I think it's probably appropriate to call time on this thread now. I think everything that could be aired probably has been now, and it would perhaps be a mark of respect to move on.
I can't be the only person on here who was utterly shocked by yesterday's horror. I must have been standing in Axbridge town square when it happened, chatting with another Forum member about childhood, planting orchards and bringing up a young family. For us, it was just a glorious, uncomplicated afternoon. Then I got into the car and turned on the radio, to hear the news.
There are countries, some nearby, whose representatives are chosen, and distant from the 'common' people. Here we do it differently -- since 1832 we always have. Ms. Cox, and those like her, represent the very best in our democracy, and I have no doubt she would want it no other way.
Anyone on here who has 'done' politics knows how vulnerable our elected representatives become. Yet they still come forward to serve, and the best of them, of which Ms. Cox was evidently one, consider that close connection to the constituency and serving it, are both right at the centre of what they do. Given what she did before entering Parliament, I imagine she would have been proud of her vulnerability too, on the basis that it was also empowerment: simply being so much better than extremism helps to defeat it.
We owe it to her memory to do what she would no doubt wish - to reason, to persuade, to hold fervent opinions, but all the time to respect those with whom we disagree. Democracy has to be plurality with respect, or it is merely dressed-up dictatorship.
I have nothing more to say at this point, except that my thoughts and prayers are very much with Ms. Cox's family.