Mind your metaphors

Sun., Jan. 23, 2011

In response to Bryan Bremner’s Jan. 20 letter to the editor, I am dismayed that our country is wallowing in the blame game. Bremner refers to Jared Loughner as being the “poor damaged soul … and scythe” of conservative media and politicians.

Could it be that Loughner’s horrific act was the delayed result of the map with targets that was put forth by liberals in a previous election or by President Obama’s statement that if “they bring a knife, we’ll bring a gun”? That is just as ridiculous and a sign of our willingness to place the blame on someone else. It starts with “the devil made me do it,” “the teacher doesn’t like me,” “the dog ate my homework,” “the referee doesn’t like our team,” “we have to clean up the previous administration’s bad acts” and on and on.

Metaphors have always been used to emphasize a point. Remember “Speak softly and carry a big stick”?

Personal responsibility and accountability need to prevail. However, when we are dealing with someone as mentally distorted as Loughner, we must realize that perceptions we hold cannot explain such actions as he took in Tucson. There is no reasonable excuse or explanation.

Judy LaMont

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