On the recordJanuary 25, 2011
In the 2 weeks we were away from Washington, all of us absorbed the numbing tragedy and horrific attack in Tucson, AZ. The Nation mourned the loss, thanked the heroes, and waited anxiously by a brave Congresswoman's hospital bedside. We continue to wish victims a full and speedy recovery and continue to keep their families in our thoughts. In the days since the Senate last convened, the Nation also resumed a debate over the words, the tone, and the metaphors we use in the Senate, as well as along the campaign trail, on the Internet, and over the airwaves. But since the shooting in Tucson, calls for more careful language have been multiplied and amplified. There is no evidence that partisan politics played any role in this monstrous attack. Even so, we should be more civil anyway. Being more mindful of the weight of our words always helps. We have much more to gain with civility and discretion. In this new year, I hope we will return to the respect that has always been a hallmark of the Senate.
