Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced her plans to step down as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona’s 8th Congressional District in a video message released Sunday morning.
“I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week,” Giffords said.
Of course, the recovery she’s referring to is the battle to overcome brain injuries inflicted just over one year ago at the “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tucson, where the alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, aimed his frustrations at Giffords and opened fire, killing six people and injuring 14 others.
The tragedy opened the floodgates for debate and the questions came pouring in.
What does this mean for Arizona, America, gun control and health care? Will Congresswoman Giffords be OK? We asked. We hoped.
Depending on your definition of “OK,” she may be near or far from it.
Either way, as Arizonans, we will give her the time she needs to recover, recuperate and get better. As her constituents, we will return the unwavering support that we always received. Giffords constantly showed a fierce bipartisanship by working across party lines, a practice that will hopefully be continued by her former colleagues.
Giffords is the hero in today’s political climate of shadowy figures in suits with pockets full of empty promises or more excuses. Her name was never splashed in scandal or editorialized in headlines as untrustworthy or dishonest.
Her message has always been one of monumental hope and despite her resignation, she will remain a beacon of inspiration both in the House of Representatives and as a human being. Giffords’ story symbolizes so much more than just a miraculous recovery or overcoming the odds. She is the flesh and bone embodiment of the American spirit - a champion of the people.
In a time when Americans are holding protests to give voice to our concerns, or otherwise letting our elected officials know how we feel, we should be extending this message to Giffords: You will be missed. The work you have done for Arizona families and veterans, and the strides you made toward a more cooperative and bipartisan congressional representation of constituents should serve as an example to Washington. Take all the time you need to recover, Gabby, and like the ever-inviting and welcoming Arizona sunset, we can’t wait to have you back.
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