Arkansas Blog

I think I know who it is. I am praying for him!

Oh my God this is horrible

Check Under the Dome. Steve's at HQ and has a name.

Jesus H. Christ!

Jesus.

I can't think of anything to say--there's no words. I'm thinking of you and your family, Bill.

Apparently, they just caught the guy. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill Gwatney and his family.

Pray for Bill!

Suspect has been shot and killed.

Here is a link with picture from Under the Dome.

Thanks, OnesAndZeros.

It is now a time for great sadness. I now pray for his family.

Well.....the chickens are coming home to roost. At least some kind of chickens. No one dead would be a great thing....I'll wish in that direction. I just heard the news on NPR, they don't have anything new...just what's on here.

What the fuck does that mean, DBI?

DBI seriously what the hell are you talking about? A touch more sensitivity would be a good thing.

If this is a pure hate crime against a Party official ( I just can't imagine it was targeted at Bill personally) then this is an enormous wake up call for people to stop spewing the garbage that "Democrats are destroying the country" because Fox News and Rush may think its entertaining but when you spew hate filled propaganda clearly some nut jobs take it very seriously.

God this is just absolutely horrible, I will definitely be praying for Chairman Gwatney

God bless Bill and his family and friends all over the state. God bless the Democrats and help us to get control of the White House and Congress and stop the greed and craziness in our nation. Greed and nothing else caused the war and the international situation in which we find ourselves.

I hope this is a bad dream. Please let this be a bad dream!

God, we need a miracle right now for Bill Gwatney. Please.

They've got a live stream of it on CNN.

Orval, you've hit exactly on what I mean.

Jesus...I can't believe it...

If you feel the need to make politically motivated comments, please do so on another thread.

Chairman Gwatney is a friend to many here; please be respectful.

Why why why?

Right now, all we can do is PRAY.

As a Christian, I turn to the Holy Bible promises to all, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened, ask and you shall receive. I am asking God to restore Bill to fullness of health and to give the surgeons operating on Bill the skill. I am asking God to give us the strength to face the coming days.

If you are Muslim, Jewish, Bhuddist, whatever, I ask that you seek who you call God and ask for divine intervention.

"The suspected shooter man had entered the office and asked to see the party chairman. He was led to an office and the shots were fired. The man ran out and drove off."

Sounds politically motivated to me.

Wishing the best for Bill and family.

Farkelberry: First, the Dems already control Congress so you need to keep up on that. I know nothings changed since they took over so maybe that's why you said that. Second, can we focus our thoughts on Bill and his family first before we all start in on the political side of this? Sheesh.

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake,

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

It is a stark reminder that the players on this stage are human. We are contenders in the arena of ideas, but we are not enemies. Enemies are those from without or within who would rob us of property, freedom or life itself. Bill is a Democrat to be sure, but he is much more an American, an Arkansan, a man - one with a family and a soul and deserving of our prayers and kindness.

This sounds like Act II of the Knoxville church shooting to me. The culture of hate in this country is spreading, thanks to the Hannitys, Limbaughs and their ilk. Pray that the ER staff can use all of their skills to save Bill.

You know. it occurs to me the pearl clutchers on this thread ought to be aware by now.. this blog embraces free speech.. to the point bigots and liars are allowed to roam freely.. and you pearl clutchers have little if nothing to say about that vile behavior which is very likely connected to the very same lunacy which drove a shooter to do what he did today.

And yet, when someone honestly points out karma may be more than an itch.. y'all take your pearl clutching gloves off.

Just bizarre.

While I worry that this could be like Knoxville, we really don't know yet. Let's worry about BIll and his family first and let the police find out how this happened.

I wish nothing but the best for Gwatney and his family right now. I'm praying for him. This is a horrible act and I'm glad that the suspect has been caught. However, uncommon sense, lets not assume the suspects motive and blame it on conservatives.

When is total outrage and anger at a senseless shooting disrespectful? If this is a purely political shooting it would be disrespectful to white wash it. The very best wishes to Bill Gwatney and family.

Uncommon sense: what a commonly stupid thing to say. Stop it. People like you make people...

Instead of jumping to conclusions over whether or not this was political, a disgruntled employee, or whatever, let's let the police do their jobs and figure that out. The talking heads of our 24-hour news media are wearing off on us too much (and I'm guilty of it, too...I was doing the same thing when it first happened). Right now, let's just pray for Bill and his family. That's what's needed the most.

Oh my God, this is terrible news.

FYI: KTHV is reporting that witnesses that had a confrontation with the man at the Arkansas State Baptist Convention headquarters shortly before this incident said the man was upset because he had just lost his job. Could be more rumors, but I would hope that the station is using responsible journalism...

I thought for sure Drew Pritt would have been the shooter but I see he's commented here, so obviously he's not in custody. He's right here making it all about himself.

