Well, that didn't take long: Republican legislators propose a bill that would effectively impair the investigation into the Tucson massacre

On Saturday, January 8, six people were murdered and 14 more, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, were injured in a mass shooting at a Tucson Safeway.

On Monday, January 10, obscured by all of the nationwide uproar, with freshman Republican Representative Chester Crandell as the primary sponsor and fellow R frosh Brenda Barton, Kate Brophy McGee, Jeff Dial, John Fillmore and Peggy Judd as cosponsors, HB2077 was "prefiled" for the legislative session starting later that day.

The text of this gem of a proposal -

11-453. Federal registration with county sheriff

A. ANY FEDERAL AGENCY THAT COMES INTO A COUNTY TO CONDUCT AUTHORIZED BUSINESS SHALL REGISTER ITS PRESENCE WITH THE COUNTY SHERIFF. THE SHERIFF MAY IMPOSE A REASONABLE FEE ON THE FEDERAL AGENCY FOR COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION APPLICATION.

B. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A FEDERAL AGENCY THAT REGISTERS WITH THE COUNTY SHERIFF PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION A SHALL FORWARD ALL MONIES COLLECTED AS A RESULT OF FINES, FEES OR PENALTIES IMPOSED BY THE AGENCY ON A PERSON, BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY WITHIN THE COUNTY TO THE COUNTY SHERIFF. THE SHERIFF SHALL IMMEDIATELY FORWARD THE MONIES TO THE STATE TREASURER FOR DEPOSIT IN THE STATE GENERAL FUND.

So, if this law went into effect (and with 2/3 majorities in each chamber and Jan Brewer residing on the 9th floor of the Executive Tower, passage is a distinct likelihood), the FBI, DOJ, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Marshal's Service, and every other federal agency involved in the investigation of the attack on a federal elected official that also left a federal judge dead, would have to pay for the privilege if the county sheriff demanded a tribute "fee" payment.

While I am confident that Sheriff Dupnik of Pima County would *not* impose a fee, the second clause, confiscating any "fines, fees, or penalties" into the state's general fund isn't optional.

And if that agency was investigating a crime in the Fiefdom of Maricopa?

The federal budget would double.

Giffords, redistricting, funeral protests: Updates

Just a few quick updates...

...Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is now breathing on her own according to the latest update from the medical team providing her care.

....The Arizona House and Senate have each passed a bill that would disallow protest pickets within 300 feet of a funeral service or a burial site.  Reports are that the bill passed by far more than the 2/3 majority needed to enact an "emergency clause."  That clause would make the law effective immediately, not 90 days after the end of the legislative session.  The Governor is expected to sign the bill.

...The Supreme Court of Arizona has released an order relating to next week's proceeding relating to Russell Pearce's and Kirk Adams' lawsuit over the pool of applicants for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).  Three groups have requested permission to file "Amicus Curiae" briefs ("Friend of the Court") briefs, and that permission has been granted.

Groups that will file briefs related to the case:

• Lattie Coor, Paul Johnson, the Valley Citizens League, and Arizona Latino Research Enterprise
• U.S. Reps. Jeff Flake, Ben Quayle, Trent Franks, Paul Gosar, and David Schweikert, Republicans all
• Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk

The briefs have to be filed with the court by Friday.  In addition, a request by the Republican members of Congress to address the Court, will be considered and approved/disapproved in the near future.  It seems more likely that the Rep Reps' lawyers will appear, but anything could happen.

Later...

Text of Senate Democratic Leader David Schapira's remarks at the opening of the 50th Arizona Legislature

Courtesy the website of the Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus -

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a friend and colleague to many of us in this room. She sat there, where Michelle Reagan sits today when she served in the Arizona Senate. She held the seat that Paula Aboud now holds. As I said, many of us count Gabby as a friend, but my heart especially goes out to those who have been with her in Tucson in recent days, Paula Aboud and Linda Lopez. Know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers as you were there to console the close friends and family of the Congresswoman and the others injured on Saturday.


In addition to a friendship, Congresswoman Giffords and I share a religious tradition. Part of the tradition is the principle of “Tikkun Olam” or “repairing the world.” As Jews, we are commanded by God to exercise our compassion, our strength and our skills to make the world a better place. This has been my mission as an elected leader, and I know it’s Gabby’s as well.

