Stop pointing fingers and address fears

It is unlikely that a direct line between any particular political message or commentator and the deranged shooting in Tucson on Jan. 7 will ever be drawn. However, much of what I've seen so far in the media and on opinion pages veers to more partisan bickering, as if the line were already there, which is not helpful.

The tragedy will only be compounded if it is used to further inflame public opinion. Not that there shouldn't be a serious national discussion about what has happened. I think it would be more useful if we start by addressing the fears it raises rather than engaging in liberal/conservative finger-pointing.

I fear the political climate in America has become so hostile that it's not hard to imagine a link between political speech and violence. I fear the further consequences of inadequate care for the mentally ill. I fear ever more access to deadly weapons.

When we discuss our fears, we can uncover misunderstandings and other snarls that keep us from finding solutions. Let's respond to this act of violence with probing thought and constructive action that humanizes perceived opponents and makes us less fearful.

Bryan Davis

Cedar Rapids