Sadly, events such as this will continue until we join the civilized world and stop idolizing guns. Our wild west, shoot-em-up gun culture is deadly, and just plain childish. Every year guns kill more people than the 9/11 terrorist attack. Yet we eagerly went to war over 9/11, while chalking up senseless murders, such as today's, as an insignificant price to pay for our right to own guns.

Under the Dome is reporting that the suspect has been air lifted to UAMS also.

CNN reporting suspect dead.

Prouster, I don't know you or Drew, but you're obviously an asshole.

Yeah, "Republicans for Obama" is real. You know it.

Waiting for facts to come out has never been a strong point for anyone on this board be they republican, democrat, green or indie.

As quick as some on this board sought to make it a political issue makes me wonder if they are secretly hoping it is.

Bill is party chairman and a businessman, he could have made an enemy on either front, just as it could be a random act. What's important now is that he pull through this.

It's a beautiful thing to watch another stranger wander onto the blog and come to the same realization about Prouster that the rest of us came to many years ago.

Wow.
This is terrible.
Don't know what else to say...

Just absolutely deplorable and tragic and senseless; and may The Force be with Bill Gwatney and his family. I hesitate to say it at this point, but this terrifying act brings to the fore a nightmare that has long resided in the recesses of my mind: That something like this can so easily happen to Obama, Hillary, and others in the public eye. Somehow, we must find ways to mitigate the hatred, political and otherwise, that permeates this country. Easy to say, I know; and much more difficult to do.

My prayers are with Bill, his family, friends, and all who were directly affected by this.

Details, from what I understand, are still coming. Our thoughts should be focused on what is important now.

Arkansas Business and Democrat-Gazette both reporting the shooter is dead.

Hey DBI, tell us again how women aren't really raped unless there's a prosecution. I love how your progressive values work.

Before you nut jobs start blaming the president, they are reporting it was most likely a former Gwatney employee.

My prayers as well go out to Bill Gwatney and his family.

Durango,
Nice sentiment, but signs presently point to this being more about employment than politics.
Of course, it is still developing so may ultimately wind up about politics, but trending toward an employment related matter.
And as to your point...the change you seek starts with each of us. I'm often befuddled by the partisan slants and occasional (not frequent, but occasional) use of inappropriate language directed at others personally on this blog. Sometimes it is among those leaving comments. Other times it is Max himself. By and large this is a very (admirably) respectful group. But we'd be remiss to think we aren't part of the atmosphere when we are calling people "slimy worms" as with yesterday's comments about Lieberman. The less human we make those with whom we disagree, the less likely we are to treat them humanely. Again, likely not relevant to the issue of the day, but as to your point, it is at least a part of the puzzle.
Best to Bill Gwatney...and to us all.

You are blaming Rush and Hannity for this???? Good Lord, it's the work of a disgruntled FORMER employee. You progressives are such haters! My prayers are with Mr. Gwatney and his family. May he recover fully and may his heart never know the hate displayed by so many here.

Sad and tragic yes, but feces occur. People get shot every single day and nobody gives a damn until it's a politician or some other sort of celebrity.

I wish Gwatney and clan the best along with all the other folks with the unfortunate luck to encounter an unstable individual willing to use a weapon on another human being.

And ljrINwa, regarding my earlier point...your sort of reaction doesn't help things either. You get points for substance, but not style.

You are blaming Rush and Hannity for this???? Good Lord, it's the work of a disgruntled FORMER employee. You progressives are such haters! My prayers are with Mr. Gwatney and his family. May he recover fully and may his heart never know the hate displayed by so many here.

Posted by: ljrINwa

The only accusation I've seen on this thread.. is prouster accusing Drew Pritt. You said nothing about that.

Expressed concerns about the possible motives of the shooter are far from accusing anyone. But, sadly, that's a subtlety requiring a little bitty bit of actual thought few FOX defenders are likely to understand.

Hang in there Drew.. that was truly one of the meanest most despicable comments I have ever read, prouster. Congratulations.

Bill Gwatney has died. I'm a republican, but this is just terrible. I feel for everyone that hurts because of this. The information on his death has not been released yet, but I know.

Perhaps the worst aspect of this forum, barring the cowardly shooting itself, is those of you using this blog to call each other assholes, to try to put each other down and to prove each other wrong. What REALLY matters is that people are trying to save a man's life right now.

Yes. Perfect time to act like children when this man's family, friends and co-workers are terrified and probably in shock. How about redirecting your focus elsewhere? Like prayers, good thoughts, happy vibes- whatever works for you. Lay off with the name-calling and attempts to outwit each other for once. This is some one's life hanging on by a thread.

Amen, JenJens.

I hope for the health of this state and country that this terrible tragedy has nothing to do with politics. And I hope mantastic has some wrong information.

