Feinstein Assaults Second Amendment
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein. (Getty Images).
Becket Adams, TheBlaze — Senators Ted Cruz and Dianne Feinstein during a Senate Judiciary Hearing on Thursday got into heated exchange while discussing the California congresswoman’s proposed ban on so-called “assault” weapons.“The question that I would pose to the senior senator from California is,” Cruz said, referring to Feinstein, “Would she deem it consistent with the Bill of Rights for Congress to engage in the same endeavor that we are contemplating doing with the Second Amendment in the context of the First or Fourth Amendment, namely, would she consider it constitutional for Congress to specify that the First Amendment shall apply only to the following books and shall not apply to the books that Congress has deemed outside the protection of the Bill of Rights?”
“Likewise, would she think that the Fourth Amendment’s protection against searches and seizures could properly apply only to the following specified individuals and not to the individuals that Congress has deemed outside the protection of the Bill of Rights?” he added.
Apparently, Sen. Feinstein was not amused with the Texas senator’s line of questioning.
“I’m not a sixth grader,” said responded. “Senator, I’ve been on this committee for 20 years. I was a mayor for nine years. I walked in, I saw people shot. I’ve looked at bodies that have been shot with these weapons. I’ve seen the bullets that implode. In Sandy Hook, youngsters were dismembered. Look, there are other weapons.”
“I’ve been up — I’m not a lawyer, but after 20 years I’ve been up close and personal to the Constitution. I have great respect for it. This doesn’t mean that weapons of war and the Heller decision clearly points out three exceptions, two of which are pertinent here.”
“And so I — you know, it’s fine you want to lecture me on the Constitution. I appreciate it. Just know I’ve been here for a long time. I’ve passed on a number of bills. I’ve studied the Constitution myself. I am reasonably well educated, and I thank you for the lecture,” she added.
“I’m Not a 6th Grader”: Sens. Feinstein & Cruz Throw Down During Gun Debate
“I am reasonably well educated, and I thank you for the lecture.”
The California senator eventually got around to answering Sen. Cruz’ question on how she reconciles her proposed “assault weapons” ban with the Second Amendment.
Her eventual answer? “Assault weapons” are kind of like child pornography. She argued that although we have a First Amendment right to free speech, that doesn’t mean child pornography is protected by the Constitution. Likewise, she continued, so-called “assault weapons” can be legally banned.
Sen. Feinstein later apologized to Sen. Cruz, explaining that he “got her dander up.”
» Full Article
HOT MIC! WHO WAS CAUGHT MOCKING TED CRUZ DURING HIS SENATE CONSTITUTION REMARKS?
Republican Senator Ted Cruz must have ruffled a few feathers Thursday morning when he questioned Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s “assault weapons” ban, because during his closing remarks before the Senate Judiciary Committee, someone could be heard on a hot mic mocking his speech — on two occasions.
“My fourth and final point is that the Constitution, in my opinion, should be the touchstone of everything we do,” said Sen. Cruz. “I would point out that every one of us takes an oath to defend the constitution.”
“Thank you for the lecture,” someone can be heard muttering under their breath [at about the 20 second mark]:
Later, while driving home his point, Sen. Cruz said this:
In my view, the Constitution is particularly important when the Bill of Rights is unpopular. That was the entire purpose of the Bill of Rights! When our rights are unpopular, we don’t need the Constitution.
“I’m tired of these condescending…” seemingly the same person can heard saying, trailing off [at about the 22 second mark]:
As of this writing, it’s unclear who was criticizing Cruz.
However, the voice does sound male and it appears likely it was a senator. Additionally, given a) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s impatience with Sen. Cruz’ speech (the Democrat senator cuts off Cruz toward the end to remind him that he hasn’t been in the Senate for very long) and b) the fact that it’s not uncommon for the chairman’s microphone to be left on, it’s not unlikely Leahy could be the culprit. » Full Article
Related: » Senate Judiciary Committee OK’s Ban On So-Called ‘Assault Weapons’
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About the Author
Hailing from South Bend, Ind., Becket Adams is one of 12 children. He graduated with a BA in history in 2008 before enrolling in a Master of Science in Business Analysis program two years later (after waiting tables and selling guitars) at The Catholic University of America. He has interned with The National Journalism Center and had the opportunity to serve as chief research assistant to both the Washington Examiner’s David Freddoso and The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Moore. Becket joined The Blaze after graduating from CUA and The NJC.
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