Yesterday at the Farewell To Arms event I met the man I criticized afar for his political sell-out of Coloradans’s Second Amendment Rights — and criticized the day of the event via Twitter.

“Paul Rosenthal is here. He’s at the bar,” I was told by an attendee as I shook hands and talked to angry residents. Rosenthal was, in fact, at the bar, invited by libertarian Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon. Rosenthal was flustered and talking for a grassroots group out of Pueblo bent on recalls. He stood with his hands at his sides, a gift bag full of fine Colorado products from Magpul including stickers and one 30 round standard capacity magazine.

“You’re that girl who Tweeted at me today,” he said, pointing at me.

“Yes I am,” I replied. “I’m surprised, glad, but surprised to see you here.”

Our exchange was caught on video (courtesy resident and attendee Dmitry C.). Rosenthal replied that he was glad to have voted for “safe legislation” to make “guns safer.”

I asked him to expound on that sentiment. He repeated it again.

“What specifically was ‘safe,’ about it?” I asked. He couldn’t, or wouldn’t, explain.

“Paul, can you show us what’s in your gift bag?” asked one attendee.

“I don’t know, but I don’t know that I even want it,” Rosenthal replied.

“Why not?” I asked. “It’s full of fine Colorado products made by your constituents. They pay their bills and your salary with those products.”

“Do you feel safe with all of us here? Safest place in Colorado!” said another attendee.

“Here,” Rosenthal said in a disparaging tone, handing his gift bag to a Free Colorado volunteer. “I feel safer already.”

“What does that mean?” I asked him. As others began firing questions I reiterated that I we should be genuinely glad to see him here and that I hoped that he was learning more about the Second Amendment and firearms.

“Look, I’m not looking to engage anyone,” he said as he stepped towards the door. I asked him for a photo and he partially refused, but did endure this one.

“I’m just here as my district,” he repeated. “These are all, I’m sure they’re all good people,” as he inched towards the door.

As he stepped out I reminded him: “Make sure to take a buddy! Have a buddy with you, Representative!”

I do give him credit for being the only elected progressive official to show up, even if he didn’t seem that interested in engaging his constituents.