Do you have confirmation on that, mantastic? I've seen nothing saying that.

Jen Jens, your points are fair and the latest news is devastating. These things do happen daily...sadly, many many times per day...and not just shootings. Indeed, the focus should be on thoughts and prayers for Bill's family, friends and fellow citizens, us all included.
Blog on...

Yes I have confirmation. I also knew that the shooter was dead several hours ago. So terrible.

MarvinG, I could not agree with you more strongly. The more we hate on one another; whether it's someone we disagree with or someone who truly is an enemy; the easier for violence to just grow and grow. This is a tragic day, many good people will never be the same in our little state after just this one act of violence (or murder).

Any time we make it easier to look at people as not human it becomes just a little easier for all of us to get just a little more evil. If you really think your view point takes the high road over someone else' , then live as if it does.

No one won today, Democrat or Republican, or just pissed off -out- work- troubled guy; we get that don't we?

I second Jen Jens comment. I get tired of all the personal attacks that go on even on a normal day, but to do so in this situation is worse than horrible. Decency should prevail since this is a public blog that may be seen by friends and family of those involved. If you wouldn't say it to their face in a devastating situation, why would you do so in a forum where the only appropriate comments to a story like this are expressions of sympathy and support?

My thoughts are with the families and friends of all involved.

Mantastic,
Do you really feel like it's your place to make that announcement? Shouldn't that be left up to the family, or did you just feel the need to get a "scoop" in on all of this? Not cool...and very disrespectful to his family.

ljrINwa,
If you notice, only one person made an accusation about it being politically motivated. The rest of us quickly told him to chill. If you want to take the opportunity to spread your own little hate speech about liberals, be our guest. It's rude and insensitive, but don't worry...you only look like an ass to us "libs" anyway. However, the fact that you're making a generalization about all of us based off of 1 post out of over 60 severely weakens any credibility you would have had to begin with...

Well I hope you're wrong.

"Durango . the change you seek starts with each of us. I'm often befuddled by the partisan slants and occasional (not frequent, but occasional) use of inappropriate language directed at others personally on this blog. Sometimes it is among those leaving comments. Other times it is Max himself."

I totally agree, MarvinG, that we need to begin with ourselves; I considered stating the same thing in my post above, but felt I'd said enough. And although I named politicians for whose lives I fear, my comments about mitigating hatred were intended to go far beyond the realm of politics. There is too much anger and hatred in this country, period. I dunno know: I think it may all begin with lousy parenting and bullying in school. But we can save that one for another thread on another day. I do so hope that reports here of Gwatney's death are untrue. But I knew he was in very deep trouble when I saw the TV footage of him being carried out to the ambulance. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

OMG, they just announced it on ABC. May God comfort his family. What a horrible, horrible tragedy.

Razorblade,

Are you going to chastise all the news outlets now for announcing his death? You're a tool.

Sen. Hillary and former president Bill Clinton quickly issued a joint statement on the shooting in their former home state, sending their prayers for his recovery.

It was a statement they had to update later in the afternoon.

"We are deeply saddened by the news that Bill Gwatney has passed away," they said. "His leadership and commitment to Arkansas and this country have always inspired us and those who had the opportunity to know him. Our prayers are with his family during this time."

I am so tired of this "thoughts and prayers" crap. I am sad and I have great empathy for both families, but I don't pretend I am doing something meaningful by praying. And why does God get all the credit for good things and none of the blame for the bad, like today? He must be omnipotent just part of the time.

Do you really think now is an appropriate time and venue for airing religious grievances?

click on name for latest

Amen to that, Blue.

No, this is not the time for airing religious grievances, but soon such should be addressed. This is a sad moment for all humans. I hope the motive for this murder gets out as soon as possible so already raging flames won't get fanned higher.

Blue, I get your anger, there's nothing any of us can do right now to help, unless we know someone left behind by this tragedy. Most often in history people's prayers were of use because somebody acted on them to do something constructive. Maybe that's the best thing to do, regardless of our religious or political views, to begin to help those left behind and grieving and to begin to make this a more compassionate country.

Statement by Senator Mark Pryor -

I am sickened by what happened at headquarters this morning. Bill Gwatney is an individual who cares a great deal about Arkansas and its future. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family.

The Clinton's statement went on to say:

And had it been Obama that had gotten shot, just hypothetically, we want the American people to know that Hillary would be standing by to do whatever she had to to bring the Democratic party to victory.

I jest of course but only to make a more serious point:

The Clinton's by now have proven themselves to be so disgustingly disingenuous that I can't even read a statement of sympathy put out by them without wondering what their real motive might be.

The Clinton's statement went on to say:

And had it been Obama that had gotten shot, just hypothetically, we want the American people to know that Hillary would be standing by to do whatever she had to to bring the Democratic party to victory.

