Congresswoman shot doing her job

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was doing her job. Meeting with constituents on a Saturday at a Safeway parking lot. Giffords tweeted shortly before the shooting, describing her "Congress on Your Corner" event: "My 1st Congress on Your Corner starts now. Please stop by to let me know what is on your mind or tweet me later."

A man showed up with a gun and opened fire. He shot Rep. Giffords in the head. She is in the hospital. He shot several others, killing a 9-year-old child, and a federal judge.

At this point, it's impossible to know the motivation, if any. Some speculate it was over her vote for health care reform. Others point out her hard line in using troops to seal the southern Arizona border from Mexico.

The overriding point for now is that she was doing her job in meeting with constituents. Anybody who has ever been at a public gathering knows that it can attract all kinds. No one expects this, of course. But, the possibility always exists.

House Speaker John Boehner put it right: "An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society."

The bravery rests with public servants who, like Rep. Giffords, know the risks and put themselves out there anyway.