By now, many of you know that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head at point-blank range in Arizona a few hours ago.  Reports are that she is alive and in critical condition.  The gunman is in custody.

We do not know the gunman’s motives, but we do know this.  Our country will never stand for the kind of senseless violence carried out by cowards against unarmed representatives of our democracy.  We may argue about our values and how to attain them.  We may shout and scream about the “other side.”  But we must never, NEVER let a person with a bomb or a knife or a gun put even a dent in our will to live free and in peace with one another.

My best wishes are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, along with the other victims of this abominable crime.  May justice be served and may each find the grace and courage to bear up.