It doesn't take a lot to look at the distribution of representation from the state of Arizona to see a disturbing pattern. Of the 10 individuals that represent the state federally only 3 are Democrats. Of the 60 people who work in the state house only 20 are Democrats. During the 2010 election two offices of Democrat candidates were riddled with bullets, including the representative shot earlier today. This is a Republican state and if you harbor any liberal leanings you are best served keeping those views behind closed doors. If this were a random protest it is more likely that a Republican representative would have been shot. More of them and they make more appearances than their Democrat counterparts.
I'm surprised some are still holding out hope that this was not a politically motivated shooting. Arizona has been a powder keg waiting to go off. SB1070 and the other series of laws passed in the lead up to the 2010 election have created some serious divides and fueled the paranoia of many on the fringe, and Arizona has a lot on the fringe. Sarah Palin is a hero in Arizona and
what she says becomes gospel. Sharon Angle developed quite a following in neighboring Arizona as well, thanks to her
2nd Amendment remedies tough talk. Their dog whistle rhetoric, along with the many talking heads on the Clear Channel talk radio network, continue to fan the flames of hatred in the heads of the fringe. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. To claim this was not politically motivated is like saying the
Dr. George Tiller was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.