Gabby Giffords
Like any decent American I am shocked and devasted by the terrible actions taken by some lunatic today who shot her and others. I was on my way to say hello at the event she was shot at and had a sinking feeling when I had to turn around given all the commotion at the intersection of Oracle and Ina. My worst fears were realized when I stopped on my way home to get a cup of coffee and heard Congresswoman Giffords was shot. I hope and pray for her and all the others that were shot.
My close friends and family know how little regard I have for most politicians and how dissallusioned I have become with our political process. Before getting to know Gabby I gave her little credit for being anything other than the norm for a politician – superficial and mostly interested in keeping their job. My first up-close-and-personal contact with her was at a renewable energy meeting at the University of Arizona. There were other politicians and dignitaries present who quickly dispersed once the photo ops were over and the press left. Over the next few hours I observed Ms. Giffords ask insightful questions and studiously take notes. I ended up leaving before she did but I left impressed by her.
Over the intervening 2 or 3 years I have had the opportunity to meet with Gabby at various functions, most of them solar related. I was flattered that she asked myself and another friend in the industry to help figure out what solar options made the most sense for her own house. After we got down off the roof of her house we sat around her dining room table and discussed her situation and solar in general. The more I got to know Gabby the more I came to respect and like her. She is genuine, intelligent, caring and someone I was proud to vote for. My heart goes out to her, her family, all others who were hurt, and our community.
Joseph DiMatteo, P.E.
