BlackFive

UPDATE 1/13: Apparently, the Senator's staff has sent out a note to some of those who took time (thank you!) to write to their office.  From one reader, we get this:

“Shortly after the shooting of my closest friend I gave an interview with Fox News. As part of that interview, I wrongly reiterated some information told to me immediately prior to the interview that the suspect shooter in the Tucson attack was possibly a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. As we know now, there was a great deal of misinformation about not only the shooter, but also the status of the victims. 

I am a staunch supporter of our brave men and women who serve in the military. I understand and greatly appreciate the sacrifices they make for our country each and every day they serve. My husband is himself a veteran of the Vietnam War. I also understand that many people were upset about the description of the shooter that I passed on. My statement in no way was a reflection of my feelings about our veterans or the people currently serving our country.

With that, I would ask that we continue to keep Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all of the other victims of this horrific attack in our thoughts and prayers.”

While I applaud the Senator's staff for taking the time to send this out, I must say it's pretty weak- and nowhere, that I see, is there any kind of 'excuse me' or 'pardon' or 'I'm sorry'.  That is, would it have hurt to say something like- ''I apologize if my remarks were taken in the wrong context'' or something.  As someone who states they are a  'staunch supporter' of the military, one would think twice, maybe, before repeating such rumor or innuendo.  Does she HAVE to be first out with the information?  It appears so.  Like she was trying to get the jump on someone.

Thanks, but no thanks, Senator.  And if anyone in her district has anything that shows 'staunch support' I'll print it here...

(Important updates at the bottom)

Today Saturday was a HORRIBLE day.

We've seen an obviously unstable and deranged individual, Jared Loughner, shoot and kill innocents; we've seen a US Congresswoman declared dead, then not-dead, and we vets have been accused of being the shooter.

While listening and watching all of the activity and coverage of this horrific event, one thing has become even more clear- the MFM has come unglued on the Right, on Veterans, and on grass roots organizations.

The topper, though, has to be the one from State Congressional Representative Senator Linda Lopez, who is about as far-Left as you can get.  Not that that's a particular problem, but, given her next statements, we've got a HUGE problem...

''the shooter is likely, from what I've heard, an Afghan vet..''

During an interview with Shep Smith (please, do NOT get me started on him) she made these statements- you can hear them about 5 minutes into this interview:

Ms Lopez, on behalf of ALL veterans, and especially the Afghanistan veterans you have repeatedly defaced, I would like to ask this-

WE DEMAND AN APOLOGY

Your demented, irrational view of veterans shows in this despicable statement. You have, as most do on the extreme Left and within the MFM, caused irreparable damage to veterans everywhere- not just those in Arizona.  You do a complete disservice to us, to your country, and to your state by repeatedly asserting that there was a likelyhood he was an Afghanistan veteran.

Granted, in the heat of the moment, things can be said that are 'caustic', but this goes beyond anything that was said all day (EXCEPT that Rep. Giffords was 'dead') and does a greater disservice to your party.

If you are not willing to issue a retraction, and apology, then I am asking those in Arizona to look at censuring and/or recalling someone who would put forth such discpicable accusations without cause nor merit.

Loughner was turned down by the Army (as stated by both CNN and to posted by Stars and Stripes) for 'instability issues'.  Just because someone used a gun in a despicable act, you want to throw it on the 'veterans as victims' pile.

All of you Blackfive readers, please feel free to contact Congresswoman State Senator Lopez at the following:

Linda Lopez
House of Representatives
1700 W. Washington, Room 321
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Fax Number: (602) 417-3029

Phone Number: (602) 926-4089 or 1-800-352-8404

Email: [email protected]

Visit Linda's State Legislature web page

Ms Lopez, I hope you have the backbone to do the right thing.  But, I'm not holding my breath. 

There certainly will be more to come on this...

UPDATE 1:  She was a FORMER State Congresswoman, now State Senator.  The previous site for Arizona Legislature listed her as a REPRESENTATIVE.  Not wanting foot-in-mouth disease, I listed here here as such.  Now, apparently, she is actually a STATE SENATOR.  But, the Arizona site is still conflicting- her contact info lists House of Reps; her page lists State Senate.

Go figure-....

UPDATE 2:  Her new page has removed her phone number and email address!  Use the old info to contact the legislature and go from there.  If anyone gets her new info, please let me know...  put into comments if you wish.  Her site is here: State Senator Linda Lopez