case, the answer is, "it didn't".

@Jim Spence & Aggie

You two are the ones that are insulting to Gabby Giffords(btw, I voted for her every time she ran as she represented my district). Shame on you for speaking about Gabby as if she was some sort of ragdoll and what does being handicapped have to do with anything? That's insalting to handicapped people. Gabby is still recovering as well. She currently has physical limitations but her mind works fine; she just can't get the words out as smoothly as she used to. She is still working to recover.

She is not being used by liberals or democrate to advande any agenda. This is a personal for her as the type of gun used had a high volume clip/cartridge to kill many people including a 9 year old girl and was committed by a person with mental problems. Jan Brewer, our governor felt there was no need to do anything about these sort of guns and was pretty insensitive about the whole matter, IMO. Both Gabby and Mark own guns but want better background checks and are against the guns which have the capacity to shoot a lot of ammo as well as examining how to better identify and help people with mental issues.

Oh waah, waah, somebody said something someone else considered insensitive. Good for her for speaking her mind and not letting you "enlightened" "liberal" and so-called democrats take away her freedom of speech, too. Like you people and your representatives never say something off-color. Get over yourselves, people, you and your opinions are only important to yourselves. You people have polarized this country enough.

I'm not republican, not a member of the NRA, but I sure agree with her. You "enlightened" id10ts, with your "liberal" holier-than-thou attitudes and back-door bustin' politicians have seized upon each shooting as an opportunity to further your own political agendas, and you expose yourselves for the hypocrites you are if you deny it. It's no wonder people reacted in the forums the way they did, because they knew by experience how you crybaby "sensitive" "liberals" were going to react, and everyone is tired of it. Sad for you that you can't understand that YOU are the reason there is even a gun lobby (NRA) in this country. Quit your onslaught against the 2nd amendment and the US Constitution, and there wouldn't be a need for the NRA. Propose some realistic, reasonable "gun control" laws instead of the insane "ban 'em all" attitude you have, then you probably wouldn't meet with so much resistance.

Now, blast me for exercising my right to react to your constant whining and complaining about everyone who doesn't believe like you do. Go ahead, perpetuate your own stereotype.

I don't see how humans ever became the dominant species on this planet. I know we won't retain the dominance with people like you guys running the world.

I think her concerns were understandable. Both parties have so much hatred toward each other that everything, including a national tragedy, could fall prey to being used for a political agenda.

Obama has shown that he is not a leader and is ripping the country in two. If we want to heal as a nation I think we should get rid of both the dems and the reps and start electing real people who want to fix things and not political puppets with delusions of grandeur.

In case this turns into another "gun ban" forum, I am not a member of the NRA. Recently in San Antonio, TX, there was another psycho who went into a mall and then a theater with guns to kill others. An off-duty police officer was on site and shot the psycho and disarmed him, thereby saving lives. But you will have to search for that story because it doesn't fit the media's and government's agenda to disarm Americans. I know about it because I live in San Antonio. I personally am very thankful that this woman was allowed to carry a gun.

Julieanne, you're wrong on both parts. Apparently you haven't been reading the forums or keeping up with the political pressure from Obama/Biden, etc.

First of all, if you're speaking of body count perspective, yes the car/gun comparison is totally valid. Cars weren't designed primarily for killing anything, yet they kill more people on our highways EVERY YEAR than we lost in the whole Vietnam war. Cars are also used as weapons of personal injury and death probably every day of the year somewhere in this country, just as are guns. Murder of innocents was not what cars were designed for, neither were guns (hunting, self-protection, war). If you want to end the carnage, you simply must admit that cars do more damage and mayhem than guns. It's sad that something that wasn't designed to kill actually kills more people than something that was designed kill. You're drinking the wrong koolaid, my dear. Get your priorities straight.

Secondly, start reading and paying more attention to what is being proposed by the "gun control" nuts on this forum and throughout the media. So much of the rhetoric is calling for total bans, or failing that, making gun ownership prohibitively expensive. You people start RATIONALLY discussing the issues and come up with REASONABLE new laws and protections against further incursions against the 2nd amendment, and I think you wouldn't get half the resistance you do now.

Remember two words: rational and reasonable. So far, you people are losing in that department. The sound you hear are your collective knees hitting your desks.

