We understand you need to focus on your recovery and we're all rooting for you to have a complete recovery.

Thanks for all your hard work, Gabby.

We'll see you when you're ready.

.

a miracle she survived, she will have motor and speech problems the rest of her life; a lady who was determined to survive the un-survivability.

Rather dissapointing, but understandable. We'll all be waiting for your return (or not) to Congress. Well, except the guy who shot you...

It is sad she is leaving. She went through as much hell to serve her country as many in the armed forces have. Hold your head high Gabby and speedy recovery...

Look everyone, @The Devil is being a troll! And a poor one at that!

Glad she is recovering but this decision is long overdue. I doubt we'll see her back in Congress but I hope she serves in other capacities.

Jahmekan, you pretty much summed up all of our arguements there. Well done, sir.

Gabby has courage, conviction and class. Seeing many of these debates during the past few months... not one of them holds a candle to this woman.

It will be a great loss in Capital Hill with out Gabby! We love you, will miss you, get better each day!

Love you Gabby!

Scott from Seattle

Jahmekan: You called it like it is and how we all see it.......Maybe you aren't supposed to attack any poster directly but some definitely deserve to be called what they are.

Gosh, what a shame. Best wishes on your continued recovery, Gabby.

Good riddance you communist thug!

I see it didn't take long for the morons on the right to weigh in. This lady has more courage in her pinky finger than all of you put together. To make this decision had to be tough as there are those in congress who truly do serve the people. Good luck to her.

Gabrielle, may God continue to bless your life and recovery. Thank you for your service, and sharing your spirit with all of us.

To the nasty posters, shame on you. Unbelievable you can't have a benevolent moment and just wish her well.

The days when someone needed a barn, the neighbors would all pitch in a raise a barn for them, or if a farmer fell sick, the neighbors would all pitch in and sow/harvest the farmer's fields, and the goodwill that went with those acts of caring and giving, are surely disappearing from the fabric of our country.

Gabby, I am a true fan, and I salute you and thank you for your selfless caring, political service and sacrifice. I wish you a complete recovery, and also a return to Congress if or when you feel ready and able. You are an inspiration to all Americans as well as a truly moral and hard-working political servant.

Best wishes to you and your family. May you continue to get well.

gabby: as a united states citizen your decision shows integrity. god bless and continue the focus on your recovery.

Thank you for all you've done, Gabby!

She's really been an example of dedication, courage, and triumph over adversity. And this is yet another act of true courage. Her open seat will be up for grabs, and I am happy to see her put herself and her husband and their future above her party's needs, and it takes courage for her to admit that she cannot get what she needs to get better and give her constituents full-time representation at the same time. Surely people of both parties and no party can join in wishing her all the very best, and realize that a person of her dedication and accomplishment can serve her country well going forward in some capacity. Can't help but wish that the little Green girl could've lived to have seen this, though.

Our prayers are with you Gabby.. Rest well, get better, and come back swinging!! You are a true pro-fighter for those of us not in the 1%.

Gabby, I am a strong republican conservative but I wish to tell you that I wish you would not leave congress, although I understand your reason for leaving. Surely, you are one of the righteous of the world. God bless you and care for you always

Bernie, I think we can all agree that all of us, regardless of political background, wish Gabby the best. Well most of us (I'm looking at you, @Devil).

Best wishes to Gabby, with hopes of continued recovery, and hopes of returning. We would have loved to see her run for Kyle's seat this fall... Heaven knows more Democrats are sorely needed in the state of Arizona.

As for trolls like "The Devil," when comments are so inappropriate and ugly, that person should be banned for life, not just collapsed. I hope the moderators are taking note of this...

Gabby Giffords:

A woman of grace and strength. Wishing her the best and much continued progress.

An inspiration to those who are fighting for their lives with serious brain injuries.

The Devil must be a racist, he thinks people are fooled by his picture of a black person, what a slime ball ... Must be he is trying to say blacks are the Devil .... LMAO

I was in such a bad place in my life today feeling so blue about my circumstances and then I watched this video and as I saw your courage and strength and all that you had overcome my self-pity melted away. You struggle and work hard every day to get better. I have no excuse to not do the same. Thank you Gabby for being so inspirational and positive. I will pray for you every day!! God Bless you and your journey to recovery. You will definitely be missed! We hope to see you again doing wonderful things in the future.

