Posted on 06/24/2011 6:53:04 PM PDT by Paul Kib
(CNN) -- In the months since the shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, reports about her condition have been sparse. We have learned of a follow-up surgery to repair her skull and that she was recently released from a rehabilitation hospital... ...Being a member of Congress, however, is also a job. More than that, it is a job that lies at the heart of our democracy. Although we all wish Giffords a swift and full recovery, we also wish the nearly 650,000 residents of her district to be represented in Congress. While her staff may still be in place, being assisted no doubt by other members of Congress, the staff cannot vote.
...Should the media and the public be so reluctant to demand more information? The Arizona Democrat is not just a private citizen; she is a sitting member of Congress. Do Giffords' responsibilities demand a more searching inquiry into her health? No one is asking this question because it seems moot...
...In reality, the congresswoman is not carrying out any of these responsibilities. Even from the limited information that has been made available, we know that for the near term Giffords cannot carry out her committee assignments, debate on the floor of the House, and, most importantly cast a vote. The result is that for all intents and purposes, the gunman's bullet that so severely injured Giffords also silenced the people of Arizona's 8th Congressional District. Isn't the obvious solution for her to resign and allow Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to call a special election to fill her seat?...
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Good point. It is, after all, THEIR decision.
I wish you the best at nursing those in your care. But Brain-Dead (Dee Eee Dee, Dead) describes Congress inacted (or indicticted, as the case may be). As for me, I don't want Congress within a mile of voting in Congress.
Who will rid me of this meddlesome menace?
/johnny
If she was in the private sector she would leave with disability if that benefit is provided. This should not be treated any different.
It wouldn’t be the first time the Dems wheeled in someone who was doubtfully competent. And if the Republicans objected, they would be slammed by the media for daring to question her.
I think you have to be present to vote. No absetia
LOL,...great point, if it twer Kennedy (any of 'em), they'ed just wheel 'em in, in that comatose alcoholic stupor, park 'em and sit alongside pushing the vote button.
But EVERYBODY in America knows Gabby can't tell ya what time of day it is, and she ain't in the house physically, plus she's officially on leave of absence, so NO votin'.
I think it would benefit the country if Congress only met for about 2 weeks out of the year. When Congress is in session, our Liberties are at risk. That is true no matter if it is Republicans or Democrats who are running the show.
No you didn’t. Sarc tags are the death of the sarcasm. You did the right thing by leaving it off.
It’s funny when someone takes it seriously. In this case, really funny.
Sarah? I thought it was Trig Palin! As in Triggerman Palin. Or so my liberal friends tell me.
You're right about that, but they would have to actually wheel her in, and so far they ain't got the cojones.
You are correct. Kelly came very close to beating her. She is also pro-amnesty. The MSM has been painting this rosy picture of her recovery and asserting that she would be a sure thing if she ran for the Senate in 2012 to fill the vacancy left by Kyl. Now we are hearing rumors that Gifford’s husband will run for the Senate seat or Gifford’s seat if she has to step down.
I don’t know if Giffords is even aware enough to make a decision about whether she should resign or not. Personally, I think that the House should declare her seat vacant so that the governor of Arizona can fill the seat with someone who can represent her district.
Glad she doesn’t represent my district. She should resign
Just take Cynthia McKinney and Sheila Jackson Lee as examples.
Don't think so, old bean. Kick them when they are down is the new wave we've learned from dire experience from our bretheren from across the aisle.
Just trying to be respectful and giving back as well gotten.
Kick them when they are down, kill them in the dark.
That works for me as the new conservative mantra.
Don't like it, stay on the porch, and do not go out after dark. ;) All our love.
/johnny
She's functionally impaired. Stupid, in a single word.
Oh... I see what you mean.
/johnny
Remember US Senator Jean Carnahan, D-MO?
Giffords’ husband just announced impending retirement from NASA...
Would you use the same argument to defend Anthony Weiner? Or Charlie Rangel? And since when is it prohibited from discussing some elected official unless you live in his/her district?
I’m fairly certain that at some near future date she may well make a decision about whether she is up to running for office again, or not. I think the decision should be left up to her, to be made in her own good time.
She will have to make a decision by next May to register as a candiate.
Nope.
You da man! You performed several "gotchas" in one thread upon supposedly informed FReepers, and stuck the landing. A tip 'o de hat in your direction.
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