Rob Andrews: “We are gathered here this afternoon to show respect and affection for our beloved colleague, Gabby Giffords, to mourn…”

“We are gathered here this afternoon to show respect and affection for our beloved colleague, Gabby Giffords, to mourn the dead, and to provide support for those wounded in body and in spirit. We also have a special responsibility here this afternoon to tell the truth about the nature of America. Our children and people all over the world saw acts of heinous violence on Saturday, and many think that that represents the true nature of America. We are here today to say it most emphatically does not. The true nature of America is not an evil, haunted person killing innocent people. The true nature of this country is the diligence of Gabrielle Giffords as she stood there listening to her constituents so patiently. The true nature of America is the optimism of a 9-year-old girl eager to become involved in the political process. The true nature of America is the ultimate act of selflessness as a long-term husband interposes his body between that and the bullets and saves the life of his beloved wife whom he met in grammar school. The true nature of America is the skill and heroism of the young intern, 5 days in the service of Congresswoman Giffords, who rushed to her side and very likely saved her life with his skill. The true nature of America is the judiciousness and careful reasoning of the Federal judge who gave his life by happenstance on that day at that moment.”