I jest of course but only to make a more serious point:

The Clinton's by now have proven themselves to be so disgustingly disingenuous that I can't even read a statement of sympathy put out by them without wondering what their real motive might be.

No offense meant, but doesn't the CNN headline: "Clintons: Arkansas Democratic leader killed" read a little like "Clintons and Democratic leader killed?" CNN needs to pay a little more attention to their headline writing, colon in place or not.

I see the Republicans can't even refrain from their childish "Democrat Party" meme in a damn statement on the death of the Party Chairman.

/sigh .........

I hesitate to even bring this up in the wake of this terrible tragedy, but...

"...Democrat Party Chairman Bill Gwatney..."

Classy, Dennis...real classy...

Rest in peace, Bill...

Even as I've been reading our many posts regarding today's tragedy in Little Rock, I received a call that a dear friend, a retired contractor, died just a few minutes ago in Houston. He wasn't politically active and I doubt if you could tell even after 30 minutes of conversation what his party affiliation might be. He was kind, funny, yet took nothing off of anybody. He shot straight and I will miss him. His family will miss him. Just as Bill Gwatney's friends and family will miss him and as this shooter's friends and family will miss him.

It's the tragedies of life that bind us most together in our humanity. Part of the good that comes from these things is that we are reminded that we have so much more in common than we have that is diverse. Tragedy, strange as it might sound, reminds me that the universe is no accident. We owe a creator with this gift of caring for one another and it is right and proper that we invoke his presence in our shared time of need.

IABL1969 - It wasn't funny the first time; nor appropriate.

"Democrat Party" indeed.

Leave it to a Republican to be sarcastic in a condolence. They put the R into ridicule.

Onesandzeros

Only meant to post it once. My mistake. What's appropriate anyway? Can't agree with that. It's not a sympathy page. It's all approporiate. Expressing an opinion--one increasingly held and picking up steam in Democratic circles and media. Point was: many starting to think that Hillary and Bill would like nothing more than for Obama to lose in 08 so that Hillary can run in 2012. might have been edgy way to get it across but it was clear I was jesting as i said it clearly in body of text.

Hannity and Limbaugh have made popular a brand of political hate that is especially pernicious, but I admit I have also seen that hate growing in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and that saddens me greatly.

I don't know the Gwatneys but I've followed this story and the posts on this thread with a lot of fear for two families that didn't deserve this tragedy - the Gwatneys and the family of the shooter. I am so very sorry for all of them.

I'm not sorry the issue of hate was brought up in this thread but I think hating someone's politics and believing they are not right for office does not equal hate. I can only think of three politicians I truly hate and I don't know if I met them if I would continue to hate them or if it is just their politics and their malfeasance. Those three would be Tom Delay, George Bush and Dick Cheney. I think all three did great harm to this country and that harm has threatened and put my family at risk. Without strong feelings we wouldn't be human.

I don't, however, hate McCain even if I've said that I despise him - it's all about his politics and not him as a person. I do think there were two (one was posted twice) posts that were abominable on this thread. The rest, to me seem to be honest expressions of concern for the family and sadness for what has happened to a fellow human being, and attempts to understand what has occurred.

I will do my best in the future to address the policies and politics that I despise and learn from this death, regardless if it is or is not politically motivated.

I do hate the handguns - wish we could put them in one huge bonfire and get rid of that scourge....

This is a time to set aside our differences and pay our respects to a good Arkansan.

Any guesses as to what percentage of posts on this thread consist of commenters lecturing others about what sorts of comments are appropriate and which are not? I can't tell if this is a news and politics blog or an etiquette blog. It sort of reminds me of Holden Caulfield's recounting of his public speaking class from The Catcher in the Rye--he hated it because the teacher had the students yell out "digression" every time a speaker digressed, which Holden found offensive. Here, commenters belch "inappropriate" when they don't like someone's comment. I'm exactly sure who appointed these would-be censors to the roles, but they sure have rather delicate sensibilities.

Should have been "not exactly sure" in that last post. Should have worn my contacts.

This is such terrible news. My wife works and the capitol and this happened just moments before I dropped her off. Someone watching the scene from the street told me what happened and I have been sick with worry ever since.

Being a father my heart really goes out to his children (as well as to his wife). This is just so senseless and tragic. How do you move on from something like this. It just makes me want to cry thinking about them.

He was very well-liked and respected with the State Capitol employees. I know it will be a while before things return to normal up there.

What a dark day for Arkansas.

RIP

Please let this thread be about the good that Bill Gwatney did both as a State Senator, a businessman, and a leader in the Democratic Party. Prouster has twice now at the death of an individual taken the moment to take a personal swipe at me....please don't.

Please do not talk about anything except good about Bill Gwatney.

From my family we extend our sincere condolences to Bill Gwatney's family.

