The guns in schools issue didn't just pop on the political scene in the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. It's been around for years as these senseless shootings mount.

Given that, you would expect the state's top law enforcement officer to have a stance. Guns in schools or no guns in schools?

Here is Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's first response to that direct question. Read it closely and see if you can decipher a clear answer.

"As a gun owner and a hunter, my son and I understand the importance of freedom to own guns for sport, collections, protection and self-defense and what have you and so I'm a very staunch supporter of 2nd amendment rights."

Excuse me. The question was your stance on guns in schools?

With cameras rolling a follow-up inquiry is warranted: "I don't think that was an answer to the question. If it's in there, one needs a microscope to find it."

"You need better glasses," responds Schuette. Ah, not only is he a barrister, but an optometrist to boot.

"That's the answer you are hearing," he lectures the interviewer. Now he's an audiologist, too.

This is going nowhere fast, but it's Schuette at his best or worst, depending on whether you like the guy.

The game continues.

He waxes on about wanting to watch the legislative debate unfold (it's been going on for eons) and "when it's done I'll review it. I'll work with them...."

So you don't have a position?

"I'm going to watch it carefully, which is my job as attorney general."

Wasn't that the same answer only with different words?

Of course it is.

"So you don't have a position?"

"No, I do."

What is it?

"I have a strong position on maintaining the rights of firearm owners in the state."



That wasn't the question either. For the last time, do you favor guns in schools?

Now with his Fred Astaire shoes on, he dances for the final time: "I'm going to look at that legislation. I'm not going to pre-judge anything. That would be unwise as a policy leader in the State of Michigan."

And done.



Score: Mr. AG 1. Mr. Bully-the-witness: Zippo.

Watch "Off the Record with Tim Skubick" online anytime at video.wkar.org