When politicians run for office, win elections and start working to make change or progress in this great nation, one would assume that, like celebrities, they become more of a public figure. Perhaps, that is why presidents and governors don't stray too far from security while making appearances and holding speaking engagements. However, with the way politics has evolved, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are beginning to attract more attention as well. And I'm not just talking about "Sarah Palin's Alaska" here. Deemed the representatives for the people in the United States Congress, these politicians are, in a sense, the only real direct link citizens have to the White House. As such, they are put under a great deal of scrutiny by their constituents.
Saturday's shooting in Arizona, while tragic, has proved just how necessary it is that all politicians at the national level should have security with them at all times, especially when making public appearances. And this measure should be taken, not only for the representatives, but for all the supporters and innocent bystanders at these events. Granted, by doing so, a lot of changes would have to be made, the most obvious being public meet-and-greets, like Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" function, it may be the only way to ensure safety.
There's no doubt in my mind that, because of this incident, there will be a greater need for security at all political events, which can be both good and bad, depending on your viewpoint. My guess is that only a certain number of individuals will be able to meet with their Congressman or Congresswoman during public forums. In addition, those who attend such events will, more than likely, be subjected to security similar to that in airports – metal detectors, pat-downs and the like. However, seeing as how going to these events is not as imperative as airway transportation, I think that, if new security measures are implemented, the relationship between politicians and their constituents will change forever. It would, most definitely, take away from the one-on-one interaction citizens have had with their representatives. It would also, likely, mean people would be deterred from attending these events, in essence, lessening public involvement in government, which, as an American citizen, saddens me.
To think one bad apple will be responsible for ruining the political experience for so many others makes me cringe. As one individual commented during a breaking news broadcast Saturday, "there are a lot of nuts out there … And it's real easy for them to get their hands on guns capable of killing many people."
So sad, yet so true.
Side note: While I was greatly disheartened to learn about the shooting in Arizona, I was even more concerned that an event like this would shut down the law-making body of this country for at least a week. How do we know that's not what this assailant wanted? And, if so, we shouldn't let him win.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
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