Gabrielle Giffords, the Shining Light in House Vote on Debt Ceiling



Gabrielle Giffords returned to Washington yesterday for one reason only: to cast her vote for the bill to raise the debt ceiling.  The entire assembly burst into enthusiastic applause when she entered the chamber.  Few representatives knew she would appear, and surprise was evident when they saw her.  Despite her arduous road to recovery, Giffords felt that her constituency needed her to vote on the measure, and she expressed serious concern about what would happen to the country if the bill failed.  Her office released a statement in which she said: "I had to be here for this vote. I could not take the chance that my absence could crash our economy." The bill passed 269-161, making her journey all the more note worthy because passage occurred with a large margin..

For the first time since all of the bickering and infighting started in the House of Representatives over what the bill would contain, the members experienced unanimity in showing emotion and joy in Giffords return.  Ham on Wry wishes that the harmony would continue in future dealings over reducing the federal budget deficit, but that dream will not come true.  The standing ovation that Representative Giffords received will soon fade from memory, and the acrimony will commence yet again.

Ham on Wry fervently hopes that Congresswoman Giffords' recuperation progresses successfully, so that she can resume her duties full time.  She returned to Houston to continue her therapy and has not yet decided whether she will run next year.  If her condition doesn't allow her to run or she simply chooses not to, Arizona will lose a true heroine.  Giffords faced an uncertain recovery with grace, courage, and dignity and serves as a symbol of the kind of attitude and determination missing in so many members of the House.  They act in a self-serving manner with little regard for the country's best interests.  Although Moody's retained its Triple A rating for the country, US financial status teeters.  In all of this turmoil, let us remember Gabrielle Giffords selfless behavior and demand more from the childish politicians who behave like spoiled brats.