RKBA=Right to Keep and Bear Arms
The attack in Arizona is a terrible thing. Innocent people have been injured and killed. That the attacker had access to a gun almost certainly resulted in more deaths and injuries than otherwise. And the imagery and rhetoric used by those supporting Giffords' opponent in the election did reference gun-based emblems - target sights, target practice, people holding guns. I fully understand and appreciate the visceral condemnation of gun culture, in situations like this.
I've only held and shot a gun once in my life. I'm certainly not a gun nut. But there are a number of diaries currently emphasizing the gun-violence angle on this issue, and blaming various political characters for their use of this gun references. I am not comfortable with this, for a few reasons, starting with the fact that Giffords' opponent in the congressional election, Jesse Kelly, was an Iraq War Veteran (a Marine), who saw combat in Iraq: http://en.wikipedia.org/...
However we might feel about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, however we might feel about the leaders making the decisions about these wars and battles, however we might feel about the negative impacts of war, and the atrocities directly attributed to people with weapons abusing their power, their responsibilities, the moral standards to which we hold humanity, I have full respect for Those Who Serve. I am not just talking about America here - I'm not American.
I'm talking about those who fight. I feel privileged to not have to rely on violence in my personal life, and I am ethically opposed to the use of violence. I have profound contempt for those who initiate wars or violence without adequate appreciation or respect for the potential results of that violence. But I do respect those who serve, those who've chosen to fight for their country. Jesse Kelly fought in Iraq. His campaign chose to emphasize his combat experience. I honestly have no problem with that. I'd trust someone who fought in Iraq as a political leader, over someone who had the equivalent of Bush or Cheney's military experience.
Whatever our feelings about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are going to be living with veterans of these wars. Some of them were strong leaders in combat, and will be great leaders in America. There is nothing wrong with a combat veteran emphasizing their military experience.
As to Palin's gunsights, they're a bit more problematic, but really, they're just a metaphor. How often do you use the word "target", or equivalent words that reference violence in your daily life? From what I've seen, Palin was using symbolism to drum up political support/awareness. She was not calling for anyone's assassination. I have very little respect for Palin (and she obviously doesn't know how to hunt, or use a gun responsibly), but there are way more problematic and stupid things that she does on a weekly basis.
Also, this was a 22 year old. The Age of Idiocy. Any attempts to connect this murderous freak to a political movement are not going to work very well. The boy was a year past when America thinks people should be allowed to drink. In Europe, that would make him 11. Or 15, I don't really know. This idiot is emblematic of nothing but testosterone and peer/media influence. A roll of the dice, and he'd be arguing passionately on Twilight blogs, or playing the latest obsessive video game. This kid is no emblem of the Tea Party. 22 year olds are just barely trusted with rental cars. They know next to nothing. And we know nothing about this kid.
I know people who have and use guns, and I respect them. I know that there is a significant population of gun owners and users who are responsible and committed, who swing right, because they consider RKBA (the right to keep and bear arms), and essential component of both the Constitution and America. I've lost a friend to suicide with a gun. I intend to learn how to hunt.
When one idiot wanders out and does something stupid, whether it's climbing a mountain, or driving a car, or using a gun, I don't condemn mountaineering, or driving, or gun ownership. And I know that I'm writing a provocative diary. It's partly for those who've served in the military, in acknowledgement of friends who serve that I respect and admire, partly for gun owners who I respect as careful and responsible owners, and partly tactical - the Left is stronger in alliance with responsible gun owners and an issue like this can drive a hard wedge between us and potential allies.