Best of Luck Ms Giffords. I had not heard of her before the unfortunate shooting. I am not a member of her political party, but everything I read about her was that she was thoughtful and reasonable and did not toe the Nancy Pelosi party line on every issue. One of the few remaining from either party that put issues ahead of party.

She put Arizona first by resigning. Hope she makes a full recovery.

Gabby, I wish you well. If only everyone who serves in the three branches of our government had your integrity and your perserverance. For those who care to know, Ms. Giffords is what is known as a blue dog democrat which means she's about as close to a conservative as a democrat can get - that is why she was targeted - she wasn't nearly far enough left for her assailant. Get well, Gabby and, if you're able, please come back and serve our country.

Jhawke, did you even read his avatar? What exactly is wrong with the "extreme" left? Unlike the "extreme" right, they don't want to gut social security, destroy universal healthcare, and unleash Wall Street. They want to help people, unlike the Tea Party who are too ignorant to notice they are helping the corporations.

And JH, the goovernment doesn't replace her. The people do. If they elected Gabby, then they will probably elect another Democrat. But then again, who knows?

Gary 420, you are a piece of fantastic work, I commend thee.

Gabby you are truly brave, good luck..

On the bright side just be glad you were not married to Newt. He would of bailed like water in a row boat..

On Congressional pensions: member of Congress pay 7.5% into 2 retirement funds. Max pension is 80% of salary at retirement. They must contribute for five years to get anything. They must be 50 with 20 years of service or those with 25 years can retire any time. Otherwise, retirement is at 62. These pensions are perhaps overly generous compared to the private sector, but not nearly as outrageous as you have heard. Rep. Giffords is doubtless entitled to disability payments for now.

Each ex-President receives just under 200K per year, taxable, for life.

I am truly saddened to see her go, but very glad she is going out "under her own power." Hopefully...for the rest of us...her absence from public life will be only temporary. A Senate seat, cabinet position, or the ambassadorship to Great Britain is likely hers whenever she is ready.

To Joe from Kalispell-- There are some from Montana who should have stepped down long time ago, and they seem to be of the republithug persuasion.

JH-- You have a very sadistic sense of non-humor. Hope the republithug governor of AZ gives YOU& the middle finger.

God bless you Gabby.

"What's really sad and tragic is that this soon to be Ex-Congresswoman will get to keep and enjoy for her and her family, the excellent Healthcare benefits under the old "Free To Choose" system, and not be forced to use the same "Obamacare" health system that she voted to force all of us Non-Federal political types to use."

Rediculous argument. The Congresswoman was disabled for life in the service of our country. Just as any Veteran or emergency responder and as such deserves every benifit afforded for such sacrafice. While elected officials may not have the daily sacrafice we veterans made during our service, they too do sacrifice. I would never think of denying medical care to someone who became injured in the service of our country.

My Grandfather lost his legs due to his service in a time where vets had the worst heathcare in the country. Never deny someone a need induced during sacrafice.

4th Generation Veteran of the Navy.

Thank you

Only a coward would greet this woman's courage with an insult. Those of you who have done so on this page have but added to a long list of what you must one day apologize for when you uncover the shame within you.

It's curious that liberals, particularly liberals like Feisty, care so much about how much they care, they forget to even mention the six that lost their lives .... as well as the other 13 gunshot victims dealing with their recoveries.

I case any of you would care to make a public display of how much care about them too, here are the names of the six who tragically weren't granted the opportunity to recover ......

Christina-Taylor Green, 9

Dorthy "Dot" Morris, 76 (retired secretary)

John Roll, 63 (former chief judge)

Phyllis Schneck, 79 (homemaker)

Dorwan Stoddard, 76 (retired construction worker)

Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, 30 (Giffords' staffer)

chachito, she was a Democrat. Read what people have been saying on this Vine before you spout out such unintelligible jibbersh.

bob-105084--This event happened a year ago. Many of us do not have short attention spans and recall, quite vividly, the many articles about all these individuals. Many of us expressed our condolences then.