Chris from Yucaipa

Sorry Spence but you're about the biggest hypocrite on these boards. You pop in with your 'libby' this and 'right wing' that all the while whining about out how others are doing the same to you cons.

What's ironic is that the only people claiming this is a political event are you and that piece of sh*t Hovey. Giffords met with those families and she didn't bring a camera crew, or reporters or issue a statement. And if anyone in this world had a right to sit down and sympathize with the victim's families, it was her.

Some advice, turn down the rhetoric because you're really coming across as pathetic right now.

ROTFLMAO!!!!

Go away Chris.

You and all your Liberal/Progressive extremists are to blame for most of the problems we real Americans have to fix now.

Gabby Giffords is just another Liberal exploitation of their ideologies. Why does she have this alleged “right” to sit down and sympathize with the victims. Can’t you or I sympathize with them? Can only other “victims” sympathize and deal with these issues? If so, shouldn’t our government only consist of “victims” of similar tragedies of every variety possible?

This is your garden variety Liberal spectrum of symbolism over substance. Everything you Libbies deal with is based on emotions rather than policy. You confound this with your irrational promotions of “fairness”, “level playing fields”, “living wages” and other indefinable ideologies.

If Gabby was really worried about gun violence she would stay right at home in Arizona and deal with her states own problems.

From murders to suicides, Arizona is consistently among the most deadly states in the nation for gun violence, federal records show.

Over a nine-year span, the state's rate of gun deaths of all types ranked seventh in the United States and sixth for gun-involved slayings, according to an Arizona Republic analysis of death reports compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This little dog-and-pony show starring Gabby Giffords is simply using her and her tragedy to promote the Liberal cabals nonsense that gun control will help. It didn't help from 1994-2004 and it won't help now. Especially with Joe "Bite Me" Biden leading the process.

Until you Libbies agree that the real driver of the problems regarding violence, drugs, crime and poverty all stem from our criminal government run Public Education system, these problems will continue. But then again, statists and the Ivy League faculty-lounge elitists like Barrack Hussein don't believe in a strong education for the aggregate. If the masses are educated they oppose his nonsense ideologies. That's why he appeals to the unwashed masses who rely on the government for their existence.

Gabby Giffords event was a tragedy. More importantly her recovery and progress is a testament to our great health care system. Now, if we can get the bleeding-heart Liberals to admit their deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill was a horrible idea we may be able to make significant improvements to our violence.

I doubt the Liberals/Progressives will comply.

You can turn your own rhetoric off Spanky, you're just making yourself more insignificant than you already are.

Right, wrong or indifferent, it was a stupid thing to say in public.

Just more proof of the intelligence vacuum in the Republican party.

Gun Deaths per 1000 people in UK 0.07 - USA 2.97. But of course gun control does not work according to people like JimSpence. If there are more guns per head of population it's seems logical to think there would be more deaths from those guns per head of population. I know I'm wasting my time with the Gun people.

Mr.Spence/We do not have a problem with the amount of guns that Citizens own.The mayhem is caused by our poor educational standards.Are you sure it is not caused by our excessive eating habits,or maybe our lack of social skills as we spend too much time playing on computers.? Possible because the schools have cut out extra curriculour activities I guess that this Liberal Democrat should be grateful that someone,such as you can show me how wrong I am.It is time that the gun lobby were alllowed to help the recreational fishing industry by selling explosives to aid their customers in increasing their fishing catch.

genafan....Walk a mile in her shoes.

Pretty weak apology if you ask me. She didn't apologize to Gabby personally. She apologizes IF she offended anyone, the standard non-apology apology.

freedom

it sounds like your ok with big brother watching and it is a political move to add in the artical about being gun opponents. the dems have washed you into thinking they are looking out for your interest. I see no reason for an apology although her remarks did put her lower on the ladder. It also gave her publicity as in there is no bad publicity.

okie

" there is no bad publicity " ?????

Looks to me more like HOVEY shot herself in the foot with her comment. Could be one hell of a dog fight when she comes up for reelection.

Freedom 4 No One, sounds fantastic dude. Can't wait for your Nirvana world.

