In the wake of the tragedy in Arizona, numerous people have used that tragedy in an attempt to some political points. So, before the victims have even been laid to rest, people are using this for their own gain. Before the entire story has been told, people are trying to pin the blame for this on their political opponents.

            What has happened to common decency in America? Despite statements to the contrary, people will actually remember what happened in Tucson. Once the victims are laid to rest, people will not suddenly forget what happened. There is a better time to talk about issues people want to tie to this tragedy. However, that time is not now.

            Representative James Clyburn, D-SC, is the third highest ranking Democrat in Congress. In the wake of the tragedy, he has placed the blame for the tragedy on the “vitriol in public discourse.” He has said that this country must rethink parameters on free speech. He wants the FCC to reinstate the “Fairness Doctrine” to ensure that there is balanced media coverage of tragedies like this.

            The “Fairness Doctrine?” What does the Fairness Doctrine have to do with the tragedy in Tucson? How will “balanced media coverage” prevent a tragedy like this one? He is not alone in trying to pin the blame for this tragedy on a political opponent though.

            Paul Krugman posted an editorial on the tragedy. Did he offer his condolences for the families of the victims? No. Did he speak of praying for the victims who were not killed? No. Did he think that it was a time for mourning? No. Did he even call what happened in Tucson a tragedy? No.

            So, what did he do? He pinned the blame for this on The Tea Party and Sarah Palin. He even states that “it’s long past time for the GOP’s leaders to take a stand against the hate-mongers,” because “violent acts are what happen when you create a climate of hate.”

           The suspect has not gone to trial. His full story has not been told, but Krugman has already decided that it was really the Tea Party’s fault. He has placed the blame on Sarah Palin’s shoulders.

            There seems to be such a prevalent attitude among the media to pin the blame on someone else. Now, with the Internet, any person can post their opinion online and do the same. So, obviously, anyone with a political axe to grind is going to try and blame this tragedy on their opponents.

            However, if any of those people had a shred of decency, they would simply keep their mouth shut during this time of grief and mourning.