There was recently a vigil for those who died--Rep. Giffords attended. Again, this was reported on, and many expressed their condolences then. It was appropriate to have that vigil first and to put the attention on those who died--notice that the retirement was not mentioned at that time so that the honored dead could get the appropriate attention.

However--life goes on, bob. This article is about Rep. Giffords and her decision to retire. Her staff and colleagues have been doing fine, fine work on her constituents' behalf--but, it really is best to let someone take over who can devote full energies to representing that district. I applaud her for her selfless decision and wish her the best.

But, yeah, articles can only be about one thing at a time--we can't have the never-ending article that mentions, you know, everything about a given event. Have a great day.

Gabby, understood and God speed for your complete recovery.

Farewell and best wishes in your journey to recovery, Congresswoman Giffords. Thank you for your efforts to serve our nation.

Gosh, Ron. Spoken like someone who has ever actually READ THE LAW.

Here's an easy breakdown for you. You can read all about how the new health insurance laws will impact real consumers. They basically just make it easier for people to buy health insurance, contrary to what your conservative lying overlords will have you believe. Please read this so you won't have to be afraid anymore.

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/ncqa/health-reform.pdf

You go Gabby. Keep getting stronger.

True patriot, I see you still think so much of yourself, your only comment from aboved that had merit (value) is...

Best wishes to Gabby, with hopes of continued recovery, and hopes of returning

beano,

Yea ... go back to Jan. 8 2011 and read Feisty's concern for others .... read her vile bile and then get back to me.

In case you have a hard time, check a day or so later when she finally mentions Christina.

Bob, save the gunnrunner argument for another day, do you really want to be compared to fiesty and truepatriot for being grossly off topic with no common sense?.

What a mess some people are. I fear for this nation.

Get well Gabby!

Just for the sake of accuracy, congressmen and senators don't get their salaries for life when they leave or retire. Their pensions are mostly the same as what other pensions are like. They're fully vested after five years and the amount they receive is based on years of service, age when they retire, etc. They also have the option of contributing 5% of their salary into a savings account to augment that.

Since 1984 they've also been required to pay into the social security system, so they have the ability to collect social security too.

Salary for life - you have to wonder who sits in their recliner and makes up this crap.

You have got to be one of the bravest women, in the United States. You do not need luck. in your recovery, you already have GOD, on your side. I know that you will be back, and I applaud you, for your faith and courage!

Thank You,

Bill Couch

An amazing recovery effort, it is amazing what science and medicine does now days.

I logged on so I could see all the liberals call people names and rant on the gun laws, but I'm surprised at how mostly-civil the people are today. Except for that 'devil' troll at the top, of course.

God Bless you Gabby, you are an inspiration to Americans everywhere...I hope your recovery continues as swiftly as it has...who knows...Kyl is resigning this year...perhaps you or your astronaut husband??? Wishful thoughts...

The Question is who will replace her, and who will appoint that replacement? Not that wicked witch of a Governor Ariz has I hope.

exotix; The shooter has been found mental ill and also not a member of the republican party or has any association with any member of the Tea Party - interestingly enough he voted in the last election for the woman he shot. Based upon that are we too assume everyone professing to be a democrat, or liberal is also a gun toting thug / potential murderer just waiting for the appropriate time to let loose another barrage. So since there have been attempts to assassinate Republican Presidents of the United states - based upon your logic then we can assume all of these assailants were democrats as they attempted to assassinate Ford, Reagan, Bush Sr, Bush Jr etc etc etc

Strange words from you Bob, considering it was a teabagger who murdered them.

Sorry Terman ... Palin targeted Gaby with a bullseye on her SaraPAC Dems Target list and by name ... then Palin attempted to extricate herself from conspiracy to commit murder by issuing to the world a Blood Libel rant that borderlined on insanity ... just like Jared Loughner ...

