Reply #14: I see one difference

[AtheistCrusader]

between, what I would consider 'professionals', and how Feinstein handled that gun in the Senate. I've seen people like Stephen Higgins, and other directors of the BATFE bring in example firearms, while testifying about department practices, decisions, or interpretation of prior law, and I have NEVER once seen him, or anyone else from that agency, or even any law enforcement agency, state or federal, 'pose' with a weapon.

I found that action to be appalling, and extremely unhelpful in furthering any gun control measures that may actually curb crime. It gave certain parties a symbolic 'rallying point' if you will. It made the debate about her actions, and not the quality and content of the bill. That's a problem. Provocative, and unhelpful, to say nothing of how unprofessional it was, from a firearms handling standpoint. She swept it across a room full of people. It's not the only time she's done it either. Pretty sure it happened in a 2003 press conference with then-Governor Gray Davis, and some police officers, same violations of safety (bolt closed, two duct-taped together magazines inserted) though she may not have swept it across the room that time.

Bolt closed, magazine inserted, finger on the trigger, at low ready. Anyone in the room could have reasonably assumed that weapon was loaded and ready to fire. Feinstein has done a lot of good things through the years, and been a victim of some shocking violence for her troubles. But that particular incident, and photo op, were extremely unhelpful. You're going to keep seeing it brought up, again and again, for years, distracting from real debate. I really wish it had never happened.