Just seen the news about the shooting

I've been off LJ and watching old episodes of shows so I missed the breaking news about the shooting.

How utterly appalling. I'm so very sorry for those families who've lost people -- the nine-year old child just made me think of Lauren and choke up totally -- and I felt such fury at the shooter. How can anyone in a democracy where they have a vote and the right to stand up and say their piece think that this is the way to protest?

The Guardian says:

Giffords had been named as a political campaign target for conservatives in last November's mid-term elections by former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin because of her strong support for Obama's health reforms. Palin had published a "target map" on her website using images of gun sights to identify 20 House Democrats, including Giffords, for backing the new healthcare law.

I have no words.

Fangirls colliding

Before going to bed, Eleanor just turned to me, a page from the Pit of Voles up on the computer screen, and said sadly, "Mom, do you know what it's like when you fall in love with a pairing and there's hardly any fic for them and you can't write it yourself because then you know how it ends and that's no fun?"

I sighed and patted her head and said, "Yes, Eleanor, I do."

I wish I could spare her these tragic discoveries, but I can't shelter her forever.