Jared Loughners' attorney Judy Clark is known as the Forrest Gump amongst her peers ... she only represents high-profile killers like the Unabomber, Eric Rudoplh, Susan Smith and Zacarias Moussaoui to name a few ... her claim to fame is keeping all of them off death row ...

You like your wacko buddies here are merely tormented patsys that satisfies Palin, Beckerhead, Fatbo, insHannity & Faux Noize and all the other hate-mongering right-wing fanatical media everytime they toot their little trumpets as a call for you to do their bidding ... after you give them your money ...

So who do you think you're fooling ?

'j70141 in Colorado' wrote:

"I logged on so I could see all the liberals call people names and rant on the gun laws, but I'm surprised at how mostly-civil the people are today."

REPLY: Your derisive comment and stated dismissal of many millions of your fellow citizens just because they have differing views from your own, reveals much about you (and is a nutshell summation of much of what's wrong in our American dialog).

You logged on so you "could see all the liberals call people names and rant on the gun laws" ... and look down on them. You didn't read the article and read the posts out of human compassion for Rep. Giffords. That's pretty telling about your personal character, isn't it.

You posit that "liberals" just "call people names", and your method of expressing that opinion is effectively by 'name calling.'

Do you think that just because you have an opposite political/social bent, that you are somehow different from those you deride? I have news for you. That is a 'distinction', but without a difference.

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Actually toasty even you know your statement is a lie, the man voted for the congresswoman, claimed no affiliation with the republican party or had any association with any tea party associations. Even the crooked ass lying democratic sheriff had to take back his statements associating republicans and the teaparty with tihs crime. He also was forced to issue a public apology or to produce proof - he chose to apologize. So when are you going to apologize for your lies, half truths and misconceptions?

Exotix - You must be in love with Sarah Palin. You have such a fascination with her. You probably would secretly vote for her if she ran for POTUS.

His own words showed his political beliefs Ternan. You don't get to ignore them just because you don't like it.

And no, nobody apologized. The Tucson Tea Party whined and proclaimed themselves to be the real victims, but that's all. You just made the rest up. Which means you just lied.

Most of my Republican friends now claim to be undecided or Independent... the posts from the right on this thread are part of the reason why.

Regardless of your political beliefs you must feel some kind of compassion and understanding for the Congresswoman... right?

'LMarcT' wrote:

"Regardless of your political beliefs you must feel some kind of compassion and understanding for the Congresswoman... right?"

REPLY: You would certainly think so, wouldn't you. Unfortunately compassion has become "quaint", and 'of the past' for the contemporary Right. Ronald Reagan could not win a single Republican primary were he alive and running for president today. The contemporary Right, which is determining the core platform of the party would judge Reagan much to "liberal."

The pendulum has swung too far for the Right to be inconvenienced with "compassion." It's far more important to boo gay veterans of the Iran and Iraq wars, deride people receiving food stamps to keep their children from going to bed hungry, argue that poor children should serve as janitors and clean their schools, that unemployed people are just lazy and have flawed characters, that families of American veterans who entered the US illegally decades ago should be immediately deported, that the wealthy must get even more relief from their already small tax burden and place that additional burden on the poor.

No, 'LMarcT', don't look to the Right for compassion. No time for that.

Gabby, hopefully sometime in the future, when you are stronger, you can go back into helping people. If you feel that you cannot serve your fellow Arizonians in Congress, perhaps you can serve as a spokesperson for people with head trauma. Until that time, I wish you continued strength towards a full recovery.

I couldn't have said it better, I voted for Reagan and would again if it were possible. Compassionate Conservative is an ideal that is long gone, there is no compassion. They would let their grandmother starve if they though it would get them another vote from the wacky far right. I have voted Republican for the last several presidential elections but not any more. Careful America, do we really want to make the rich even more rich on the backs of the poor and disabled. They go after the poor now but maybe next time they will come after you. History does repeat it's self and if we aren't careful they will goose step right up to your house next

I give her a lot of credit for putting her constituents first and realizing that right now she really isn't able to fully represent them. I also imagine that she faces a lot of frustration daily being torn between trying to get well and trying to be a congresswoman. I think she is doing the right thing for herself and her district by stepping down to concentrate on her health. She deserves to be able to do that, and her constituents deserve a full time representative who can focus on their needs. Good call.