I want to send thoughts and prayers on behalf of myself, my family and all of us here today to the families of Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Dorwin Stoddard, Christina Greene, Dorthy Murray and Phyllis Scheck and to those who are still fighting for their lives in Tucson. Although, we will spend lots of time talking about our friend Gabby today, it is important to recognize that she was not the only victim of this senseless act.

I know that over the last two days and in the coming weeks and months, all of us try to make sense of this tragedy, but it makes no sense. This was an act of a deranged young man. Those of us in this room know how to have political discourse without resorting to violence, but there are those out there who don’t. That’s why it’s incumbent on us as elected leaders in the public eye to maintain civility, to avoid hate-filled labels and to treat each other with respect both away from and in front of TV cameras. If this horrendous act is to teach us anything, it should be that we are all human and all of us are granted certain inalienable rights by our creator.We must treat all people regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, party or immigration status as such.

This morning, I contemplated where I would like to be for the moment of silence asked for by President Obama. I thought about coming here or going to the Democratic Party, but I finally decided that the most important place for me to be was at home with my infant daughter. I held her and hugged her, and thought of the nine year-old girl who tragically lost her life Saturday.

We need to be better, all of us, so this doesn’t happen again.

I ask that as we each deal with this tragedy in our own ways, we all remember the principle of “Tikkun Olam.” The world needs healing, our nation needs healing, our state needs healing. As our friends begin their process of physical healing at hospitals in Tucson, let’s honor them and honor those who lost their lives on Saturday by starting Arizona’s healing today.

Like the remarks of Speaker Kirk Adams, given across the quad in the AZ House, Schapira's words were heartfelt and moving.

Let us all hope that they reach the ears of the people who need to hear them.

Text of Speaker Kirk Adams' remarks at the opening of the 50th Arizona Legislature

Never let it be said that I don't give credit where credit is due. 

In terms of emotional oomph, the only thing that topped Kirk Adams' opening speech was Rep. Steve Farley's recounting of Saturday's events (especially moving was his telling of how his daughter spent an hour in the ER holding the hand of Gabrielle Giffords' mom).  I don't have Farley's comments (I hope one of the MSM outlets present today posts a recording of them), but I do have a copy of Adams' speech.

From an email, the text of the speech -

As I assume this office of Speaker, a little more than 48 hours separate us from that horrific act of violence in Tucson. The very hand of evil has touched our state, taking innocent life, and causing injury to both body and soul.


This was an act meant not only to kill, but also to incite terror in the hearts of Arizonans and all Americans. I am certain that parents all across Arizona found themselves trying to answer unanswerable questions from children seeking comprehension of the incomprehensible. I am also certain, that many parents found themselves in the same situation as I found myself Saturday night, soothing my own child’s fears and offering assurances of safety.

Like you, my heart aches for those whose lives have been directly and forever changed. Rep. Gabby Giffords served in this very body, then in the Senate across the mall, and finally the United States Congress. She stood on this floor and took the same oath of office that we just took; offering up herself, like you, to service for Arizona and our Nation, following in the great American tradition of citizen legislators.

Many of us in this body know Gabby personally. It may be as an acquaintance, a colleague, a friend, or a mentor. Gabby and I both share the honor of being Rodel Fellows. I last spoke with Gabby at a small dinner of Arizona Rodel Fellows at a private home here in Phoenix last April. There are many attributes of Gabby Giffords, but that night I was struck by her grace and kindness. May God grant us the miracle of her recovery.

Equal in tragedy is the injury to 13 others. We join our pleas to the pleas of their friends and family. May God guide their caretakers, comfort their families, and restore their health.

We are horrified at the loss of six innocent lives: Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Dorothy Murray, Dorwin Stoddard, Phyllis Scheck, and Christina Taylor Green, age 9. Having experienced myself the unrelenting sorrow of the loss of a child, my heart joins with the Green family in the grief they now feel.

In great contrast to how we feel now, today was a day designated for celebration. The opening of the 50th Legislature, the Centennial Legislature. Plans were carefully made, special programs printed, and speeches written. We even returned to the House some of the portraits and artifacts of our own history, to give us a sense of place and to inspire us as we plan for Arizona’s second century.

Instead of remembering our history, we now find ourselves living history. And like all history, there are good times and bad, lightness and darkness. This is a dark day indeed.

So close to the horrible day, our emotions feel like a scorching fire. Anger, grief, fear. Our thoughts swirl with the question…why? We may never really know the inner workings of a mad mind and a numb soul. But in the end the why question does not matter nearly as much as the “what now” question. What now can we do to treasure life and each other a little more? What does this bitter experience teach us?

