By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor
The Lieutenant Governor ducked out of the annual State of the State address given by Washington Governor Inslee because he felt vulnerable. The House Chamber has galleries open to the public and both state law and House rules allow those having concealed pistol licenses to attend the event. Despite the fact that the governor, representatives, senators, and the nine supreme court justices did not express feeling any danger, and there was no credible threats made against the lieutenant governor, he announced he would not participate unless his fears were allayed by policy change.
Since just about every area in Washington allows permitted concealed carry and open carry of firearms, save for a few narrowly defined exceptions, how is it that Lt. Governor Habib can summon the courage to leave home?
A requirement of being an adult in this world is being able to walk away from the safety of their mother’s apron or their security blanket. A requirement of being a man is to perform your duty or job without complaining or expecting others to bow to your insecurities or laziness.
I believe Lt. Governor Habib announced to all that he is simply unfit to hold office, by reason of cowardice alone.
According to the Herald.net website:
“Habib’s office issued a formal statement less than two hours before the event which read: “Safety protocol could not be agreed upon between the House and Senate for the State of State ceremony. Given that the ceremony takes place in the House chamber, deference goes to House leadership to follow their protocol.
Habib’s staff notified House Democratic leaders and the chief clerk of the House early Monday that the lieutenant governor would not attend unless steps were taken to prevent anyone from bringing a concealed weapon into either gallery.
Initially, the lieutenant governor’s staff asked if both galleries could be closed. When that was rejected, they sought unsuccessfully to have some type of metal detection equipment deployed outside the entry doors.
The chief clerk’s office did increase security though it was clear no specific threat existed.
A statement issued Tuesday afternoon from the chief clerk’s office expressed regret at Habib’s decision not to preside. It noted that state clearly allows properly licensed individuals to carry concealed weapons on the state capitol campus, including the House galleries.
Absent any specific security issue, and in accordance with the law, the House kept the galleries open so that the public could see its government in action,” the statement read. “Safety is always a concern, but so is the transparency of the Legislature’s work on behalf of the people.”
I find it typical of many politicians in that they possess such indignity to the ordinary person that such “rabble” must be kept away from their elitist circles. The Lt. Governor would rather close off access to the general public than admit to himself that he is simply too afraid to be among ordinary citizens since it is a reality that a few people lawfully carry pistols. A person lawfully carrying a pistol, pocket knife, book, ballot, cell phone, cross, wedding ring, or other item, or idea protected by civil rights laws and constitutional amendments is not a real threat to anyone.
Does the Lt. Governor expect that a thousand yard zone of exclusion from firearms possession follow him because there might be someone possessing a hunting rifle in their pickup truck or home and he feels unsafe?
Ordinary people are no threat to you Mr. Habib. But if you continue to use fear as the driving force in your life many will rightfully consider you the Coward of Thurston County.
By Darren Smith
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