Best wishes to Representative Giffords on her recovery.

exotix - Bigoted, hatemongering, moonbats like you are no better than repugnant trolls like The Devil-1138528.

They could use a glass of STFU: as well as the author of this most erudite, classy comment.

Hope she does well.

However if she were GOP you hypocritical bas***** would have screamed for a special election before she even stopped bleeding...

"What's really sad and tragic is that this soon to be Ex-Congresswoman will get to keep and enjoy for her and her family, the excellent Healthcare benefits under the old "Free To Choose" system, and not be forced to use the same "Obamacare" health system that she voted to force all of us Non-Federal political types to use."

Besides the horror that Ms. Giffords, her family, and others have had to live through, what's really tragic is that someone with no real understanding of the new healthcare law mistakenly believes that everyday people would be better off without medical insurance than they are with it.

The Health Care Reform Act extends medical insurance coverage to over 50 million Americans who don't have it now, and REDUCES the federal budget deficit at the same time.

Forcing the deadbeats to pay helps EVERYONE.

As to Ms. Giffords and her family, God Bless you.

My fellow Tucsonians have much to be proud of - we elected a real person in Gabby, not a party. I'm happy knowing she will get to be a person again, and not have to deal with all the nonsense that is America today.

You could tell from the first time you saw her that she had risen above other politicians - she was the light that gave you hope things might someday be about people again and not special interests.

Anyone who would trash her isn't trashing the person - they are attacking their inner demons. So much misinformation rotting so many brains...she isn't the brain damaged one when self control lacks in so many.

When Gabby retires, how about Mark Kelly taking her place? Smart man, and would let Gabbie keep her fingers in Washington.

Just sayin".

I wish Gabby well and hope she continues in her recovery, but she made the right decision, the reality is that only her close family will see the true extent of her injuries.

I don't know that I can agree with those that are calling for her to stay, frankly, she should have resigned a long time ago. Not because I don't like her or don't agree with her, but because she has been unable to do her job for so long. She needed to resign back when she first regained speech so that someone else could have taken her post and gotten work done. Whatever she does now, I wish her luck, and hope she can focus on her recovery and not be bothered by the hoardes of ghost writers that will no doubt be looking to make a buck off her story.

Reality Check-1104333

However if she were GOP you hypocritical bas***** would have screamed for a special election before she even stopped bleeding...

You are delusional. We are sick and @!$%#ing tired of you people justifying your inane behavior through what you have imagined others have done or would have done. Be responsible for yourselves once in a while, would you?

You people need to take one serious look in the mirror. The trolls piss us off, but when otherwise reasonable people rationalize and buy into this crap... then THAT is a huge issue... THAT is the problem we face as a society today.

I wish Ms Giffords the best. This is truly the right decision. There is no way she can currently represent her constituents. Truly a class move.

WOW! It only took her a year to realize that she was not capable of doing her job. What I find curious is that now that she has partially recovered she is aware that she is incapable. What has she been doing for her constituents for the past year?

Couldn't agree more....God speed Gabby, hurry back!

Amen!

Gabby, you are an inspiration to many. I wish you nothing but the best in your recovery and rehab. I hope to see you back doing what you do best-- helping others.

Tell Mark that I wish him all the best, and he also has been an inspiration to many.

Gabby is truly respected in Arizona, because she worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to do what was best for the state and her country. Everyone of every Political Party and ethnic background respect her in Arizona... Why? That's easy... Gabby looks beyond race and political party and sees people.. Plain and simple! What an amazing woman... As a fellow Arizonian... Gabby, you will be missed!...

Perhaps, but I suspect her recovery will be more of an inspiration to us all than if it had never happenned.

I thought the same thing, Willow--wish Mark would run for her seat.

Thank you, Gabby, for your service and for the courage and inspiration you have shown us all. God bless you and your family.

Gabby. you keep on fighting the good fight! God Bless You and Yours. My prayer and thoughts go out to You and Your family... God Bless America Home of The Brave... Land that We Love...

