Yesterday, it was announced that Rep. Gabby Giffords was speaking coherent, full sentences, the first such affirmation to the press since she was shot in early January.  Representative Giffords is a lucky individual in terms of survival of a gunshot wound to the head.  Not only is she still alive, but indications are that thanks to the quick actions of those around her (including her intern, Daniel Hernandez Jr.) she is expected to recover from the incident.  I anticipate the day that she is able to return to active service of our country, and look forward to hearing her take on the situation.  If I could ask a question of her, it would be what her opinion is on the examination of politicians in the media in the aftermath of her attempted assassination.

The effect that one person’s death or near-death can have is astounding.  It was with the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi that revolution struck Tunisia, ousting the president of 23 years.  This in turn led to copycat revolts in several other countries, including the current Egypt riots with a call for revolution as well.  While writing this, I am watching the announcements from Liberation Square in Cairo, where it is expected that President Mubarak will also step down, ending a near 30 year run as political ruler of the country.  What this means when the military (or the apparently equally nefarious vice-president) takes control is yet to be seen, but thinking of the martyrdom of one person sparking the chain of events leading to this outcome is staggering.  Of course there were many other factors that guided the revolts, as well as factors that guided Bouazizi himself, but what would he think, were he still alive?  To witness a man who had ruled over his country unfairly for almost his entire life suddenly gone, and the events that followed around the world?  Would it affect his decisions and actions?

While Jared Lee Loughner did not end Rep. Giffords life, his attempt to do so caused reflection and debate around the country concerning what is acceptable practice in politics.  The revelation that her name was listed and marked with crosshairs (or surveyor marks, if you are so inclined to that backpedaling), on the website of Sarah Palin, calling her and others political “targets” caused a ruckus and concern over when violent sentiments in politics were going too far.  Both sides have their issues with using violent rhetoric in arguments, and hopefully reevaluation will change how fervent political supporters are in some small way.

How does it feel to think that in the act of dying you can be the catalyst for changes that you will never see?  Do you think positively that you could start something, or negatively that it would take such a drastic act to make change?

EDIT:  President Mubarak’s speech from my limited viewing appeared to be damning and condescending.  We’ll see what happens now.

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