The Heroism of Gabrielle Giffords

According to the most recent reports available, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona is recovering from critical injuries sustained after she was shot at a public meeting place earlier today. While six other have tragically died from the gunman's bullets, the representative is doing well after receiving medical attention. There is no doubt that this is a sad day for the entire country, and everyone, no matter their views, should appreciate the service of the congresswoman and her family, and keep them in prayers.

Since her election in 2006 on a political wave, Mrs. Giffords has worked hard for her constituents in the district of southern Arizona with high rates of drug violence and other crime. Making no efforts to simply stand in line, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty with a series of attempts at improving public safety measures and combating crime as well as delivering economic supplements to the voters in her constituency.

Perhaps of deeper interest is the fact that she has not served for only her party but for her district and country. Representing an area with such rampant problems is not a simple task by any means, and the work put in by the congresswoman would make more secure members of the national body cringe with discomfort--yet she bears it honorably. In fact, Mrs. Giffords truly represents a unique difference between the general arguing and disruption all too familiar in Washington. Instead of going there to draw arms and fight in a partisan manner, she spent her time advocating for those who elected her; a great ideal to say the very least.

To respond to this cowardly act, Americans must come together and lay aside this terrible path towards hate due to varying ideologies which has so stringently gripped the nation over the past thirty years. Progress for all Americans can only be achieved by Americans working together--not partisan banner holders.

Because at present her condition still hangs in the balance, it is imperative that all citizens come together in prayer and keep their thoughts centered on family and surrounding relatives. Mrs. Giffords is married to astronaut Mark Kelly and has two children, so they must be kept in mind as well.

Nothing can come close to expressing enough appreciation to the congresswoman for her tireless efforts; they attempt to build and new era of dialog rather than boisterous complaining over trivialities in debate. Let us unite around the heroic record of her career and hope as well as pray that her recovery is smooth and painless.


Jessica Yui

National Alliance Vice Chairman