Arizona’s liberal (read: non-restrictive) gun laws are the envy of over-regulated gun owners across the fruited plain. But with every right comes responsibility. And in any population you can invariably apply the 98/2 rule. Ninety-eight percent of the people will exercise their rights responsibly. The other two percent won’t. And inevitably, the two-percenters will be the ones who get all the pub. So let’s devote some well-deserved electrons to Arizona Republican State Senator Lori Klein…
As is her right in the Grand Canyon state, Klein carries a gun. In fact, she was the subject of some controversy when she carried her piece on the floor of the state Senate back in January.
And she freely discussed it in an interview last week with azcentral.com in the capitol building. Admirable enough, right? It was until, for some reason, she felt compelled to show the gun to the reporter. And then some.
“Oh, it’s so cute,” Klein said, as she unzipped the loaded Ruger from its carrying case to show a reporter and photographer. She was sitting on a leather couch in a lounge, just outside the Senate chamber. She showed off the laser sighting by pointing the red beam at the reporter’s chest. The gun has no safety, she said, but there was no need to worry. “I just didn’t have my hand on the trigger,” she said.
As if that makes it OK. Just the kind of press gun rights advocates need, right? Unapologetic carry crusader points adorable heater at reporter. With friends like that….
Apparently, Senator Klein needs some remedial education in the four rules of gun safety. One of which is, don’t point a gun at anything you don’t want to shoot. Ever.
A call was placed to the Senator to ask her about the incident. If and when she responds, you’ll read about it here first. In the meantime, if you meet the good Senator in person, don’t ask her about her gun. It’s probably not worth it.