Concealed Humor Permits - The

Concealed Humor Permits - The Minnesota House revealed its inner standup comic last week, according to the PiPress:

While the issue of giving Minnesotans more access to handgun permits is serious, the six-hour House debate about it last week wasn't always somber. Some highlights:

Best piece of literature: Rep. Lynn Carlson, DFL-Crystal, thought his colleagues needed to hear the tale of gun-toting's dangers. So he passed out the lyrics to Johnny Cash's "Don't Take Your Guns to Town."

Best reason for more guns: Better umpiring at baseball games, suggested Rep. Joe Mullery, DFL-Minneapolis, if umps have to worry about armed fans in the stands.

Best line in the debate: "You never bring a knife to a gunfight,'' said Rep. Bill Haas, R-Champlin. He was talking to Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina, who displayed a Swiss Army knife while seeking support for an amendment; it was defeated.

Best amendment offered: Rep. Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, sought to add a prohibition on gun permits going to any person who might be "a current representative elected from District 5A who is 5-foot-5 inches in height or shorter.'' His target: fellow Iron Ranger Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia. The amendment appeared to pass unanimously on a voice vote, but House Speaker Steve Sviggum ruled it did not pass.

We'll see if the Senate is up to that daunting standard today.

Posted by Mitch at April 28, 2003 08:36 AM