With hours left before President Obama’s speech at the University of Arizona and lines stretching around McKale Center to Sixth and Highland, students may be looking for some reading material to pass the time. Though today’s Presidential visit is a spectacle of its own, students ought to take the time to reflect on its circumstances. Below is a collection of thought provoking reflections, responses, and reporting on the Saturday shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords that have passed our way in the past few days.
If you’re still on your way to UA, see the Daily Star for details. If you’re not attending today’s event in person, a live stream is available online from Arizona Public Media.
Aurelie Sheehan, UA creative writing professor, writes a touching personal reflection on the shooting in the New York Times.
Via a neuroscientist friend, an explanation of decompressive hemocraniectomy, the amazing procedure that may have saved Gifford’s life.
News coverage from the Daily Wildcat has been excellent throughout the last few days. Of special note: Bethany Barnes on Daniel Hernandez Jr., the UA student and Giffords intern at the scene, and the commentary on the op-ed page, three smart and reasoned responses.
Amid much speculation, Nick Baumann at Mother Jones does some real reporting on the shooter’s grudge with Giffords and his obsession with the meaning—or meaninglessness—of words. The Ordinary Gentlemen have a couple comments.
At The Economist, Will Wilkinson makes a case for taking a step back from tragedy—and doing nothing.
Though today may be a time for mourning, legislators in Arizona and beyond are already reacting with new laws. Jacob Sullum and Dave Weigel look at the implications of post-crisis policymaking.
On last night’s NBC news broadcast, Tucson native Savannah Guthrie takes a look our city, lest “Tucson” become a synonym for tragedy.
A CBS News poll finds that most Americans—57 percent—think the tone of national politics had nothing to do with the shooting.
Laura Miller warns against looking for messages amid random acts of evil.
William Saletan looks at the complications of concealed weapons during Saturday’s events. Whatever your position on concealed carry, it underlines the complexity of the issue.
Finally, from the wild and baseless speculation department, David Frum asks the question on everyone’s mind: did marijuana trigger the Giffords shooting? See also video games and heavy metal.
If you’re sick of media coverage surrounding the incident, look instead to a poem posted by my colleague earlier today.
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