"I'm not a sixth grader."

Something Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) actually had to say on the Congressional record today, because Senator Ted Cruz (R) was talking to her like she was one. [Content Note: Gun violence.]

Cruz, a former constitutional law professor, began [a hearing on legislation to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban] by reciting portions of the First, Second, and Fourth Amendments, and asked Feinstein whether the power of government to restrict certain types of guns would be equally appropriate given those provisions.

"Let me just make a couple of points in response," Feinstein shot back at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. "One, I'm not a sixth grader. Senator, I've been on this committee for 20 years. I was a mayor for nine years." [Feinstein the described examples of brutal gun violence with which she's had experience.] "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."

Feinstein continued: "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. ... I come from a different place than you do. I respect your views. I ask you to respect my views."

The panel approved the bill on a party line vote, 10 - 8. The legislation now moves to the full Senate, where it is widely expected to fail.

After the vote, Feinstein made nice.

"Senator, I want to apologize to you, you sort of got my dander up," she said.

As far as I'm concerned, it should have been Cruz apologizing to Feinstein. She owed him nothing but contempt.