May the family find strength through God. Bill Gwatney will be greatly missed.

IABL. Honesty even in humor hurts.. It's sad, my mind went much the same upon reading many of the updates in the post and thread..

Mark Pryor the biggest torturer and genocidal maniac Arkansas may have ever known... His claiming sadness about any death or pain rings so foul and false to me. If I were a Gwatney family member I would say thanks for the condolences, Mark, but no thanks.

I would never in a million years wish Bill found his heaven today nor would i wish that shooter found the depths of his hell..

But I hope Bill, while in his heaven, is able to come to terms with the Mark Pryor (and a few other truly insane AR dems) he worked hard to leave behind for all of us to deal with.

I don't know him personally, but I know he left a number of indelible bloody marks in charge of this world.. not all of it is pretty..and much of it is what I hope to change or spend the rest of my precious days on this wonderful crazy earth fighting against.

Hard to say, but it's my truth at the moment.

Drew, I understand your sentiment, but let's let this thread be about normal human inter reaction. I am sure there is a blog somewhere on earth only for the good, but this ain't it.

Lordy...what a thread.

Does Bill still have children in the home? Are his kids grown?

Rest in Peace, Bill. You were a scholar and a gentleman, and you will be missed.

As a devoted proponent of free speech, I would be the last to try and squelch someone from expressing their viewpoint, no matter how distasteful I might think that viewpoint is.

Sometimes, when reading the acid thrown by one blogger onto another for nothing more than sport, just because they think they can, I shake my head in amazement and wonder what maggot in their soul makes them want to do that.

How can any of this be really happening? This is beyond awful.

Everyone should ignore the sorry excuse for a human being posting as LABR1969 from this point forward. Just turn your back to him/her whenever it posts in the future.

We're praying for God to bless Bill and to comfort his family through this terrible tragedy.
We hope that God will also be with the family of the man who committed this senseless crime.
This is just a sad, sad day. Bill Gwatney was a man that loved his family, state, politics, public policy, golf and people. Just a good person, and like other fellow Arkansans, gone too soon.

This is insane. First, the Democratics posting here here tried to blame Limbaugh and Hannity for this tragedy. After it became apparent that the shooter was a disgruntled former employee, the Democratics started whining about terminology.

It's the Democrat party. It always has been. "Democratics" -- please quit your childish whinings. They're truly appalling when the real subject is the senseless loss of lives.

I just can't seem to get my head around this......it's so senseless. So sad for his family and a huge loss for the State.

I'm just so, so very sorry.

Not a former employee of the car dealership. That's now been confirmed as a negative.

May the hand of the creator shelter and comfort the family of Bill Gwatney today.

Bill Gwatney's death is a senseless tragedy. So is the fact that the assailant, based on media reports, had possession of so many weapons. We're the only industrialized country in the world where the gun lobby has politicians so firmly in lockstep that any common sense efforts at gun control are doomed to failure. Hell, Arkansas even has a "concealed carry" law, so this maniac could potentially have legally walked into party headquarters with a loaded, CONCEALED weapon before anyone could stop him. Madness.

My greatest condolences go out to the Gwatney family and the Chairman will be missed.

Gwatzilla, I will remember you and keep the faith. You were the real deal. May we find something positive in your passing as I know you would want.

I think this one is going to get harder to deal with as it sinks in.

I suspect that everyone who knew Bill will find it not only hard to understand how anyone would shoot him, but how anyone could harbor any ill will toward him.

I mean, this is not just a tragedy, it is absurd -- no, beyond absurd.

What a sensible and vibrant man. He was up here just a few months ago and inspired so many. There just are no words for this. Just thinking I rec'd word yesterday that our local election headquarters were scheduled to open this week, well, today actually. What a loss.

***Bill Gwatney's death is a senseless tragedy. So is the fact that the assailant, based on media reports, had possession of so many weapons. Posted by: muckraker***

muckraker,

would you please share those media reports about the weapons?

I can't find anything on this story, other than updated rehashes.

I wish the man who committed this murder had not been killed. We need to know why these men who are doing these things. And why is it men who are white and in their late 40's to 50's. Strange. Is it latent racism? (I would explain but this is not the time)

Then again he deserved to die today in the same fashion that he took the other man's life.

This a blow to our lovely State as well. We are known for our openess and hospitality. People like this man make people fearful and suspicious.

RIP. Bill Gwatney. I hope your family finds peace and solace in these trying times.

Let's don't forget how "tough" and upfront Chairman Gwatney could be. The Times story about the
"Chicken House" operations is on my blue name.

Thank you "thenaturalstate " for reviving "Gwatzilla" reminding us what a toughie he could be when facing the consolidated special interests. Wasn't Gwatzilla also atop the family dealership?

Damn what a senseless loss!