I agree with your regret since she would have been able to win by a landslide whether she chose to return to the House of Representatives or run for Senate. Don't know that I agree with "it had to be a decision motivated by what was good for all concerned." In fact, I can't understand what you mean by that except that you're parroting another hackneyed phrase such as "it all works out in the end." Which really means, "ho, hum" and of course we all know, doesn't necessarily happen. There's always a winner and a loser. Rarely a "win win" for all these days, unfortunately in politics. In this case I see the departure from Congress of a decent, active person which God know we sorely lakc in this Congress today. I really don't get it, except that she's putting it nicely but really means, "I've had enough." And she's got to be nervous every time a crowd of people surround her. She wouldn't be human if she weren't "gunshy." I imagine alll the raving Teabaggers will be happy to find some zero to fill her seat. look sharp, Dems. Find another Abby for Arizona.

That's a shame - even in her present state, she's probably worth about 10 of the current House occupants. Good luck, Gabby! Hope to see you again soon.

Kota.....please go to the nearest hospital and tell them your mentally Ill and you mean to harm yourself,NOW!

Kota, ignorant post. Go back to the swamp where you came from, loser.

Pedestrian -- I wish that there were even 10 up there that could begin to display the level of character, courage, and commitment that we've seen out of her. Most of them are so afraid that they'll miss a fundraising trip or a junket somewhere, and are at their jobs from Tuesday morning until Thursday afternoon most of the time.

I live in Washington state and have followed your progress over this past year. This current change in direction is just that, current but it's only temporary. I very much look forward to watching as you continue to improve, although quite frankly, the improvement thus far has been extraordinary! In the meantime, I will continue to follow your progress; I will encourage your political aspirations; and I will fall back on the hope that both you and your husband have exhibited throughout this past year. Who knows, maybe YOU are the person who is to make history in the White House some election year. After all, your husband Mark said, "You can NEVER have too much hope!" I hope for you and with respect, I thank you for the service you've given this country thus far.

@Rlquall, how did you measure that character, courage and commitment? By what method did you reach this conclusion?

Duphas-- Your name tells a lot about you. Riquall is right-- Gabby has character, courage and commitment. It does not have to be measured by anyone here-- Gabby shows it and shows what those words mean. On the other hand, there is YOU. I won't say what my impression of you is, but I'm glad I won't be arrested for what I'm thinking about YOUR character.

THANKS, Susie. Only the peculiarly unfeeling, which politics unfortunately seems to bring out in droves, can't see from this woman's grit and determination the content of her character. She's proven herself to be one of life's winners. Also, she's been a strong supporter of veterans' issues and the disabled veterans, perhaps ironically now, which is to her credit. And she almost died out meeting ordinary constituents, which shows something -- she wasn't out hanging with some big-bucks lobbyist, or a super-wealthy constituent, which is what so many of the more senior members spend their time doing when not in session.

Then let's all try to find more like her and vote for them, even if they aren't backed by lots of money or even (gasp!) if they're not our party! Maybe some of you on here can ever BE those people!

If Mark Kelley is at all electable he would be a good choice, particularly with Abby at home to talk things over with. Certainly if a Tea Bagger could get elected in 2010 to other seats in House, surely a wlell meaning husband of a former House member ought to have a crack at it. It almost matters little which party he actually belongs to...altho it would be more clearcut if he were a Demo.

Great idea! They would make a great partnership in that venture.

For a year, now, some of us have said she should step down because her injury has rendered her incapable of doing the job and for that reason alone. We were severely criticized. Now, suddenly, she agrees with us. Guess what! WE are severely cricized.

Matilda - I don't think her decision was "sudden". She waited a year after her injury to make the decision. Sorry that you Arizona Republicans had to put up with her for a WHOLE YEAR before you could get her replaced. At least you can't say she was a "quitter". She's been a little busy trying to recover and after a year of intensive rehabilitation she (and her husband, no doubt) have reached a rational conclusion that she cannot continue in her position to adequately represent the people of her district. How about giving her some credit instead of the "I told you so" attitude.

