How Not to React

One of the things I learned in grad school is that democracies are slow moving in pretty much whatever they are doing. This is a good thing usually. It is not always the case but a democracy that turns on a dime is seldom described as self restraining. Overreaction is also another way to describe it.

In situations like the shooting in Tuscon, the attacks of Sept. 11th and other historical events, Congress always wants to appear as if it's working to protect us. Members are usually more concerned with getting their names on a signature piece of legislation during a crisis more than anything else. The Patriot Act is the first thing that comes to mind. It was a knee-jerk reaction to 9/11 and it is one of the biggest invasions on civil liberties since WWII. Just a terrible piece of legislation that only one member voted against of which we will be stuck with forever.

A little cautious restraint would do us some good after Saturday's shooting. There isn't a law in the world that will prevent someone from doing what their mind is intent on doing. Legislating a national tragedy is pointless.

Reactions like Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) who plans to introduce a bill that would make it a federal crime to use rhetoric or symbols — such as Palin’s infamous gun sights — that could be perceived as a threat to a member of Congress, goes way too far.  Restricting speech and distancing members of congress even more from their constituents than they already are is not the answer to anything.  Brady's legislation is a classic way of how not to react to what is already a very bad situation.