"Thou shalt not kill". Oh, sorry, that's a religious, bigoted, right-wing position.

Never mind.

"Muckraker, would you please share those media reports about the weapons? I can't find anything on this story, other than updated rehashes." Posted by: Polecat

Polecat, from the updated AT blog entry:

"Multiple weapons were seized, including a revolver, rifle and semi-automatic weapon."

From the latest Associated Press story on the shooting (click on my name)

"Hastings said investigators found at least two handguns in Johnson's truck."

There's really nothing to say, so I won't. Except that everybody reacts to sudden tragedy like this in their own particular, peculiar, way, as this thread attests.

I don't know why, but I'm reminded of two "eulogies" in my shock and sorrow.

One is the final scene from an old Orson Welles film, where he's shot in a corrupt Mexican border town and lies dead in a ravine in the middle of the night. Tanya, the gypsy fortune teller (Marlene Dietrich), walks slowly onto the bridge, stares down at his body, then gazes out into the night.

"What does it matter what you say about people," she whispers to herself. Then, "He was some kind of a man." As she starts to stroll away, she turns back momentarily and says, "Adios," before disappearing into the night.

The other? A sonnet by Edna St. Vincent Millay written in 1917, which I learned in my youth and never forgot.

" If I should learn, in some quite casual way,
That you were gone, not to return again-
Read from the back-page of a paper, say,
Held by a neighbor in a subway train,
How at the corner of this avenue
And such a street (so are the papers filled)
A hurrying man-who happened to be you-
At noon today had happened to be killed,
I should not cry aloud-I could not cry
Aloud, or wring my hands in such a place-
I should but watch the station lights rush by
With a more careful interest on my face,
Or raise my eyes and read with greater care
Where to store furs and how to treat the hair."

Thanks, muckraker.

This shooting, and some comments on this blog, just shows much hatred (evil) exists in the world.

very sad

Sorrow enfolds all with this loss. Senseless actions of a disturbed mind? Rep's., Dem's., one and all mourn in this tragedy. My family prays for those in need. Though little solace is gained through the thoughts of me and mine, strangers to Mr. Gwatney and his family, our condolences are offered from the deapths of our hearts.

I am friends with Bill and his family. We set together the last three years at UALR basketball games. He has two daughters, one in her teens and the other in her early twenties, and he was remarried to a lady this year whose son I coached in youth basketball. He was a very nice man who was assertive and aggressive in politics and all walks of life. Some folks had asked earlier about kids, etc. is why I share that information.

You do get a range of emotions and thoughts on this blog. Spiritual issues confuse me and I wish that I could take comfort in an omnipotent hand controlling all of the universe and there being some grand design that makes sense of everything, but I can't/won't buy it. This was a terrible thing that happened because someone snapped or someone was angry to a crazed extent or someone acted violently in a random way. We have lost a good man that was a good public servant and he loved his family and his state.

Apparently the shooter, Timothy Dale Johnson of Searcy, had been fired from Target in Conway this morning.

(source - http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=3fdc243a-df41-42bf-b664-4cb28a4c31a0 )

So the rumors of his being fired from Gwatney's are apparently untrue, and the likelihood of this being employment-related have gotten much much smaller.

The story indicated that he was fired for writing graffiti on the wall. Anyone here know what the graffiti said?

My heart goes out to Bill Gwatney's family and friends. One more senseless tragedy . . . We all want to know why. We all have our own notions, our own suspicions, our own inclinations to believe this or that, be they right or wrong.
There's time for this later, I know, but I'd like to know why the police decided to use that so called PIT manuever when they did. There is an LP gas facility just across the street from the Winston Clinic, maybe a hundred feet away, and Sheridan proper after you cross the creek. Why wait so late and then endanger people in the fairly densely populated area along Little Creek Cutoff when there were more isolated areas they could have chosen earlier?

Rush H - Thanks for coming by and sharing some information. With some limited exception of some real losers on this blog, everyone grieves tonight. Looking out on Facebook, I see some dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, many with direct party connections expressing their grief. A good man lost his life for no reason, and that is a big shame.

hoggernick - They had a Target employee on the air (via a voice scrambler). That person said some very interesting things about Mr. Johnson's behavior, including that he made very odd and uncomforting jokes, and generally would have been a prime choice to go over the edge. I'd also be interested, but I figure Target Corp. has sent the HR/Legal folks from Minnesota own to lay out the "do not talk to media what-so-ever about this" hypnosis.

Thanks anancow - what station had the Target employee interviewed?

Cruising around the blogosphere, I can't believe how many people are suggesting that Obama was behind this because Bill was a Hillary superdelegate.

spin it all you want, freepers.

Today's THV has learned from an anonymous source that worked with
50-year-old Timothy Dale Johnson at the Conway Target that Johnson's
rage started around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Johnson's co-worker says graffiti laced with curse words concerning a
hallway were found by management. The graffiti said, "This hall is
too *** **** narrow."

