Exceptional stupidity (and sadly from somebody from a Democratic administration)

[Mass]

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/exceptional-stupidity.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Only in America could we easily believe this really happened. (And as far as I know, it did...)

A top official in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) administration reportedly had audience members on edge when he used his handgun as a laser pointer during a presentation last year.

The Times Union reported that Jerome M. Hauer, commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, alarmed a foreign delegation when he used the laser sighting device on the barrel of his handgun during an Oct. 24 presentation in Albany, N.Y. on the state's response to Superstorm Sandy.

Three Sweedish emergency managers "were rattled when the gun's laser tracked across one of their heads before Hauer found the map of New York, at which he wanted to point," according to the Times Union, and two people in attendance "moved quickly out of the line of the laser when he brought out the gun."

An aide to Cuomo promised to look into the matter, while a spokesman for Hauer has said only that he's "heard rumors" but is unaware of what exactly transpired at the presentation.

Sure, why not? What could possibly go wrong?

[lpbk2713]

1. What a cowboy mentality.

OMFG

[JI7]

2. weird

[freshwest]

3. Poor preparation. Should have brought a laser pointer. He must have said to himself:

DOH! I forgot to bring the right tool for this presentation.

But my handy GUN in my pocket has a laser sight. Great!

DERP, DERP, DERP!

[Journeyman]

4. ". . . the gun's laser tracked across one of their heads . . ."

If true, an apology -- from the Governor -- for hiring someone totally incompetent would be a start. I wonder too if the Swedes can sue Hauer in civil court for emotional distress? They came to be educated, not terrorized.

[OnyxCollie]

5. I thought the exceptional stupidity

was a Democratic administration choosing GWB's former Assistant Secretary for Emergency Preparedness at the Department of Health and Human Services, and former lobbyist/board of director member for Emergent Biosolutions, the sole producer of anthrax vaccine, to be commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

[The Straight Story]

6. No biggie. We trust government people with guns and not lowly citizens for a reason

The person in question is above the rest of us and knew what they were doing.

Did anyone get hurt? Was there a war started over it? Nope - the government was simply saving money by turning the gun into a multi-tool. A not to be trusted civilian probably would have shot the map then used an old fashioned light bulb to illuminate the map, wasting both energy and ammunition.

This is why some of us refer to those in power as 'superiors' and see the wisdom of only arming them. Join us today in our efforts to make a better USA and help with the fight against 'normal' humans being allowed to possess what only the superior and well trained government employees should.

Might be some sarcasm in the above. Too early to tell.