Race for the White House 2012

I had planned to begin a new feature on this blog today. Every Saturday, between now and the 2012 general election, I intend to put a few moments aside to write just a bit about Presidential politics and the developments of the race. While I am only an amateur pundit and writer, I think it will be interesting to look back on my thoughts every week, several years in the future.

Not too much happened on the Presidential front this week. I could talk about various new potential Republican candidates and polls in New Hampshire, and what it might mean for the race, and especially for my preferred candidate Mitt Romney. Congress came into session this week, and a new Republican majority is in place in the House of Representatives. That will mean a lot in regards to our federal government in the next couple of years.

But all of this is going to have to wait, at least for a week. The shocking news today out of Tuscon, Arizona surpasses all, and is going to be the biggest story in the country for quite some time.

At the time of this posting, we do not know all the details. Arizona Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is said to be alive and undergoing surgery, but in critical condition. Previously, reports had her murdered, which would have made her the first female American political figure to ever be assassinated. The fact that the Congresswoman is Jewish, as I am, also is something that is weighing heavily on me, as I consider what kind of person might be responsible for such a cowardly act. A federal judge is now also reported shot in the attack. Several others, including members of the Congresswoman's staff have been wounded or killed in this tragic act of violence.

We will be hearing much in the days ahead about the horrific event, the victims, the suspect or suspects, and the motive. Fingers will be pointed, rhetoric will be heated, and many will sadly attempt to garner political advantage over a crisis situation.

I believe all of us should at this time just pray for the recovery of the Congresswoman, the other victims, and also for our country.