Citizens for Civility & Accountability in Media

Statement on the Tucson Shootings

Candlelight Vigil January 11, 2011
by Les Kimber

We came here today to share our deep sorrow and condolences to the victims and their families of the horrific events that took place in Tucson, Arizona, on last Saturday.

That horrible event is a vivid illustration of what can happen in a toxic atmosphere of hate and division that has been created in some degree by radio talk show hosts and others who constantly demonize our political leaders and the government of the United States of America.

Next Monday on January 17th, we will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we pay tribute to Dr. King, we must remember his words pertaining to the impact that hate has on our society:

"Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true."

We are also reminded of the role that hate played in Dr. King's life. Dr. King was demonized by his opponents on a daily basis, so much so that Dr. King's assassin, James Earl Ray, decided that he would be doing the country a favor by killing Dr. King.

We have attempted to urge those who provide the infrastructure for the overwhelming majority of hate speech in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley to provide balance to their daily broadcasting schedule and to urge them toward some degree of civility and accountability.

Our efforts have fallen on deaf ears. While there may be no direct correlation between hate speech and the Tucson Massacre, there is no doubt in our minds that the toxic atmosphere created by the demonization of our government and our leaders on a daily basis from 9:00am to 11:00 pm provides the opportunity for another mentally unbalanced person to use their second amendment remedies to solve our political differences.

While it is appropriate and right to hold these kinds of vigils in tribute to the victims and their families of the Tucson Massacre, we have a moral and patriotic obligation to seek civility and accountability from those who populate our airwaves.

I challenge the religious community, and especially my fellow Christians, to join us in the effort to bring back civility and respectability to our political discourse as expressed in the Gospel - how can you say that you love me whom you have never seen and hate your brother who you walk with daily?

In The News

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Forum for a Better Understanding — KNXT-TV Ch.49 Fresno/Ch. 38 Bakersfield

Part 1


Part 2


Washington Post Media Alliance Community Alliance DemocraticUnderground.com Press Release - National Hispanic Media Coalition (June 24, 2010)

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Fresno Bee - May 21, 2010 - In Brief... NewsBusters.org