Arizona Congresswoman and Staff Members Shot on 1/8/11

On Saturday, January 8, 2011,
US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and some of
her staff were shot while on duty at a public mall.
Some private citizens were shot as well. At least 10
people have been injured or killed. A 22 year old male
gunman was captured at the scene and remains in jail.
Our prayers are with those who have been injured or killed.

As civilized people, there can be no greater horror than
to be unsafe in our own country. There is never, ever,
a good enough reason to harm another person, verbally
or physically, just because you do not like someone’s
looks, policies, or whatever.

We enjoy the freedom to walk about freely in society; to
meet as large groups in public places; we
enjoy the freedom to feel safe in our own homes;
we enjoy freedom to eat out at safe restaurants and to
purchase safe food and safe drink at local stores and clubs.
We enjoy purchasing safe products that work as advertised.
We enjoy these freedoms because we can trust each
other. We enjoy these freedoms because the majority
of our people are honorable, hard working, civilized law
abiding citizens. These are the core values of our
society and the values that will keep us free.

How do we protect ourselves against terrorists and
crazy loons? The answer is to willingly hold ourselves
to a higher standard by adhering to our core values.
Honorable, hard working, civilized, law abiding people do not
lie, cheat or steal even when the opportunity
presents itself. We do not harm others unless in self-
defense. We are the eyes, ears, and brains of
American civilized society. We elect our government
officials from among ourselves. Each of us is expected to
be a standard bearer for our country and stand united
in the principles of respect, freedom and safety for all.
Each of us is expected to be vigilant and be aware when
something or someone is not right. We must be eye witnesses
and speak up before tragedy happens.

We are always there even when the government is
not. This tragic event could have been even more
horrendous if it were not for the brave, honorable,
civilized law abiding citizens who took charge during
this event and held the shooter to the ground until
the Police could get there. We The People are
who will keep our country the leader of the free
world.

Where ever you go, you should always find at
least one honorable, civilized, law abiding citizen
(you). We must willingly abide by our core
values and we must teach them to our children
so they too can stand united with us for the
freedom of all.

You can read 365 common, every day courtesy tips
written by Margery Sinclair and the reasons to use
them in our book "A Year of Good Manners" by
Margery Sinclair and Jan Polk, $27.95. Purchase
on line at www.janpolk.com