There was a time when astronauts were worthy of respect.

Gabby Gifford's husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, recently purchased an AR-15 rifle and "high-capacity" magazines. Upon learning the media was aware of the purchase, Kelly announced he was turning the rifle over to the Tuscon Police. He made no mention of the high-capacity mags or the .45 pistol he also bought at the same time.

This is what Kelly posted on his Facebook page when the news leaked:

Looks like the judiciary committee will vote on background checks next week. I just had a background check a few days ago when I went to my local gun store to buy a 45. As I was leaving, I noticed a used AR-15. Bought that too. Even to buy an assault weapon, the background check only takes a matter of minutes. I don't have possession yet but I'll be turning it over to the Tucson PD when I do. Scary to think of people buying guns like these without a background check at a gun show or the Internet. We really need to close the gun show and private seller loop hole.

Hypocrisy? Publicity stunt? Caught in a lie? Well Mark, if not, what then?