Politicizing Gabby Giffords

By all accounts Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a remarkable
woman: A respected, conciliatory colleague in the contentious House of
Representatives long before the tragic shooting in Tucson; a hardworking
politician deeply committed to the concerns of her constituents
(which is why she was in a suburban parking lot that fateful Saturday
morning); a supportive spouse; a faithful friend.

It was impossible not to be moved by the genuine outpouring of
affection for Giffords on Tuesday evening before the President’s state
of the union address, and on Wednesday as she delivered her letter of
resignation to Speaker Boehner and a full house in the House. On both
sides of the aisle the tears flowed.

I don’t question the motives of any of those paying tribute to
Giffords. I take their expressions of gratitude for Gifford’s
friendship, their claims about her character and service as sincere and
heartfelt.