Civil voice must be heard

Watching the news concerning the shootings in Tucson, we looked at each other and said, “When will those of us who are moderate take a stand against the radicals on television and radio who suggest violence against our public officials?”

We all know who they are; the vitriol flows day after day, giving someone like the shooter, who was obviously disturbed, permission to take that step over the edge.

After showing the pictures of the 9-year-old girl and the others who were downed as bystanders to the congresswoman, a graphic was put up of the November races that Sarah Palin said “are in our sights.” The word “sights” could mean lots of things, but to the mentally ill it suggests the sights of a gun. That’s one example of many we hear. That kind of language has consequences; it has to stop.

So, to everyone else: When are the rest of us going to stand up and demand a return to civility?

Bill and Mikel Reuter

Spokane