From a small northwestern observatory…

We’re all stunned by the attempted murder of Cong. Gabby Giffords in Tucson on Saturday. It’s particularly stunning when you look at what she stands for, her essentially centrist, “let’s all try to work together” approach to things. She is exactly the sort of member of congress we wish all 435 of them were, and which all too few of them actually are.

I’m personally outraged more than most. Lynnda and I met Gabby and her husband Mark (Capt. Mark Kelly, USN, decorated combat fighter pilot, test pilot, and the Commander of the space shuttle Discovery) back in 2009 at Renaissance Weekend in Charleston, and saw them again just a week before the shooting. We partied with them on New Years Eve, and Mark and I were on a program together at Renaissance. Totally ignoring the public persona, they’re terrific people, and from all appearances totally in love with one another. It’s amazing too, when you consider that the two of them have devoted their lives to public service. Gabby was quite successful in business before she devoted her life to public service, and no one needs to tell you that Mark, despite the adventure of his job, takes home about half of what an airline pilot makes.

I’ve sent Mark and the family a letter of condolence and encouragement. They’ve asked that well-wishers show their support by making contributions to two very important charities:

Community Food Bank
3003 S Country Club Rd # 221
Tucson, AZ 85713-4084
(520) 622-0525

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter
2916 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 318-6740

I would second that recommendation, and wish Gabby and her family, as well as the families of all of the folks killed in this madness, all the best through this terrible tragedy.