In a tragic piece of news, we learn that there has been an attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). Congresswoman Giffords was shot in the head at point blank range after a gunman opened fire at a public event. She remains in critical condition, although six are confirmed dead in the attack, and more than a dozen have been wounded.

Appalachian Voices has worked closely with Congresswoman Giffords and her staff, and last year she became a proud cosponsor of the Clean Water Protection Act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless attack, as well as their families.

Please remember that in America the goal of our politics is the pursuit of peace, both at home and abroad. Our rhetoric should reflect that.

Appalachian Voices’ friend Jeff Biggers hails from Arizona and knew many of the victims, including the Congresswoman. He has more here. Ken Ward has a piece on how our rhetoric impacts our actions in Appalachia here.