By Jueseppi B.
Gabrielle Dee “Gabby” Giffords (born June 8, 1970) is an American politician. A Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, she represented Arizona’s 8th congressional district from 2007 to 2012. She is the third woman in Arizona’s history to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Giffords is currently serving her third term in the United States House of Representatives, having been re-elected in the 2010 midterm elections. Considered a “Blue Dog” Democrat, her stances on health care reform and illegal immigration were sources of attention for those opposed to her candidacy and have made her a recipient of criticism from various conservative groups. She has described herself as a “former Republican.”
Giffords is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and a graduate of Scripps College and Cornell University. Prior to her election to Congress, Giffords served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2001 until 2003 and the Arizona State Senate from 2003 until 2005, when she resigned to run for the seat held by then-Congressman Jim Kolbe. She also worked as an associate for regional economic development in New York City and as CEO of El Campo Tire Warehouses, a local automotive chain owned by her grandfather. She is married to former astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Mark E. Kelly.
On January 8, 2011, Giffords was a victim of a shooting near Tucson, which was reported to be an assassination attempt on her, at a supermarket where she was meeting publicly with constituents. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head; thirteen people were injured and six others were killed in the shooting, among them conservative federal judge John Roll. Giffords was later brought to a rehabilitation facility in Houston, Texas, where she recovered some of her ability to walk, speak, read and write. On May 16, 2011, Giffords traveled to Kennedy Space Center to watch the launch of STS-134, the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour, which was commanded by her husband Mark Kelly.
On January 22, 2012, Giffords announced that she would be resigning from her congressional seat in order to concentrate on recovering from her wounds, but promised to return to public service in the future. One of the very few times I allowed myself to get wet eyes was upon Ms. Giffords return to The House Floor on August 1st. She made her first public appearance on the House floor to vote in favor of raising the debt limit ceiling. She was met with a standing ovation and accolades from her fellow members of Congress.
America will miss you Congresswoman Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords. Be well. Heal. Live Long.
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Filed under: Politics, Women's Causes
[...] Ms. Gabrielle Giffords Stepping Down As Arizona Congresswoman (theobamacrat.com) [...]
A great stateswomen she is and will always be. She may be stepping down from office, but she will never be stepping out of our hearts, especially mine.
Okieprogressive,
I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for re-blogging.
Reblogged this on okieprogressive.
The situation is extreme where people feel they need
attempt killing politicians for there to be change made
unto a corrupt political system /as practiced by a USA.
One does not as will not change the political system by
killing a few politicians / more so politicians whom killed
or injured of whom may be giving their best dealing with
an corrupt political system / which never of their making.
One can only wish Gabrielle the very best future // as
reminding all. Such attack on Gabrielle as others was
most cruel / t’was a foolish grave stupid heartless act.
If any reach a stage where emotions as feeling are so
troubled / where they be a threat / danger unto others
then they need seek help / as getting needed support
in dealing with emotions feelings / which be to extreme.
Where not getting needed support /having dire results.
[...] Ms. Gabrielle Giffords Stepping Down As Arizona Congresswoman (theobamacrat.com) [...]
[...] Ms. Gabrielle Giffords Stepping Down As Arizona Congresswoman (theobamacrat.com) [...]
Definitely, her recovery has been miraculous, considering what she endured. It was very touching to see her return to The House.
Hmmm…there’s the tender.
Gut punching tender…..I like that term “gut punch”…I will be using that with credit given to you twin.
A great Loss that really didn’t have to be. The Right Wing T-PubliCants and their obsessive Gun Laws linked with their Bigoted, Racist and Violent rhetoric and extreme daily Talking Points!
What do we need to make a change happen to out Vote the NRA!
Shelley,
Do not get me started on gun nutz….that would bring out my nasty side.
Ha! There’s more? Yikes!
Twin…you don’t want me to change. This world needs people like me, so people like you can sleep at night.
Thank you, Mr. B. You’re a rarity. A rough diamond, I must add.
Thank you Twin…we’re both rare. I am honored to meet you thru this medium called blogland.
Same here.