For me, it is a cold reminder that life is precious and faint. That no one can be assured what the future will hold. That second chances to seek forgiveness and repair relationships sometimes never come. That the defining difference between civil society and anarchy is the ability to respect and value those with whom we disagree.

It is my prayer that this lesson re-learned will be evident in the communications of this body and in our society.

Finally, to the assembled media and the ubiquitous pundits listening, I would like to add this: Arizona is a beautiful state, with great people. Our state was built from dusty deserts and rough terrain. We are a hearty people, a determined people. We will grieve for our dead, pray for our injured, and hope in our future. And through this tragedy we will become stronger and build a better Arizona for our second century.

Per House Rules I request that these remarks, written by my own hand, be included in the Journal of January 10, 2011.

I may never say anything positive about Adams again, and almost certainly will never agree with him politically, but on Monday, January 10, 2011, let the record show that I said this -

Kirk Adams changed job titles today, shedding the mantle of "politician," ascending to "statesman."

Notes and scenes from the opening of the 50th Arizona Legislature

...First, a report (via Facebook) from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire: "President Obama will go to Tucson, AZ on Wednesday"  No details at this time, but will post as they become available.

...Committee schedules are in flux this week because of Saturday's massacre.  Some are expected to meet, but the schedule may change.

...However, one thing that won't be heard in committee is any bill to restore transplant funding to AHCCCS.  According to a Facebook update, the chair of Senate Appropriations (Sen. Andy Biggs) told Sen. David Schapira (D-LD17) that the committee will not hear such a bill "under any circumstance. (quoting Schapira's posting; not sure if that is a direct quote of Biggs).


...Possibly getting it - Speaker Kirk Adams and (possibly) Governor Jan Brewer.  Adams' remarks today were heartfelt and moved many people, including many Democrats (even this one).  I have a copy of them, and may post it later.  Jan Brewer's remarks were a little less moving, but she hit the right notes, and I'll cut her some slack on this one - she was reading from a teleprompter today, and she seemed genuinely upset at her press conference on Saturday.

....Probably not getting it:  Russell Pearce, President of the Arizona Senate, and (apparently) new Senator Lori Klein.

Where the House, led by Adams, cut back on its opening day pomp out of respect for the victims of the massacre on Saturday, cancelling a speaker and not allowing "points of personal privilege" to minimize the political rhetoric today, Pearce went ahead with Buzz Aldrin telling jokes and Senators talking about things like who the next chair of the AZGOP will be.

Sen. Lori Klein was apparently packin' some heat in her purse while she was on the House floor for Brewer's speech. (I've got a call out to verify this one)

Update on 1/11 -

Senator Klein graciously returned my call today and indeed confirmed that she "always carries" a weapon for personal protection, and had it with her yesterday.

End update...

...Probably never going to get it:  ...Rep. Jack Harper (R-Surprise!) is God's gift to writers - stick a microphone in front of him, and he's going to give any writer plenty of topic material.


From the Arizona Republic, written by Ronald Hansen -

While her doctors sounded an optimistic tone on U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' recovery, the political discourse is growing harsher.

State Rep. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, partly blamed the shooting on Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, who has himself blamed caustic political rhetoric and lax gun-control as contributing to the massacre.

"If he would have done his job, maybe this doesn't happen," Harper told USA Today on Monday. "Sheriff Dupnik did not provide for the security of a U.S. congresswoman."

"When everyone is carrying a firearm, nobody is going to be a victim," Harper continued. "The socialists of today are only one gun confiscation away from being the communists of tomorrow."

Good freakin' God...

Pics from the day -

Jan Brewer during her address to the joint session

Impromptu tribute to Gabrielle Giffords

Random crowd shot from the House floor

Demonstrators outside the Capitol

Post-speech press conference - Sen. Leah Landrum Taylor, Rep. Tom Chapin, Sen. David Schapira (speaking), Rep. Albert Hale, Rep. Ruben Gallego in pic

Rep. Steve Farley, speaking about Saturday

Daniel Hernandez, one of the heroes of Saturday's tragedy, speaking to the crowd

Flags at half mast



What does Jon Kyl know of "inappropriate"?

