Al Franken: “I rise today to talk about loss. I know I speak for all Minnesotans when I say how shocked and saddened we have been by…”

“I rise today to talk about loss. I know I speak for all Minnesotans when I say how shocked and saddened we have been by the loss of life in Colorado. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who died, and to those who were wounded in that massacre. Anyone who has watched reports can only feel outrage or profound sadness. So many of those who died were so young. A number died so heroically, shielding a loved one from the madman's bullets. So much grief, so much suffering is unspeakable. The one hopeful lesson we can draw from this tragedy comes from the stories of courage and selflessness we have heard about those who were in the theater, the first responders, and the outpouring from the community of Aurora and the rest of the Nation. Minnesota unfortunately has also seen its share of senseless violence. It is something no State is immune to. Hopefully, out of this tragedy we can draw lessons that will make these kinds of tragedies far less common. Remembering Tom Davis Today I come to the floor to talk about a personal loss to me and to so many of his friends and family and fans--a Minnesotan who brought so much laughter and so much joy to his fellow Minnesotans and to millions and millions of Americans. My friend Tom Davis died last Thursday after he was diagnosed 3 years ago with cancer. I had the privilege to be Tom's comedy partner and best friend for over 20 years.…”