TO THE EDITOR:
I was extremely disappointed in the Jan. 11 editorial, “A teachable tragedy: Shooting strikes a chord for more measured tone.” You blame the recent shooting in Arizona on the “toxic political environment” and the lack of civil discourse despite the fact that links between the shooter and political movements are murky, at best.
Jared Loughner’s writings and videos more clearly indicate that he may have been suffering from mental illness. While all those who struggle with mental illness obviously aren’t violent, that this facet of the story was ignored to fuel a narrative focused on culture wars is disturbing.
I am no fan of Sarah Palin, but it seems strange to blame horrific violence on the words of politicians, when the perpetrator seems to have lived in a world entirely separate from our political discussions. To consider this tragedy “teachable” in how we should discuss politics is to misread and exploit it. Rather, it should be “teachable” in raising our awareness of those in our midst who suffer invisibly. Considering potential shooters “crazy people with renegade intentions” is a vast oversimplification — one that is potentially dangerous for Americans of all political persuasions.
Rushing to join the movement to blame politicians for the shooting indicates blindness toward psychological issues faced by many Americans. While we should all hope for calmness on campus, that The Daily Tar Heel editorial board would equate this tragedy with possible outcomes of the upcoming Student Body President election indicates a complete lack of perspective.
Lily Roberts
Junior
Peace, War and Defense