From Talking Points Memo, quoting Kyl from an appearance on this morning's Face The Nation on CBS -

Kyl: Arizona Sheriff's Remarks Inappropriate

In a Sunday morning appearance on Face the Nation, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) took issue with Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, who criticized Arizona hours after the Giffords shooting.


"I didn't really think that that had any part in a law enforcement briefing," Kyl said.

Reminder: Kyl is the Republican Senator that argued that having the U.S. Senate work during the week between Christmas and New Year's would be "disrespecting" Christmas and Christians.

Nice lack of credibility there, Senator Kyl.

It's too bad that one of the few times in recent memory that Kyl has noticed events in Arizona (you know, the state that he is elected to represent), it took a massacre to gain his attention.

Or that his "attention" consisted of criticizing one of the people who has been dealing with the fallout from his (and the legislature's) less-than-benign neglect of the state.

Enough

Remember the names, because while Gabrielle Giffords was the highest-profile victim of yesterday's shooting, she wasn't the only one.

John Roll, 63

Dorothy Morris, 76

Dorwin Stoddard, 76

Christina Greene, 9

Phyllis Scheck, 79

Gabe Zimmerman, 30

Yesterday in Tucson, six people were murdered, 14 more were injured, and hundreds, no thousands, of people went to sleep with a deep void in their lives that wasn't there when they woke up in the morning.

People all over Tucson, Arizona, and the country, in their pain, grief, anger, and stunned bewilderment, searched for understanding, for answers to the question "why?".

One of the first places that most folks focused on was the rhetoric of hate and violence that has permeated political discourse on the Right.

Whether it was the threats to members of Congress during town halls during 2009, Sharon Angle's "2nd Amendment remedies," Sarah Palin's crosshairs on 20 Congressional districts, including Giffords', or the campaign rhetoric of Jesse Kelly, Giffords' 2010 challenger - "Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office.  Shoot a fully automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly" (pics below, courtesy Blog for Arizona as the original web pages have been taken down or scrubbed), demonization and threats of violence have become the standard campaign talking points for the Right.

Now, Right-wing politicians and talking heads are seeking out cameras and reporters to decry the "politicizing" of a "senseless" act of violence.

Whether it is David Schweikert, the recently elected U.S. Rep for AZ5, saying that it isn't time to "play politics," Congressman Trent Franks (R - AZ3) going on MSNBC to protest any implication that politics could be behind the shooting (no link, but it was stated during an interview on Saturday), State Rep. Carl Seel (R - LD6), a former/current? Minuteman going on camera to say that while the violent actions were deplorable, it's no reason for 'leaders' like him to "dial down their passion," or any of dozens of other talking heads on Fox News and elsewhere, they're all declaring that violence shouldn't be politicized* and that this act was perpetrated by a single crazed individual.

Of course, none of them are noting that most suicide bombers in the Middle East could be considered "crazed individuals."

That's different after all - violence committed by people who have brown skin, a funny accent, and a live in a different country, well, that's terrorism. 

Violence committed by people who have white skin, an American accent, and live in a reasonably affluent section of Tucson, well, that's just insanity.

Enough.

It's time for the gloves to come off.

No more giving a free pass to the likes of Seel, Russell Pearce, Jack Harper, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, or the rest.

No more listening to their rantings and just chuckling and saying "that's our _____" before going off to something else.

No more ignoring their ravings in favor of  working up detailed, rational, well though-out policy positions.  Civility and rationality only work if both sides in a political discussion are civil and rational.

It's time to call them on *every* hate-filled or violence-laden piece of rhetorical bile spewed by them, electeds, candidates, and talking heads alike.

It's time to shine the harsh light of public scrutiny of their ties to hate groups (yes, that's you Russell Pearce) and their acts to further the agenda of hatred and fear.

* = Fox News really pisses away any of its remaining journalistic credibility when it has the likes of former Congressman/current radio talk show host/perpetual hatemonger JD Hayworth on to whine about the "politicization" of yesterday's murders, and then equate those killings with the unsolved murder of Arizona rancher Robert Krentz, whose death has been co-opted by the Right to buttress their anti-immigrant efforts.

Note:  While I still can't stand her politically, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer may have come off as the best of AZ's Republicans in the aftermath of yesterday's tragedy.  She seemed genuinely upset during her press conference at the Capitol yesterday.  That's far different than the likes of Franks, Schweikert, et. al., who seemed more concerned about the politics than the victims.

Some may believe she was just performing for the cameras, but anyone who saw the debate this past fall knows that Brewer just isn't that skilled a performer.

