This is a call for more respectful public discourse and public safety.

I believe some people will do crazy things regardless, but many more people start thinking rude and crazy actions are acceptable when they hear them repeatedly and from people they trust.

One figure that some people trust is Sarah Palin, and she shares her views on TV, the internet and at speaking engagements. I find it shocking that Palin defends the controversial target list map from her Facebook page -- the one that was posted back in March and features crosshairs all over a map ... with the name of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, among others. Who in the world marks a map with crosshairs!! I am shocked and appalled that Sarah Palin will not or cannot recognize that her political rhetoric may invoke violence, when she uses crosshairs on her maps highlighting political targets and says things like "Don't retreat. Reload”. She is not the only one advocating violence and some groups explicitly advocate murder and target doctors.

I also think there is no excuse for semi automatic weapons for civilians. If a person can't hit a target with a rifle, they must be incredibly dangerous with a semi-automatic. Also there is an obvious danger to police personnel, not to mention government officials, estranged spouses, and anyone unfortunate enough to be in the way.

Please consider the dangers implicit with semi-automatic weapons and hate speech that incites violence and murder, and act to encourage laws to curtail both.