Store managers called a meeting. We're told they asked if whoever
wrote the graffiti to step forward and admit it and he or she
wouldn't be fired. Our source says store management later found the
same graffiti signed and dated by Johnson.

Over the next hour or so, Johnson's co-worker says he wrote on a door
and another hallway again with objectionable words. "Target is run by
dumb jocks and sorority *******."

A third graffiti was found on the human resources door saying,
"sorority *******." Our source tells us that management talked with
Johnson and then Johnson stormed off and left the building.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=70790&catid=2

hoggernick - Channel 16

Eureka Springs - thanks for the update. Another piece to the puzzle that points toward a disgruntled and probably mentally unstable man that was set off. Sadly he had a arsenal of guns at his home, and choose to use them to take a life needlessly.

RfO - yeah, the freepers love to make shit up in their petty and small minds, usually a conspiracy that makes no sense involving the Clintons and Obama. They can not give up their hate of both Obama and the Clinton's. If one of those three had been shot, the freepers would be saying it was a sign from God and signing praise hymns.

How many of you got this mass emailing from David Sanders?
....................................................................................
Tonight, Arkansans are mourning the tragic death of Bill Gwatney, the Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman and former state senator, who was fatally shot today at state Democratic Party headquarters.

Less than a month ago, Gwatney was my guest on Unconventional Wisdom. The entire interview can be viewed on Windows Media Player by clicking on the link below.

http://www.aetn.org/podcast/unconventional_media/july_25,_2008

What a bloody waste of a good man. We are all diminished by the loss.

I couldn't keep from noticing that the chair of the state Republican party was graceless enough to issue a statement regretting the "killing of the head of the 'Democrat' Party," using the insulting lingual slight that the Republicans deliberately adopted in the Reagan years to make the Democratic Party's name sound harsher. He is young enough and has undoubtedly heard it enough times inside his own political circles that he probably didn't even know it was originally adopted by his predecessors as an intentionally pejorative and insulting device to slight persons who happen to be members of the Democratic Party. While not at the insulting level as the use of the term "nigger" in case of a the assassination of Martin Luther King, it would be the equivalent of referring to him as "that boy, Martin."
Cuervo

Another statement on the death of Bill Gwatney, this time from Mike Huckabee -

"Bill Gwatney's death is a senseless act of depraved violence that touches all of us. Bill was in the state senate during my tenure as Governor and Lieutenant Governor and I knew him well. He was a very effective leader for his party and an event like this certainly makes all politics seem small and insignificant. Today, no one in our small and wonderful state is a Democrat or Republican, but we are all Arkansans who join together in praying for the Gwatney family as well as those staff members at the party headquarters who witnessed this horror. We are thankful for the quick and effective actions of the police agencies in seizing the suspect. I can never understand why anyone could believe that the taking of another person's life could solve anything. This is a real tragedy."

-Mike Huckabee

My deepest sympathy to Chairman Gwatney's family and friends.

Here's my slant/

The assassin lived in Searcy but worked in Conway?

Dude drove 100 miles a day round trip.

That's a lot of time for the "Hate Radio" that dominates our airwaves and brainwash a feeble mind.

If you listen to Rush, Hannity, & Elswick's crew, you would think the world's problems are the result of the Democratic Party.

I sure hope this was somehow random and not because of Gwatney's support of Obama.

Why would a guy working in a target in Conway ask for the head of the Democratic Party?

It was a bit too speculative at first, but now it seems like a real possibility: this could have been politically motivated.

Target is associated more with liberals and he was mad at Target....

MIKE HUCKABEE'S STATEMENT SAID IT ALL IN A NUTSHELL. AM HORRIFIED BY THE UNGODLY. PLAIN OLD AWFUL STATMENTS POSTED. THIS IS A SAD DAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF ARKANSAS, THE GWATNEY FAMILY, AND THE JOHNSON FAMILY. EVERYONE IS AFFECTED. WE ALL NEED PRAYERS AND THEY THE MOST. A CIVIL TONGUE IS MOST APPRECIATED HERE.
CANNOT BELIEVE THEY ARE ALREADY BLAMING HANNITY, LIMBAUGH, AND PROBABLY PRES. BUSH. HOW INSANE. THIS MADNESS HAS TO STOP. ANOTHER PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD HAS BEEN SNUFFED OUT.

yeah, Huck in pursuit of buck now works with the likes of Michelle maliKKKin at FOX.

And this is what Michelle titled a post on her blog today.

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/13/i-shot-the-arkansas-democrat-party-chairman/

So Mike needs to go sit in a corner and pray or something.