Geecee, I didn't say her decision was sudden. What I said was that for sometime, now some of us have been saying that if she can't do the job, she should step down. We were called all kinds of names by our critics, some nice names, mostly not. Now all of a sudden (in so much as we have been told) she has agreed with us that she cannot do the job. Somehow, that's all our fault. Neither I, nor anyone else that I know of said she should have resigned immediately after the shooting. Of course, it would have taken some time to evaluate her position. But, the process should have been for a few months, not an entire year. Also, since she, herself, eventually agreed with us, howcum we're the bad guys?

First and foremost, prayers and best wishes for continued health and recovery, and thanks for service to our citizens and country. It seems that among all the good wishes, there is a thread of discontent, and perhaps it is jarring because it comes on the heels of people wishing well and feeling real empathy for such senseless violence and its cost. However, the points made have validity and probably need to be addressed, but perhaps in a different thread. Item #1: The notion that she enjoys a better level of medical attention, therapy and care than the rest of the people served is true in that the politicians stacked the deck to provide for their well being separately from the rest of us Americans (that does not single out this person individually, but rather points to the fact that she will enjoy benefits that most Americans will not receive).Item #2: A comparison was made by another poster to the fact that she was receiving care just as an injured military service person would for being injured while in the line of duty. That claim is ridiculous to anyone who has ever been to a veterans or military hospital...I don't think that this person's family would every countenance her receiving the same care as most of our wounded service personnel in a military or veteran's hospital. Item #3: As to the actual decision to step down, perhaps there is some validity to the notion that it was delayed, and perhaps should have been implemented sooner. Many other officials have had to step down for illness and injury of a much less serious nature such as heart problems or auto accident. While I appreciate nobody wanting to add insult to injury by appearing to rush her out of her post while she is down with injury and illness, there is a reality of a very large country and a very large government, whose business continues regardless of who is suffering illness. So, while the comments in this context seem mean spirited, they are still perhaps valid and just not appropriate to this particular thread.

I have read only the first page of comments, and am very glad to see that the overwhelming majority of them are very positive and supportive of Gabby. Liiberals and - for the most part - conservatives, too, support her. I, too support her - a lot, and I am conservative. Just because I am conservative doesn't mean I can't support someone who seems to care without using labels. One can tell from her speech that she has a way to go yet. But God willing, she'll get all the way back. That'd be real nice. If, however, she can't, we can rejoice at the progress she HAS MADE, having come this far back from death's door. Gabby, I wish you the very best in whatever path you choose to follow further down the road. God Bless.

I too am glad that she finally made the decision to give up her seat. I've always wondered how well she would be able to do her job for her district during her recovery, and that it may not be fair to those who reside in that district that she wasn't able to fulfill her commitment to them. She also has been living in Texas since being moved there earlier last year. Good Luck to her and all the best.

racingfish--- Yes, she has been living in Texas. It just so happens that she was sent there for rehabilation. It would be kinda screwy for her to continue to live in Arizona and fly back and forth for rehab. That would gall some people, like those who complained that she was flown to Texas for rehab (they thought the government paid for it) or when she was flown to Florida so she could welcome her husband back to earth. Some people would bitch if they were hung with a new rope.

I have only admiration for Representative Giffords. It would be so easy to just give up, sink into self pity and cry foul. Political party has no meaning when stacked up against courage in the face of dire personal tragedy.

Susie, I got such a kick out of your closing comment. My mother, born in 1914, myself in 1935, and Mom used the saying all her days. She would say, "Some people would complain if they were hung with a new rope." As a kid I never quite appreciated the meaning. Thanks for bringing that memory back to me.

'racingfish' wrote:

"I too am glad that she finally made the decision to give up her seat. I've always wondered how well she would be able to do her job for her district during her recovery, and that it may not be fair to those who reside in that district that she wasn't able to fulfill her commitment to them. She also has been living in Texas since being moved there earlier last year."

REPLY: Life isn't always "fair." I would argue that life hasn't been fair to Rep. Giffords, either. Her injury occurred at a "Town Hall Meet & Greet" with her constituents in her Congressional District, which makes it a work related injury. Her injury has undoubtedly racked up million$ of dollars in medical bills, which is paid for by her insurance as a United States Representative in Congress.