Freedom4. "you won't be able to go to the bathroom without big brother knowing what you ate yesterday". That's okay with you? Sad, very sad. There's another place where "big bro" doesn't need any sensors to know what you ate yesterday. It's called prison. They know exactly what you ate yesterday and what you did in the bathroom. Let's have Freedom 4 Everyone. Let all the inmates out, put sensors everywhere, take away guns from everyone. Genius! Why didn't I think of that! That will solve violence and everyone will be free. Then I'll be able to use the bathroom without someone watching me and all the criminals will turn nice and not steal or commit violent crimes, right? I think you've been sniffing something. You haven't been in my bathroom have you?

So, according to the Leftists, Giffords just wanted to go to Connecticut out of purely humanitarian concern with no political agenda, right?

I guess they think that it has nothing to do with the fact that Giffords and her husband have started a POLITICAL organization, complete with a website seeking DONATIONS, advocating for new gun laws.

foolish... Any proof she gained anything from going to conneticutt? Any news crew with her? Did she even announce she was going or did most people find out when Hovey made her comment?

Please note the newest MSNBC news: Gabby Gifford Sponsors Group to Counter Gun Lobby. The Giffords were not there to just offer their condolences. It was politics. Politics. Agenda. Sadly everyone has one these days. And the beat goes on.

I am more offended by her non-apology. Why are these people always in such a hurry to "move on" , rather than to properly investigate what has happened, learn lessons from that real investigation, and adjust our view accordingly to the political and policy decisions that need to be made?

So, according to the Leftists, Giffords just wanted to go to Connecticut out of purely humanitarian concern with no political agenda, right?

That's right. That's the way she is.

I knew her well and have met with her quite a few times.

Up until January 8, 2011, she was my congressperson.

She is no liberal. She is a moderate and worked very hard to reach across the isle when she was in congress.

@ foolishness- I see nothing political on the site Gabby Giffords and her husband set up. Former Congresswoman Giffords was not known to be a liberal Democrat- instead was considered to be more of a "Blue Dog" Democrat. The site talks about having responsible gun ownership and respecting the 2nd Amendment. It does not speak to a "liberal" agenda. This is an American problem and it needs to have an American response that is not centered on the profits of gun companies.

so how do you really feel about them?

Wow...I hope you don't have children. If you do, I hope they don't end up as stupid as you.

Connecticut politicians have been duly schooled by the NRA and the Gun Manufacturers because most of them are in Conn. and they have threatened already to leave and stop financial support of the repubs if they don't beat this back. Bluster, they can't go to any country in the world and have the unregulated fredoms they have right where they are they just know that changes are coming and they are worried. 300,000,000 people 320,000,000 guns . WHY just like my favorite question to the 2%ers--- How much is enough?

Americans are just too easy. The benevolent benefactor of government will save us from ourselves and bring us into the promised land where there will be no more fear, no more hate, no more death, no more war, no more rich, no more poor, no more you, just all of us together. Just get in line.

75th

well personally i would like about 15 more rifles. then o would have an even 50 weapons. oops sorry i bet you just @!$%# your pants on that one. you libs are such idiots. you want that utopia obozo keeps filling your mushy heads with.

Doesn't bother me at all. All I need is one. I have a hard time imagining you firing more than a couple at a time...who's the idiot?

Kevin Marsh - The point is, it cuts both ways.

Still trying to understand the "political" agenda that a gun victim is trying to gain here. Giffords isn't a politician anymore last I check. She retired last year. Why can't she give these victims a little hope? If Hover felt the way she did, why didn't she contact the Giffords privately and state this. To me, the insensitive ones were the people donating stuff animals and toys to the parents who just lost their child. Who was supposed to open them right before Christmas? Maybe some people thought they were donating to Sandy(hurricane) relief instead. This wasn't an apology either.

It's one thing to exploit a tragedy for "political" purposes, and quite another for victims of man-made catastrophes to call attention to a problem that almost killed them and killed many others so that we can come together and get this threat out of our society. A person who has been shot and has survived should speak up.

ConradC, I agree with your post on all points.

I find it insulting whenever anyone posts "If anyone was insulted, upset, whatever, I apologize."

A person who has been shot and has survived should speak up.

OK...I have been shot and blown up but I am opposed to stricter gun control laws, Do you think any newspaper or news agency would give me the same coverage they would give Giffords, FYI, I was employed by the US Government when I was shot and blownup and I never received even a small percentage of the medical care that Gifford received, Let me further add that right after I was shot I was required to stay on the line and keep defending my position and when I did get medical care it was field care. Oh...and I did not volunteer...My country drafted me and sent me off to war.

