If she were "forced" to step down, would it not then become open season on democratic reps who had republican governors in that state. Does Loughner accomplish just what he set (?) out to accomplish? I don't want him "winning" in any since of the word.

 

Give me a break. By your line of thinking it would be open season now. If Gifford had died like Loughner intended we wouldn't be having a what if discussion. And wouldn't it work both ways?

Give me a break. By your line of thinking it would be open season now. If Gifford had died like Loughner intended we wouldn't be having a what if discussion. And wouldn't it work both ways?

 

But the suggestion that she step down is just like saying she died. Which would mean he won. Right now he hasn't won. she is still alive and still has her seat

Mrs. Gifford has given her pound of flesh. I would be very disheartened if she were forced to step down BEFORE a determination can be made as to what the extent of her recovery will actually be. Say, for example, that she has all her mental faculties remaining, but is limited in her mobility and is not bed ridden (which seems as if she will not be at this point). We have mechanisms to handle such a disability. Forcing her out before we know anything more certain, regardless of the time lapse, is flat wrong. Let her rehab.

Mrs. Gifford has given her pound of flesh. I would be very disheartened if she were forced to step down BEFORE a determination can be made as to what the extent of her recovery will actually be. Say, for example, that she has all her mental faculties remaining, but is limited in her mobility and is not bed ridden (which seems as if she will not be at this point). We have mechanisms to handle such a disability. Forcing her out before we know anything more certain, regardless of the time lapse, is flat wrong. Let her rehab.

 

You are wise, my friend. :thumb:

 

Let me add that Congresswoman Giffords' staff reports that they are still working, focusing on her constituents and their needs.

I believe very much in respecting the wishes of voters and the voters in that district very recently made their decision in sending Ms. Giffords back to Washington. If Ms. Giffirds can be projected to make a full recovery (from the standpoint of her mental capabilities) then she should be allowed to serve out her term. However if as is likely her rehab will be a long process resulting in an extended abscence from Washington AND her constituants desire an active voice in Washington then those wishes should be listened to and she should respect the wishes of those same voters that elected her and step down.

When I was in high school one of my favorite textbooks was The American Pageant. In fact, that book and a couple of old math books are the only ones I have kept all these years. When Charles Sumner was beaten so severely that he was absent from the Senate for three years, his seat was left "eloquently empty". I think the same appplies to Rep. Giffords.

When I was in high school one of my favorite textbooks was The American Pageant. In fact, that book and a couple of old math books are the only ones I have kept all these years. When Charles Sumner was beaten so severely that he was absent from the Senate for three years, his seat was left "eloquently empty". I think the same appplies to Rep. Giffords.

 

I still have mine too actually. Although I suspect my edition is a tad newer since your son was in my class at Trinity.

 

I agree with the sentiment by the way, I don't think she should have to step down no matter her status during her recovery.

When I was in high school one of my favorite textbooks was The American Pageant. In fact, that book and a couple of old math books are the only ones I have kept all these years. When Charles Sumner was beaten so severely that he was absent from the Senate for three years, his seat was left "eloquently empty". I think the same appplies to Rep. Giffords.

 

I think the people of that district deserve representation. At the very least there should be someone appointed to the position pro tem.