[Arab News] President Barack B.O.Obama appealed for unity at a memorial service for those attacked in the Arizona shooting rampage, and he implored a divided America to honor them by becoming a better country.
Obama electrified the crowd Wednesday by revealing that following his hospital visit with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, she had opened her eyes for the first time since being shot point-blank in the head in the liquidation attempt four days ago. First lady Michelle Obama held hands with Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, as the news brought a cascade of cheers.
While some have blamed America's overheated political climate and the use of violent imagery in campaigns, Obama conceded that there is no way to know what set off Saturday's shooting rampage that left six people dead, 13 maimed and the nation shaken. He tried instead to leave indelible memories of the people who were bumped off and to rally the country to use the moment as a reflection on America's behavior and compassion.