K - I know what you are saying, but trust me ... wait for it ... I can say it now and not only mean it, but have the proof and background to show it is true ... I am a trained professional in grief and PTS. I know what I am doing, and I have done this for many years. Trust me when I say that what the other side does during the next several days will not cost us. What they do as a knee jerk emotional response will be easily discredited and undone. In fact, if we act like rational adults we will gain the credibility to be the still voice of reason as we move forward to put the focus on the true issue.
There is a book, Don't Ask for the Dead Man's Golf Clubs, What to do and say (and what not to) when a friend loses a loved one by Lynn Kelly. This book is the best resource to start an understanding of how the things we say and do are perceived and misconstrued by people in an emotional state. It explains the error in playing the Don't let a good tragedy go to waste game that has been employed and will be utilized over the next few days.
Bottom line is to redirect you anger, concern and want to help to the people who need it. Don't lash out and play politics right now.
I don't take my Faith lightly, and it is not a joke or tool to be used willy nilly. However, I do strongly believe in Prayer, I believe it works for both the prayed for and the prayer. I also believe that in the right time it can defuse situation. What do you do when things start getting out of hand? Look around the table, circle or whatever, and say "This is serious, there are people hurting here, there are people being put under stress as they deal with this aftermath, and we are multiplying the problem by ranting about it. We need to change! Will you pray with me right now for those who are hurting?" This will not only put everything back in perspective, but it will let people know where you truly stand on the issue - It is not just a hot topic political thing, it is a serious social issue that we need to fix.