MILLER: GOP senators blocked from bringing guns to hearing

The Washington Times ^ | 29 January, 2013 | Emily Miller

[marktwain]

There is a showdown over guns coming to the Senate Wednesday, but no firearms are allowed.

In advance of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday morning, two of the committee’s Republican members sent a complaint that they were refused permission to bring guns to the hearing.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas sent a letter Tuesday night to Chairman Patrick Leahy, Vermont Democrat, that the purpose of bringing the firearms was to educate fellow Senators and “shatter the mistaken belief that guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens are a danger to society.”

However, the Republicans said that “the requirements to secure the weapons at the hearing are so impractical as to be unworkable.” They asked that Mr. Leahy work with with local and federal law enforcement to ensure that at future hearings, “Senators can request, and law enforcement will provide, various firearms for display and discussion purposes.” A spokesman for the committee said Tuesday night that Mr. Leahy has not received the senators' letter.

Last week, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, found a loophole in the “assault weapon” ban in Washington to bring 10 rifles to her hearing as a prop intended to show that these same rifles should be prohibited on a national level. The Washington Metropolitan Police Department and Philadelphia Police Department brought the illicit weapons to the press conference, aided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms.

In contrast, the Republicans wanted to bring guns that are “not covered by any ban but routinely used for self protection and sporting purposes.”

The National Rifle Association (NRA) put out an alert late Tuesday asking its members to attend the Washington hearing.

[marktwain]

Where are the cries for "bipartisanship"? This is really shocking. It should be distributed widely.

[eyeamok]

Though it may be shocking and unfair, it is not unexpected.

[Datom]

I wish some Conservative senator would make a motion to set up a gun free zone within 200 yards of the hearing room before they continue. Then, watch "Leaky" crap his pants.

[Cyber Liberty]

Should have learned the lesson from Davide Gregory and Fienswine: Better to ask forgiveness than beg permission.

[shove_it]

The author of this article fails to report exactly who refused Linsey & Ted the right to ‘TAKE THEIR GUNS TO TOWN’.

[rktman]

That IS them being bi-partisan. Typical radical left wing extremists are always accommodating and inclusive and open to any and all open minded discussions. NOT! First of all they don’t have an ounce of logic or rational thought. How can anybody place responsibilty on an inanimate object? When was the last time you saw a gun sentenced to jail time for its actions? Rhetorically, what is wrong with these idiots? I must have forgotten they’re demokkkrats.

Molon labe.

[from occupied ga]

The Washington Metropolitan Police Department and Philadelphia Police Department brought the illicit weapons to the press conference, aided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms.

Two observations

1. First, the police as always are complicit in working with the anti-gunners to destroy out 2nd amend rights
2. The guns are not illict, it's just senator Mengele's fond wish that they were

To date there have been NO consequences to anti-gunners for anti-gun behavior. This may change.

[HKMk23]

To date there have been NO consequences to anti-gunners for anti-gun behavior. This may May this change.

There. That's fixed.

[PghBaldy]

Given that Congressmen and Senators generally cannot be arrested, per the Constitution, why did they need to ask for permission from people they are basically in charge of (DC authorities)?

[Political Junkie Too]

I was just going to post that. They are privileged from arrest when going to and from Congress, so they could bring the arms in themselves and nobody has the authority to stop them.

-PJ

[Squeako]

If there were but one reason to vote for Harry Browne when he ran for president, it was that he said on his first day in office, he would issue an Executive Order to disarm the Capitol Police until Congress passed legislation restoring 2nd Amendments rights to The People.

Would have been a sight to behold.

[PghBaldy]

I see you re a genius like me ;) I guess maybe Sen Diane wanted to make a spectacle, and the DC cops were in on it.

[Slings and Arrows]

Linda had a stopped-clock moment.

[upchuck]

A temporary aberration.