Gabby Giffords receives JFK 'courage' award, gun lobby shows class

Yes, gun toadies, THIS is what courage looks like Last Friday it was announced that former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has received an award named in honor of President Kennedy:

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been named this year's recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award. The JFK Library and Museum announced Friday that the Arizona Democrat is being honored for the "political, personal, and physical courage she has demonstrated in her fearless public advocacy for policy reforms aimed at reducing gun violence."

Caroline Kennedy [video] will present the award on May 5th. Anyone who's followed Arizona politics has known Gabby since she was a young, up-and-coming legislator representing southern Arizona. She was always very approachable and helpful, so I happily followed her career when she was elected to the U.S. Congress. Although Gabby was a little too Blue Doggy for some, she was in a competitive district and probably couldn't support every progressive policy without risking her seat, especially on topics like guns and immigration. Still, even though she supports gun rights, because she's a Dem who has hinted at reform, she consistently received a D rating from the NRA.

She and husband Mark Kelley have conducted themselves admirably since a bullet passed through Gabby's skull a little more than two years ago. It was clear after Newtown that she and Kelley intended to be a voice for sensible gun laws, and their planning resulted in the PAC Americans for Responsible Solutions. They've been running 30-second ads like this one in targeted states, urging citizens to call elected officials in DC:

The PAC's ad that airs here in Arizona includes a telephone number for Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain, both of whom carry an A rating from the NRA. McCain has indicated he will support background checks, but Flake, who is a long-time friend of Giffords (he held her hand on the House floor as she resigned her seat), has said her plea didn't sway him. Don't bother calling me, constituents, even though more than 8 in 10 of you support background checks.

Please join me below the fold to learn about those who are less than thrilled about Giffords receiving this award.