Invitation to Town Hall Meeting honoring Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2011

Invitation to Town Hall Meeting honoring Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford –
Southampton Town Hall
12 Noon, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011
 – Bob Zellner asks you to save the date.

My friend Bob Filner, Democrat, who represents my brother Douglas Zellner in San Diego, remembers his fallen colleague. “Gabby Gifford’s is a good legislator and a good friend. We work closely together as U.S./Mexico border Congress members. We pray for her full recovery."

Filner, a supporter of the nonpartisan Congressional Faith and Politics Institute lead by John Lewis, faulted incendiary talk radio programming as contributing to a climate that may have encouraged today's violence. "I … believe the violent context of the recent election is responsible for this tragedy," he said. "Many of us were physically threatened by those who believed they were ‘right’ and we were ‘wrong’ – we were ‘enemies,’ rather than sincere people with different opinions. Their incendiary talk – given legitimacy by equally incendiary talk shows – makes violence an acceptable political tactic. Violence as acceptable – bolstered by easy access to guns – made this tragedy almost inevitable. Let us all resolve to recommit ourselves to what is truly exceptional about America – that we conduct our politics with debate and respect, not violence.”

Congressman Bob Filner and I have accompanied Senators and Congress Members to Selma, Alabama each year to protest violence in politics (like that visited upon John Lewis of SNCC and citizens seeking the vote for African Americans.)  Attendees include then Senator Barrack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, James Clyburn, Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist and other prominent leaders.

My experience with President Obama and Congressman John Lewis leads me to address this plea those who use violent rhetoric in political debate. “Please prepare in advance an obituary for victims of your hate.  Does your incitement to violence load the gun for some unbalanced shooter?  Are you giving someone in the shadows permission to kill?”

Bob Zellner
phone: 631 680-3483
email:  bob@bobzellner.com