Yes Giffords survived a tragic event that she did not bring on herself and has a right to speak about it but if you really think that her visit to Conn was anything but politically motivated then you are a fool, It was for an agenda.

Blah...blah...blah....

Do you really believe the easy access to 300,000,000 guns in America doesn't have anything to do with the level of gun violence in America?

NRA agenda much?

No it's because of low life POS with no regard for the Golden Rule with the level of ALL violence.

It is unfortunate that people say things at times which are not the most appropriate or sensitive. No doubt all in the political field have done this at one time or the other.For one who is fairly new, there is still much to learn. It is, as they say, a dog eats dog world. Hopefully a lesson learned on sensitivity in hindsight at the very least.

On a side note, and I hope you will forgive the length, it touches a topic that bothers me often. I find it interesting to see how many folks are absolutely comfortable taking someones comment, action or something else, slapping a negative, ugly label across it, like unwise woman, brutally insensitive, or typical *^& lying and instantly defining every Republican in the nation with it. Or if reading further down, something all Democrats would do.Thereby stating with their profound wisdom and judgment what the rest of us must be missing somehow. (Tongue in cheek here people) How absurd is that? I had no idea all Americans were alike! You certainly couldn't tell by how they act, vote and behave.

Which leaves me curious of course, what educational training, expertise,professional positions they hold or technologies they have access to. It would have to be quite advanced government or military I presume-(sorry for taking this leap), unique opportunities in life they have been blessed with, perhaps even, God forbid, god-like powers they possess, which allow them to read the minds and know the souls of their fellow American citizens. (Yeap, still tongue in cheek here...just shaking my head)

It's a shame so many take the statement of one, and decide to apply it to all. Surely a mature person would not immediately jump to that conclusion, regardless if they didn't like others positions because they belonged to the opposite party. Life is not, in fact comprised of black and white as the only two colors, and thank goodness. Imagine how dull everything would be.

Each human being is unique and varies in their views, life experiences, choices and backgrounds which forms their outlooks on life.Which brings us to how they feel about different subjects like politics,duh!(being silly again, sorry) With moderates, liberals and extremists in both parties, also decent, sensitive and thoughtful folks who care and try their best to do what they think is right, as well.Even if we don't agree how to get there.(this is for those who can't realize this, the smart ones already know :P)

In all fairness, in politics neither side has been always right, both have contributed to the problems at hand, and it will take working together to fix the fine mess we are in. That means you, me, our neighbors, all of us together. Bullying each other doesn't do a bit of good, pumping up ones ego trying to look smart by declaring the other side brutally insensitive, stupid, or any other derogatory names or nasty stuff, only backfires.

Reasonable folks will never respect such individuals,who reveal they lack decency. Because they are unable to respect different views,or given an answer one doesn't like. As the saying goes for those who tend to have closed minds, "A person wrapped up in themselves, makes a very small package indeed."

Then again, some folks simply want to spout off,on power trips,accusing others of all sorts of things they themselves are doing, while making judgment calls. It makes them feel so superior.These trolls feed on negative attention.They can't sustain the positive kind because they haven't learned how to get alone the normal way.

It is true, we must pick our battles in life. It is the ones based on our principals, I believe, that matter when all is said and done.If we don't stick up for those, what other ones are worth fighting for in the end? What kind of character will we have forged for ourselves from life's vast universe of choices?

Do you really believe the easy access to 300,000,000 guns in America doesn't have anything to do with the level of gun violence in America?

The areas with the highest gun and violence rate are those with the strictest gun laws, Now you are going to tell me that is because they go get their guns from those areas with the lax gun laws but your argument has a fatal flaw, Those areas with those lax gun laws do not have the high gun/violence rates of those places with strict gun laws, The problem is not the guns.

Windancersong, you used a very important word above which I believes gets to the heart of the matter. That word was "maturity," which seems to be sorely lacking endemically in the U.S. It is certainly lacking in Washington, thus the "fiscal cliff," "debt ceiling" and lowering of U.S. credit rating, just for a few examples. Self-centered behavior is glorified in our country, sadly, and is frequently expressed online, as well. Being mature, putting others' needs before one's own, giving others the benefit of the doubt, has become an undesirable state. Sad, really. Not that there aren't many lovely, selfless people in this country, but it seems our culture celebrates narcissism.

