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Home Page > Blogs > News blogs > Periscope > Gabby Giffords' inspiring appearance at a time of 'ridiculous' debate ---Showing what is important to the American people

Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Gabby Giffords' inspiring appearance at a time of 'ridiculous' debate ---Showing what is important to the American people

Posted on Monday, August 01, 2011 at 11:57 PM

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The appearance of Gabby Giffords on the floor of the house last night was an inspirational moment for the ages.

It occurred at a moment when Congress had torn itself apart over a debt ceiling debate that has plummeted the popularity of Congress even lower than usual which hardly seems possible.

A Pew Research poll showed that 66 per cent of Americans used the word "ridiculous" when asked to describe the negotiations between Republicans and Democrats on the debt ceiling.

As Willie Nelson told Paul Begala of CNN, folks should be worried about the ceiling over their head not some mythical debt ceiling

But amid the bloviators, the faux patriots, the preening there was a genuine moment of sheer drama, greatness and goodwill.

Gabby Giffords on the arm of her husband Commandant Mark Kelly limped gingerly onto the House floor to the kind of welcome that would be unimaginable for any other member of congress.

Anderson Cooper on CNN called it 'a breathtaking moment' and indeed it was , as we saw what American nobility, bravery and tenacity is all about.

Just months after taking a bullet to the brain the Arizona congresswoman walked back into her old workplace and stunned a watching nation.

Though rail thin and clearly affected on her right side she nonetheless looked composed and positively glowing as she responded to the applause and cast her vote .

During a few months when the hot air, even for Washington, reached epic levels it was wonderful to welcome true heroism.

"Throughout America, there isn't a name that stirs more love, more admiration, more respect, more wishing for our daughters to be like her, than the name Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords," Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said.

Rep. Bill Flores, a Republican from Texas, said it was "a remarkable moment" to see Giffords walk onto the House floor.

So remarkable that for a brief moment it conjoined the two parties who have been treating each other with such contempt and ill will.

Maybe what America needs is Gabby Giffords back at her job, just to show the politicians what is really important in life, that triumph over adversity and goodness in the face of evil is what this country is also about.

May the road rise with you Gabby.

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15 comments

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themurphia | Aug 03, 2011, 05:24 AM EDT

I don't really have an 'opinion on it'..if I had I would have stated it...!Just my impression as an objective observer...Nothing more nothing less...however thank yo for your charming comments...they define you...!

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joanxis | Aug 02, 2011, 06:51 PM EDT

You think the appearance of Ms. Giffords might have been staged, themurphia? So what if it was? It was a very welcome moment - during very acrimonious times. Personally, I don't think it was staged, but if it was - who givea a fat rat's ***?

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GuinnessGrrl | Aug 02, 2011, 04:25 PM EDT

Staged in what way, themurphia? You have an opinion on this, just go ahead and say it.

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ancavker | Aug 02, 2011, 03:27 PM EDT

Time for a real third party alternative; in fact long past time.

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themurphia | Aug 02, 2011, 02:27 PM EDT

Do you not think this might have been ever so slightly cynical/staged...?

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joanxis | Aug 02, 2011, 12:29 PM EDT

Springfield9 - You crossed the line. If I was Ms. Giffords, I wouldn't accept your (supposedly) good wishes. Thankfully she will never know who you are, nor hear your hateful words.

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PatriciaMarya | Aug 02, 2011, 12:28 PM EDT

What exactly is this Springfield9's point of view: is he or she calling Congresswoman Gifford "absurd?" And is s/he insultng this woman's thinking? Be careful Springfield9 - The Universe has a way of dealing with your kind of invective and it may not touch you but a loved one.

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hancock | Aug 02, 2011, 11:37 AM EDT

If this was President Barlett on the West wing... Priceless.

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Springfield9 | Aug 02, 2011, 10:33 AM EDT

While I wish Ms. Gifford (who is inherently absurd) good health, I must point out that a severe head wound does not alter a Liberal's thoughts.

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mollymguire | Aug 02, 2011, 10:25 AM EDT

Think of the alternative! Just consider what the other side of the aisle was willing to do. I'm absolutely going to give this pres a chance at another 4 yrs. After 8 yrs of George the Second, who escalated the spending with no consieration on how to pay for it, HELL YEAH I'm giving him another chance.

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JohnnyMac | Aug 02, 2011, 10:23 AM EDT

Oh, PS - was great to see Mrs Giffords up and active. Wishing her continued healing and good health.

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JohnnyMac | Aug 02, 2011, 10:20 AM EDT

Well it HAS been a ridiculous and embarrassing for the Americans. These fools standing fast on their "Democrat" or "Republican" teams with each side refusing to budge from their team leaders opinion. All the while totally ignoring the opinions and concerns of, and the effects this will have on, the American people. This debate had NOTHING to do with debt ceilings or American finances. It was 100% about fool Democrats and fool Republicans standing face to face saying "go ahead - I dare ya". It was nothing but a display of childhood schoolyard politics. Terrible. Just terrible. I hope and pray that every single current politician is voted out of office and replaced with a TRUE American, one that listens, hears and understand the constituents desires and concerns. And after hearing those, votes to support the residents of the United States of America.

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lad1912 | Aug 02, 2011, 10:09 AM EDT

I agree - God help us. I agree with Maureen O'Dowd and (yuck) Bill O'Reilly - Obama is done and I worked on his campaign and drank the kool aid. It is so disappointing - he surrounded himself with ineffectual staff who can't stand up to Republicans. If this were President Bartlet from the West Wing he would tell Republicans to cut the crap or he would have them all drafted - I say send them all to the Antartica and leave them there. Republicans have successfully destroyed the middle class and ran the country into the ground - we are a laughing stock now and this whole debt ceiling crisis is ridiculous and pathetic. If I were Gabby I would take this opportunity to get out of politics and get away from the slime.

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DLW12183 | Aug 02, 2011, 09:35 AM EDT

Hannah1879--you have the chance to vote against him!

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Hannah1879 | Aug 02, 2011, 01:09 AM EDT

Yes, it was very touching for her to show and vote...I admire her determination and courage. As far as this vote it is so ridiculous...once again the Republicans have gotten their way, no tax raises for the rich, cut the working class and poor. I am so disapointed in Obama I can't say enough, in fact pissed off is better. He campained on the issue he WOULD NEVER touch Social Security and Medicare but he has. God help this country.

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