SHUT THE FUCK UP

This is not about politics, this is not about the miniscule size of your penis and your insistent need to comment on EVERYTHING that has absolutely NOTHING to do with you, you pathetic piece of shit.

This is about a respected and beloved man. This is his story not yours, you nasty, nasty heartless, godless FUCK.

Not really that important in the big scheme of things but why is it being reported that Bill passed away at 3:59? He passed away at 3:15. The Clinton's released their statement on his passing before 3:59.

So why did this guy go to the Democratic Party to shoot Gwatney instead of shooting someone at Target where he was fired earlier?

Have you read the post, Basil? it's about a horrific crime and shooting down a madman. and the incredible hypocritical responses by many people who have led our society to this point and much much worse.. Nowhere does it say anything about pretending we are all in the funeral home with orders to bite our tongues lest we miss pie later.

Save your anger for hypocrites and those in denial... quite possibly folks such as yourself.. using lords name like that. tsk tsk.

Just what nerve of yours did I really hit? If your mad then something is right. I am too.

Todays tragic violence, sad irony, and blatant hypocrisy hit my nerves. You want to slap down folks wondering why and how this happens..and sees our leaders playing folks like me and yourself (different as we may be) as a two dollar banjo. So be it.

You have a direct line to God.. then please tell me how this happened? And I'll tell you who here on on earth and in the flesh I see as most culpable. I'm not looking to God for answers.. I think we need to take big look in the collective mirror.

Basil and others,

This is not an obituary or online memorial for Bill Gwatney. The funeral home will most likely have one of those for everyone to pay their respects. This is a post about a tragic news story. Why this guy killed the head of a state political party is news and people are asking questions and wondering. It's not insulting to Bill Gwatney. People can remember him as a good guy and ask questions both.

I can't even sleep. I keep wondering why this happened. Why BIll of all people?

The article I've linked to says the man never married and still lived at home although his parents died about 10 years ago. There are many questions that need to be asked and answered. Maybe the guy was just crazy but we need to try to learn why he did this.

Gwatney's death is a loss for this state, due to the actions of a murderer. Whatever triggered that scumbag to assassinate Gwatney needs to be investigated.

Sorry for the late post, but I do not have the net at work and I was out this evening.

Bill was just 13 days shy of his 50th birthday.

Why -- even at a time of tragedy like this -- do Republicans insist on calling America's majority party the "Democrat Party"? Can we cut the bullshit for one tiny little second? Please.

Folks, some of you must have awfully thin skins to be insulted by being referred to as "Democrat" instead of "Democratic" or vice versa.

Members of the Republican party are "Republicans"; So why aren't members of the Democratic Party called "Democratics"?

Please forgive those unwashed folks who mistakenly assume that a "Democrat" is a member of the "Democrat" party.

Right now, there are more serious issues to be concerned with - like senseless murders that defy logic.

I cannot believe the disparaging remarks about the Clintons that I am seeing here. Bill Gwatney was a brave and honorable man. As a Democratic Superdelegate he stood up for Senator Clinton. I'll bet (but few know if) he was one of the Delegates who had the courage to sign the 300 Petition. It is time for all good Americans to stand up for Bill and what he stood for. Find out. Get involved.

I've heard from two sources now that Mr. Gwatney was pronounced dead at 3:59. It's possible that the Clintons' memo was accidentally leaked early and led to the confusion. In any case, the announcemment on this blog of his passing (by a blogger, not by the Times who waited for confirmation) seems to have been a little premature by at least thirty minutes.

Not that it matters, I suppose. Two men are dead and it's a very sad day.

From where I sit, this is a terrible incident for all of us.

The Democratic Party has lost a well spoken and respectable leader.

As pointed out earlier - there seems to be a pot brewing filled with hate by Political Commentary specialists on both sides of the fence. This reckless behavior obviously can infiltrate the minds of those less than stable, where they take it upon themselves to 'fix the situation at hand'.

Not that Searcy is the only Arkansas Community that can boast of those less than stable, but they do seem to have an overwhelming share.

May Bill Gwatney rest in peace - may we all find a way to honor his untimely demise by improving what we have left of Society to work with.

Incredibly sad. Words cannot express.

This is tragic. America must unite. There is too much hatred, too much senselessness, too much bitterness. God help us.

Sorry, this may be a dumb out-of-state question, but if Timothy Johnson had no prior police record, where did the photograph come from? Driver's license, concealed carry permit?

Why ask why? This man was clearly psychotic. Asking why just makes you crazy. It's like asking someone who suffers from schizophrenia why they hear voices in their head.

We must lift the family up in prayer to Almighty God who can give them the strength to go through their grieving and loss. Time will heal, but there will never be an answer to such a tragedy. I hope all Arkansans will pray for them and their friends May God's Holy Spirit uplift and support them through this untimely loss....Arkansas has lost a good man, let us mourn him properly.