LostInThePineBarrens,

WELL SAID!

Excellent logical thinking. I wish I had said what you did. I will use it in future discussions.

i like lost in the pines have been on the recieving end of a military grade weapon. i am definetly sorry that gabby was shot but in all honesty politicians never retire. they inject their selves into every situation they can. and yes. she was given better care than we will ever recieve. thats a real problem. politicians have made sure that they are treated like a special class.

Again, NYC has some of the strictest laws in the Nation and they are the 2nd safest city in the US. Only 414 murders in 2012 out of 8 million people. Lost, your reasoning does not hold up. Wyoming & TN have loose gun laws and are in the top 5 of most violent states.

Zannie 84 - Many factors come into play in 'statistics'. Few of those factors are ever adequately identified or revealed when they are being used to support a particular position. Can't even trust statistics these days, not because they aren't useful, but because of how they are often skewed to promote an agenda.

PJP-7493043

If its fully implemented, you wont be able to go to the bathroom without big brother knowing what you ate yesterday.." - at the thought of not being able to defend yourself unless you're one of the elite, is not making you safer.

Welcome to 1984 in 2013. Corporations already own your privacy. Ever heard of targeted internet marketing? If you searched for this site they already imbedded a keystroke tracker on our computer. Next time you log on to your computer look for ads that seem to follow your interests. Ten minutes on the computer and they know who you had sex with last night and how many times. You're a little late in worrying about privacy, it no longer exists.

Just quoting, Freedom4Everyone - "The good news is, soon electronic sniffers will be everywhere, and anyone carrying a gun will light up the alarms everywhere they go. The days of getting away with stuff are soon over, considering the tech that will soon be online. If its fully implemented, you wont be able to go to the bathroom without big brother knowing what you ate yesterday.." And then, myself, making a comment. - To express joy at the thought of not being able to defend yourself unless you're one of the elite, is not making you safer.

Again, NYC has some of the strictest laws in the Nation and they are the 2nd safest city in the US

NYC has a police force that is larger and better equipped than some countries militaries, NYC has 24/7/365 day a week ultimate surveillance, There are cameras everywhere,NY not only has a police presence but they have a joint anti terrorist task force and receive loads of federal funding, NYC has an income greater than some small countries and can afford it, I notice you avoided Chicago, Detroit, Washington DC,Trenton,Newark & Camden NJ, Baltimore MD, Los Angelos CA.

My logic and reasoning most certainly does stand up, The states that provide more allowance to their citizens to own firearms have lower crime rates than states that restrict their citizens firearm ownership,It is indisputable

@Zannie84, Let me also add that while your contention that NYC has some of the strictest gun laws NYC is far from gun free, In fact there are at any given times 10's of thousands of armed individuals other than police in NYC, Those individuals range from security guards for businesses to private security for bankers and diplomats and Private investigative agencies, NYC is only gun free for the average citizen. trying to use NYC as a comparison is disingenuous there are probably more armed non police individuals in NYC than there are police in any other city in this country.

Lost: I think you have been in the Pine Barrens too long, seen the Jersey Devil yet? TN, AZ, WY & LA have loose gun laws, all are at the top of the list for gun deaths. These are not murders, just gun deaths. NJ has low gun deaths and we do have restrictions.

Ah yes...Freedom of speech if it is line with what YOU think........

Yeah, pull the "Freedom of Speech" card out of the closet. FoS my ass!!! It has been exploited to the point of ridiculous and hyper-insensitivity. Too often Americans have become the me, me, me thinkers at the expense of humanity. We are the most unsympathetic bastards on the face of this Earth. Right now I'm giving you (both of you) a dose of it. How does it feel??
I've got the Right to do this! I've got the Right to do that!!" Horse@!$%#!! The only right you have is to breathe, @!$%#, and die. Other than that, take those privileges regarded, only in America, as rights and shove them where the sun don't shine.

You may now return to regular programming. :)

sugar,

What? Too much freedom of speech for you? Leave.

Freedom of Speech is a good thing,and somtimes you're free to make an a$$ out of yourself.

