So Gabby is planning to run for re-election? And people would actually vote for her, knowing she’s physically unable to fulfill the duties of her office? What is wrong with these people?
Not to be mean, but why do we even let these people who are incapacitated take up space in Congress (Gabby, Ted Kennedy, Byrd, Strom Thurmond, et al)? While one part of me is glad the Dems are missing a vote in the House, another part of me is irritated that they’re on the payroll, racking up pension benefits and taking up space while not fulfilling the duties of the office.
Don't forget that Senator from South Dakota Tim Johnson who had a major stroke and is still in the Senate, but never speaks, attends committee meetings, or even sponsors legislation. The Dems keep this guy propped up just to keep their numbers. I can't believe the people of South Dakota are okay with this. There's compassion, and then there's just being stupid with your compassion and letting yourself, and your vote, be used.
In the case of Giffords and Arizona, the state of Arizona has a law where if a member of congress is incapacitated for more than three months, they will be removed and a new election held. Giffords has been in violation of this law for a while now, and unfortunately, anyone who brings it up would likely be condemned. It is time for her to do the dignified thing and resign to focus on her recovery and let someone else more able bodied serve. If she recovers to the point where she could serve again, she would doubtless be elected in a landslide. It is unfortunate that this happened, and I admire her strength, but she needs to be the one to resign, not to have this devolve into a partisan war with people calling for her to resign.