We typically do not ask people to resign their jobs in this country when they are injured or sick, recognizing that with the loss of their insurance benefit from their employment their injury or illness might leave them destitute. This is a fairness and compassion issue for a victim of a violent crime; not an issue of fairness to her Congressional district.

If we are going to find fault with elected officials whom are not meeting their responsibilities to their constituents, rather than point a finger at individuals whom are injured or ill, by no fault of their own, why don't we instead point to those incumbent State Governors and incumbent Members of Congress who, by their own choice, neglect the jobs they were elected and are gbeing enerously paid to do ...so they can instead campaign for another office! I would consider that unfair to their constituents.

You mean....like Obama, who served only 52 days of his term as Illinois Senator as he was too busy campaigning for President, but received all the salary and benefit of being a Senator, and even was able to utilize Illinois money to promote himself in pseudo state business. Come to think of it, I am not sure that Obama has ever stopped campaigning.

Because our world is often very unfair.

Sometimes things like this make me miss Judge Lynch. A fitting tree, a strong rope of proper length, and the justice is served, no further expenses to taxpayers.

Even though the POS is still wasting air, I nonetheless prefer due process and the rule of law to the alternative, although he is a living, breathing excuse for overturning the M'Naughton rule, as I couldn't care much less if he could figure out what it was he is being executed for or not.

blubbalip-2230438

Why is the guy that shot her still alive?

The TRUTH is

That human has a malfunctioning brain & is unable to live a life normally, he is a danger to himself & others, is not in control of himself or his actions & needs to be monitored to be able to allow him to live a life better than his disabilities allow him to presently. His pathetic situation is not his fault & he does not possess the ability to improve it w/o LT medical help, IF ever or at all. In other societies he WOULD have been eliminated as a waste, in the USA he is given equal consideration & rights, we ARE a benevolent nation & do not hold the mentally infirm responsible for actions they cannot control or are not even aware of committing, therefore his health & welfare will become a compassionate example of what the greatest nation on this Earth does for those of the least means. He will live protected from himself & we from him & every effort will be made to solve his base problem along with the symptoms that are controlling his miserable & UNenviable position.

He has parents who cannot feel worse every second of every day & will the rest of their lives, THEIR lives basically ended the day of the shooting as well & all they are guilty of is trying their best to handle & deal with a child they loved whose brain had ceased to function rationally one morning before they even woke up .

THIS ENTIRE incident is nothing but tragedy from which some good & a miracle has emerged but far too many people gave their lives needlessly & violently.... no one was in control or could be, all involved were helpless... even Gabby, who carried a Glock in her purse .

He's actually receiving treatment for his mental illness in the hope that he can be stabilized enough to be considered competent to stand trial. And I have ZERO problem with my tax dollars being used for this.

So who is the real victim in this shooting. Mister Fids and flbikerchick think the shooter is a victim. He is the perpetrator. There were 6 victims. He needs to be tried and sentenced. He is already guilty by T.V. or video. What else needs to be done is for the perp to serve his sentence whether it be life or death.

Mister Fids:

Bite me.

Because we have a justice system nd not a lynch mob...althoug many of you would prefer the lynch mob. I see the lynch mob everytime someone mentions her shooter and questions like "why is he still alive" and "Casey Anthony should die".

P-S-Y-C-H-O-S

And I mean the lynch mob, not the crazy killers with mental deficiencies.

Liberals want to give him a second chance in life

Jerry; isn't that one of the tenets of the christian right - do overs (if you accept god into your life)?

Yep Jerry, some of us would even give you a do over - but I'm sure you would be too proud to accept it. But; if you want no one to care about you - who are we to deny you your wishes.

Jerry-1018909 - It has nothing to do with LIBERALS giving him "a second chance in life" -- it's a (conservative) Arizona court system that has deemed him mentally unfit to stand trial. Shame on you!

Good luck with your recovery Gabby! You are are inspiration to many! We wish you well and need you back soon!