She was there to offer support and understanding to the victims. She is one of the few people who CAN understand what these people are going through. This is a very common human interaction. Parents of missing children are often contacted by other parents who have been through the same thing, amputees talk to amputees, cancer survivors offer support to those fighting the disease, etc. Who the hell are you to tell us what these Sandy Hook families want, have you talked to them? What makes you so sure that some of them don't APPRECIATE Gabby being there for them?

You are exactly right Desoto, these folks asked for privacy acouple of weeks ago, they also asked that no more ANYTHING be sent to the town. They have everything they need and have half a dozed semi trailers of stuff that hasn't been unloaded and no one to unload it. I live in a medium sized upper mid western city and splashed all over our local paper is how the school kids here are sending thousands of pages of sympathetic artwork to the town and it will go out this Friday (at taxpayer expense). I called the school district superintendant and asked if they were aware that the folks there don't want anything more sent and was told "no" but was told the kid's "have a right" to do this, WHAT? and if they didn't send this stuff it would "dash their dreams", oh brother!

I am certain that they are awash in teddy bears.

People mean well, but much of what happens makes others feel good that they can do something.

I am not sure how sending material items is going to help these folks. They were not in a natural disaster where they lost all of those things. Things like art work, christmas gifts, and teddy bears are not going to aid these folks in any way. What they lost--there is no replacing--just hard, hard grief.

DesotoKim

Giffords is ,was and will be a nobody when she stops getting thrust in front of the

media.

Yeah and the next time you are shot in the head and live.. remember, you are, was, and will be a nobody.

It doesn't matter if she knows what they're going through. That won't help them. Nothing will help them but time.

But in fact, she DOESN'T know what they are going through. It's very different to survive an injury to yourself vs. burying your child.

As for Hovey's remark about "my towns," I assume she is feeling very protective at a time when someone obviously needs to perform that function. She was elected to protect and nurture those towns. Too many politicians couldn't care less about the towns they were elected to serve. So yes, they ARE her towns and it is heart-warming to hear any politician express such a sentiment.

Giffords, leave those people ALONE.

Hovey, don't let the media intimidate you. Although I don't live in one of your towns, any politician who cares about protecting and serving the people who elected them is a precious gem in today's political environment. You have nothing whatsoever to apologize for.

And just for the record, I am proud to be an Independent.

And this is your business because, WHY?

ony-344506

I live in a medium sized upper mid western city and splashed all over our local paper is how the school kids here are sending thousands of pages of sympathetic artwork to the town and it will go out this Friday (at taxpayer expense). I called the school district superintendant and asked if they were aware that the folks there don't want anything more sent and was told "no" but was told the kid's "have a right" to do this, WHAT? and if they didn't send this stuff it would "dash their dreams", oh brother!

You had me up to the "taxpayer expense." The school budget is pretty much set in stone; I have no doubt that the artwork was sent out at PTA/PTO/faculty expense, the money of which was probably collected by the fall school fundraiser (which is a 3 mile run at my local elementary school, with a magazine subscription sale at the middle school, and cookie dough/gift catalogs by the classrooms for field trips).

I don't know about the conversation you had with the district superintendant, or superintendent, (however the title is spelled in your town) as I have only your side of the conversation, that which you posted, which seems awfully syrupy.

I do know that it is important that students learn to express condolences. It would have been helpful to have learned that in school when I was a child, as it was not taught at home.

You are right that the people of Newtown have a right to their privacy.

However, keeping promises to school children that their condolences will be sent on is also important.

You hit the nail on the head. I feel sorry for Giffords but she has no business going to Conn.

First I have a lot of respect for Ms Giffords, and yes she is no longer in the House. I also want to believe that her visit to Newtown was first and foremost to provide support to the families, but unfortunately as of this morning I cant say there was no other motivation. Since she and her husband have started an anti-gun initiative (and I would probably support it) one would also have to question at least a little of the motivation of her visit. We cannot blanketly say her visit was just to show support and had no political undertone.

She may no longer be a politician but she is still useing tragedy to push an agenda isn't she.if I was Hovey I would not have apoligized because she was right.

Just for the record, Gabby Giffords was pushing for better gun control legislation long before she was shot. Sarah Palin putting out a map with gunsight crosshairs over her district was another motivator for her back in 2008.

And Hovey did NOT apologize.