Note2:  According to reports from the Arizona Guardian and elsewhere that confirm something that I heard at last night's candlelight vigil at the AZ Capitol, Monday's scheduled State of the State address by Brewer before a joint session of the legislature will be postponed, though she will offer a brief, somber, address on Monday.  Attendees should expect heightened security and should plan for delays (in other words, don't show up at 1:40 p.m for the scheduled 1:45 p.m. address).

Note3:  Stunned is the still the best word to describe how I am feeling right now, more than a day after the massacre.  Based on what I've heard from others, that's a pretty common state right now. 

I expect it will be for a while.

Later...



The victims of the shooting identified

The Pima County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the six victims of today's fatal shooting in Tucson.

From KVOA (Tucson) -

The Pima County Sheriff's Office has released the identities of the six people killed in this morning's tragic shooting.


-John Roll, 63, a federal district court judge.

-Gabriel Zimmerman, 30, Giffords' director of community outreach

-Dorwin Stoddard, 76, a pastor at Mountain Ave. Church of Christ.

-Christina Greene, 9, a student at Mesa Verde Elementary

-Dorthy Murray, 76

-Phyllis Scheck, 79

My condolences go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of today's tragedy.

Statement from Sens. David Schapira and Russell Pearce

Schapira and Pearce are the Arizona Senate's Democratic Leader-elect and President-elect, respectively.

From the Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus -

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Giffords and those attending her event in Tucson who were attacked this morning. This is such a senseless tragedy and tough to comprehend. Elected leaders should have the ability to speak their minds and stand up for their constituents without threat of physical violence. Please join us in prayer for Congresswoman Giffords and the others who have lost or are fighting for their lives.”

Candlelight vigil for today's shooting victims

From the Arizona State Capitol tonight...

Harry Mitchell, one of Giffords colleagues in both the US House and the AZ Senate, speaking briefly at the vigil.

Impromptu memorial for Judge John Roll, one of the victims fatally shot today

Flags at the AZ Capitol at half staff as the sun goes down

The crowd at the vigil, more than 250 strong, sharing their grief and prayers

Don Bivens' statement on today's shootings

From Don Bivens, chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, via email -

"Words cannot express the shock and devastation we feel about today's senseless attack. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of those who were slain, and our prayers continue for Congresswoman Giffords and the others who are struggling for their lives. We remain hopeful that their conditions will stabilize and this tragedy will not claim any further victims. Gabrielle Giffords is more than a member of Congress -- she is a wife and daughter, a native of Tucson, and a dear friend. She is also one of the brightest and most dedicated public servants in our state and nation. Our thoughts remain with her and family."

Harry Mitchell's statement on today's shootings

From his Facebook page -

"This is a sad and dark day for our country, and an absolute tragedy that I don’t want to believe could happen here. My heart is shattered for the family of Gabrielle Giffords and for all the innocent people who were killed or hurt today. Gabrielle is a model Congresswoman – young, brilliant with a tremendous future – who absolutely loves her community and her constituents. She has also been a true and unwavering friend since our days serving together in the Arizona State Senate, and she is the hardest working and most dedicated public servant I have ever known. I just can’t believe this has happened."

Chief Justice Berch's statement on today's shootings in Tucson

Statement from Arizona Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch (via email) -

"This is a sad and tragic day for the judiciary, our state, and our country. The shocking events that took place this morning deeply grieve those of us in the Arizona Judiciary. Initial reports indicate that, along with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and many members of her staff, Chief Judge John M. Roll of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona is a victim of this tragedy and we are deeply saddened that a member of our sister judicial system, a kind man, a wise and fair jurist, and a friend to many within the legal community, has been harmed by this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of those affected by today’s shooting."

More statements later...

Candlelight vigil at the AZ State Capitol tonight

Details are still unfolding, but there will be a candlelight vigil for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today's shooting in Tucson.

Right now it is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington in Phoenix.

More details later...

Congresswoman Giffords is alive, but in critical condition and in surgery

Multiple sources are reporting this now, some MSM (CNN just had a spokeswoman from University Hospital in Tucson), and some back channel (email and Facebook).

A call to the Pima County Sheriff's Office PIO (or whoever is acting as one on the weekend) for info on the suspected shooter (apparently in custody) found a full voicemail box.  Will try again later...

Keep praying for those who are still alive, and for the loved ones of those who have died...

More later....