18 April 2007

The Politics of a Massacre

I don't often know how soon is "too soon", but this seems like a clear-cut case of not allowing heals to wound.

Today, both John McCain and Rudy Guiliani alluded to the Virginia Tech massacre in their campaigns, but in very surprising ways - arguing against gun control.

I'm not here to debate the Second Amendment. I have mixed feelings on it. However, I am here to say that the second day after the most atrocious shooting in American history is not the time to refer to it for political gain. I am well aware that politicians need to keep their campaigns up-to-date and use current issues. But to, before the week is out, use the Virginia Tech slayings as a campaign argument is truly disgusting.

Any politician who so quickly takes advantage of such a grotesque act ought to be ashamed of himself and his supporters should second guess his commitment to represent the American people.

2 comments:

John said...

Yup. People should be allowed to mourn before this becomes a source of political debate. McCain was too crass by appealing to the GOP base through this issue.

gavin richardson said...

in reading this it doesn't say, but it alludes that this was a campaigning speech given on gun control (with the picture used and the understanding they are campaigning and giving speeches). however, if you read the actual quote of mccain it sounds more like he was asked a direct question. so it begs into question, who is in the wrong? the media for asking such a poorly timed question or the politician for giving it a rhetoric response.