Saying "IF" I offended anybody is NOT an apology.

Saying "I'm sorry to those I offended" IS an apology. Saying "IF" I offended somebody is not an apology.

Just like Bloodsucker Blumenthal when he "Miss Spoke" many times about serving in Vietnam while running for the equally POS former veteran crooked Barney Butthole buddy Chris"turkey neck" Dudds seat. Come to think about it, he miss speaks every time he opens his mouth.

genafan.... Walk a mile in her shoes.

Jassman, eat my shorts, which have skid marks.

Lou Leid

Jassman, eat my shorts, which have skid marks.

I agree with Jazzman... your comment is proof he is right...and also violated the CoH on newsvine.

This reinforces his point exactly... Political football is all this is on both sides... and it is disgusting...including your comments, which are allot worse then Hovey's anyday

where are the censors at 7/730 in the morning?a lot of this /these posts are not protected by free speech cause they are not in line with good standards.

HI Shosyn, Hi Jazz,

By your logic, We should not have a monument to 9/11 because it is "just political football" and we are just "political ammunition". How about all the attention that we now pay to people who prey on our children post Jerry Sandusky? Is it "disgusting" that more people are paying attention to those with access to children?
Ms. Giffords and the survivors of the school shooting have every right to meet and state their case, no matter how untimely it is for your cause.

You see, I don't have a problem with guns as much as I have a problem with the "what the hell" attitude about responsibility for them. If someone uses my car to commit a crime. I'm going to be tracked down and questioned.
If someone uses my gun to shoot some kids, Most likely, no one will ever have a clue that it was my gun to begin with! Let alone my bullets. We have let the gun makers create an untenable situation, and now we are reaping the fruits.

1) Why did the shooter's mother need an assault weapon?
2) Why doesn't the NRA, (and all of you ditto heads) think that maybe people with children or family members suffering from mental illness might need to "prove" that the guns they buy won't fall into the wrong hands?
3) Lots of legally bought and owned guns do fall into the wrong hands.
4) The NRA and their owners (the gun makers) are protecting their right to flood the US (and Mexico) with these killing machines. Try and get out of the US, and see what its like in countries that don't have this kind of gun mania, or "death-by -gun" rate. You might be surprised. America is not though of as a safe country anymore.
5) Our gun problem was created by the NRA and they are still profiting from it. The NRA is protecting the market.

Jazzman, an unstable member of society.... WITH A GUN !! ...

No Guns = No School Shootings

The NRA are Americans like me and many others.We pay the NRA to protect our right's from people who have never even owned a gun in the first place, telling us how we should live.Make all city's GUN FREE fine by me. Their hasn't been a gun death in my area in 35 years.My father said that the one gun death that occured happened when some idiot from NYC, came up after buying a gun and wanted to go hunting, and shot another hunter.We all join the military after high school we live of the land and are very happy to live and let live. So live anyway you want in your area but don't tell me i'm responsible for the actions of every sycho that comes along.Only actions i'm responsible for are my own.Try some personal RESPONSIBILITY for a change like combination gun safes.They are to heavy and to big to go through the entry door once put together.Sandy Hook wouldn't have happened if the mother had taken RESPONSIBILITY for her guns.Only thing that will get accomplished here is some arse who has never held a gun or know what their talking about, dictating how I should live.I used an M16 in the military it is a military grade weapon.I hunt and target practice with an AR it is a civilian weapon and I personaly think it's the safest most reliable weapon ever made.Apparently many of you think it kills people, mine has never jumped out of my hand and killed anyone.I as an American will never let it be taken from me, I will hand it down to my son when I die, as well as my grandfather's m1.By the way I teach my children gun safety just like everyone else in my area teaches their children.

Carl- how do we as a nation then instill gun responsibility? You had the good fortune to have been taught very well, and you teach your children well. Should there be some sort of regulation for the countless irresponsible gun owners? I own several hunting guns that I inherited. So I do own guns. You must realize that by not compromising or even helping to come up with a solution, you have some culpability. We need people like yourself to come forward and demand gun ownership responsibility.

