NECN: Tom Langford) - The House is postponing all legislative action, including a vote on repealing the recently enacted health care law because of the shooting spree involving
Members of Congress from around the country and New England were quick to react to news of the shooting of their colleague.
"Most of us in public life are aware that this could happen at any given moment," said congressman Mike Capuano. "We all know that. But we like and trust people."
From his Massachusetts home, congressman Capuano reflects on the Arizona shooting and his colleague, Representative Gabby Giffords.
"She's very thoughtful, very respected by her colleagues. Pleasant, tough, a good campaigner, has strong beliefs. All good qualities in a member of congress," he said.
Other New England members of Congress say the same thing, and point out that she was shot while meeting with constituents, serving her country.
"Doing what's an important part of her job," said congressman Barney Frank. "Being accessible, being open. You certainly don't want any barriers between the people who get elected and the people who vote for us. That has to continue."
"If you're going to do your job as a member of congress, you do a lot of community outreach," said congressman Stephen Lynch. "And so, you, there's no way to protect yourself. It's public outreach and so you can take reasonable precautions... but there's nothing that you can really do to eliminate the risk, especially with the anger that's out there in some parts of society."
"I think you'll find many members of congress who say, this kind of thing has been waiting to happen for a while," said Capuano. "The tenor of the discussion over the past couple of years has gotten particularly bad.. the way some people have chosen to express their opinions over the last couple of years has been getting worse and worse. And that includes individuals, organizations, talk shows and candidates for office."
Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin even posted a"hit list" of politicians last year, with rifle-like cross hairs over their districts. One of those targets was Gabby Giffords.
Congressman Capuano hopes, at the very least, this shooting will get people to tone down the hateful political rhetoric.
"When any tragedy happens, the natural thing is to look for something good to come out of it," he said, "and in this particular one, I hope that's what comes out of it."
Several other members of Congress, including Massachusetts senators John Kerry and Scott Brown issued statements, saying their prayers are with Gabby Giffords, the rest of the victims, and their families.
U.S. Capitol Police have also sent messages to congressional offices advising lawmakers and their aides "to take reasonable and prudent precautions."
Members of Congress from around the country and New England were quick to react to news of the shooting of their colleague.
"Most of us in public life are aware that this could happen at any given moment," said congressman Mike Capuano. "We all know that. But we like and trust people."
From his Massachusetts home, congressman Capuano reflects on the Arizona shooting and his colleague, Representative Gabby Giffords.
"She's very thoughtful, very respected by her colleagues. Pleasant, tough, a good campaigner, has strong beliefs. All good qualities in a member of congress," he said.
Other New England members of Congress say the same thing, and point out that she was shot while meeting with constituents, serving her country.
"Doing what's an important part of her job," said congressman Barney Frank. "Being accessible, being open. You certainly don't want any barriers between the people who get elected and the people who vote for us. That has to continue."
"If you're going to do your job as a member of congress, you do a lot of community outreach," said congressman Stephen Lynch. "And so, you, there's no way to protect yourself. It's public outreach and so you can take reasonable precautions... but there's nothing that you can really do to eliminate the risk, especially with the anger that's out there in some parts of society."
"I think you'll find many members of congress who say, this kind of thing has been waiting to happen for a while," said Capuano. "The tenor of the discussion over the past couple of years has gotten particularly bad.. the way some people have chosen to express their opinions over the last couple of years has been getting worse and worse. And that includes individuals, organizations, talk shows and candidates for office."
Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin even posted a"hit list" of politicians last year, with rifle-like cross hairs over their districts. One of those targets was Gabby Giffords.
Congressman Capuano hopes, at the very least, this shooting will get people to tone down the hateful political rhetoric.
"When any tragedy happens, the natural thing is to look for something good to come out of it," he said, "and in this particular one, I hope that's what comes out of it."
Several other members of Congress, including Massachusetts senators John Kerry and Scott Brown issued statements, saying their prayers are with Gabby Giffords, the rest of the victims, and their families.
U.S. Capitol Police have also sent messages to congressional offices advising lawmakers and their aides "to take reasonable and prudent precautions."
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