I'm all for solution's that don't involve restricting innocent American's.Politicians sit behing bullet proof glass armed guards and more the president's childrens school has armed guards all over the place.Are our children no less important? How about doors with bullet proof glass a metal detecter at the door a person behind bullet proof glass armed signing people in? Our military men and woman comming home would be honored to serve in this capacity,especially since most of our jobs have been sent over sea's.Our leaders are perfectly content to waste our tax dollars on forign aid to dictater's and country's like china whom we owe what 18trillion to now.I think they can afford their own aid yet every single rep in this country except one voted to continue forign aid without restriction.That money could be spent on our debt's or better yet our children's safety.Or we could spend it on mental health.We could put repeat offender's of violant crime to death,rather then coddle these beings even animal's act more noble,I know this i track and study them often.Im speaking of thewild life not criminal's btw.No matter how it is spun a gun doesn't do the killing people do.I feel this anti gun agenda will ammount to a national registry whitch is were the comprimise will land at.My fear is this is ground work to go door to door forcibly taking people's weapon's by force,hence the UN small arms treaty Obamma and Clinton already signed.The new gun law's list every semi auto weapon on the market they say ASSAULT WEAPON to make it all very scary to those who don't know better.This new law was already written and ready to go before Sandy Hook ever happened it was written 5 years ago.I think it should be left up to State not federal if you don't want guns in your city's/States fine vote on it.People who don't like the outcome will move to a more like minded view.

One more thing those public figures screamming gun ban should not be doing so if they have body guards with guns. Or give up your personal guards and gated community's and deal with it like average American's.IMO you are hypocrit's.I have to go to work now out of debate time million's on welfare depend on my pay check.

by the way i would swallow a regulation demanding gun owners owning a combination gun safe.I'm sure many other gun owners would also.You still have the criminal networks to deal with though.Especially the Mexican border and drug cartel's and this administration's mistakes in these area's.ok runnin late bye bye.

I agree. Posting on Facebook is a terrible way to get your message to one person. What if that person doesn't read your page? You end up depending upon your friends and buddies to post for a bit of flash-mob bullying, that the target is unaware of until someone else, like the national media, points it out.

Newtown really wants to be left alone.

htt p://www.torontosun.com/2012/12/17/newtown-wants-to-grieve-alone-and-in-peace

The way she said it was stupid. But it's the truth.

You're an imbecile and that's the truth...

Too bad Newtown. We need a Federal Investigation and public hearings. Who were the three accomplices that were chased down and taken into custody, but then had their identities protected?

When we get answers which make any sense to that question, we might start to move on.

What "three accomplices"? Do you have sources for that claim?

You have a computer with an internet connection. Do you not know how to use it as a research tool?

There is video of a man being chased into the woods behind the school, and his capture. There is an audio recording of the police discussing two men sneaking along a roadway, being spotted and ordered to lay down "prone" on the ground before being taken into custody. If they were innocent, why were they trying to avoid the Police? Why do we not know the names of these men?

Paul, you made the claim; it's up to you to defend it. If you won't, then it's just so much hot air.

Rick. That would probably be a good comment, however, I would recommend that you avoid using "true" and "Republican" in the same sentence.

True republicans are despicable? What do you suggest? A one party system? Giffords and her husband are starting an anti gun lobby and are looking to raise money. I don't see how it could be any more political than that. Politicians don't retire, they become lobbyists. Three weeks after the tragedy the Giffords are going to Newtown to comfort the families of the victims. Bu115h1t! "Yeah, hi Kathy, listen, I'm the mother of one of the murdered children and I was wondering if you'd come out here and comfort me. Oh yeah, will you bring your husband, too? Oh, I'm sure everyone needs the two of you to comfort them. Yes I'm a republican, Why do you ask? Oh, don't worry I'm not a true republican. Yes, of course you can still come out and comfort me. See you soon? Oh, it might be another week or two. Alright, I'll see you when you have the opportunity. Hugs and kisses. Bu Bye."

Lou and Rick - the newest MSNBC news headline is 'Gabby Giffords Sponsors Group to Counter Gun Lobby'. It was Gifford's agenda in visiting Newtown. It was political, along with offering her condolences of course. Hoven was correct. Politicians know each other. No apology on her part was ever necessary. Again, politics. We're becoming blinded to truth by playing the political games. It is naive to throw such blind support behind one pretender while pointing your finger at the other.

Just another politician looking for a photo-op while standing in the blood of the fallen. You want to fix this control the criminals, take a life forfeit your life.