Marc YachtHollywood-created assassin action actor Liam Neeson claims there are too many guns in America. Not shying away from the “F” word, he cites 320 million citizens and 300 million guns. Neeson, whose screen body counts approach that of Sylvester Stallone, mentions the all-too-frequent school killings that have taken innocent lives.
The gun manufacturer PARA USA, feeling back stabbed by the hero killer, claims it will no longer supply guns to Neeson films and encourages all gun-loving Americans to boycott his movies. It is possible that Neeson has anticipated such a response from PARA USA and other potential gun suppliers and has been recently seen taking karate lessons from kung fu artist Jackie Chan. Neeson agents are looking for longbow experts to add other weapon alternatives.
There is no word from bullet manufacturers whether they will follow PARA USA’s stated boycott. Bomb-makers have remained relatively quiet as have manufacturers of tanks and other military-like vehicles. Movie producers appeared unconcerned as they are convinced the public goes to see Neeson and doesn’t really care how he kills people. One action movie director suggested that the sets would be much safer without dangerous explosions and weapon misfires. Karate chops have fewer on-set accidents and no one could remember any unfortunate incidents using longbows.
As budgetary concerns loom large with filmmakers, one may be reminded of Cecil B. DeMille’s comment when being asked how he could afford so many extras in one of his classic epics. “That’s easy,” DeMille commented, “We use real bullets!”
“Certainly, Neeson films would be cheaper to make without firearms,” one unnamed studio executive elucidated.
Charlton Heston fans claim the actor would turn over in his grave at Neeson’s comments. The late actor rose to the top of the NRA organization with the famous quote, “I’ll give you my gun when you pry it from my cold, dead hands!” They say Heston was buried wearing two six-shooters and gripping a Winchester ’73 rifle. Clint Eastwood of Spaghetti Western fame and the Dirty Harry series has not weighed into the Neeson controversy.
Neeson is “dead” right. There are too many guns in America. Every day gun violence confronts U.S. citizens. Death by guns has become commonplace whether accidental or the result of ill intent. Thirty thousand will die from gun violence this year.
Recent killings involved children locating loaded weapons. One killed his mother, another his sibling. Gun-rights activists abetted by the NRA fight tooth and nail thwarting any sensible gun policies. One argument suggests that there are so many guns on our streets that gun control is ludicrous. Such logic is preposterous. With decent gun laws we could arrest people illegally possessing weapons. Now a fearful public can simply await the next tragedy. My view of gun law remains unchanged:
- Every gun should be registered.
- Sales should be made only by authorized gun dealers.
- Comprehensive background checks before purchase.
- Everyone owning a gun should attend an approved safety course.
- Magazines should have a maximum of 7 rounds.
- No military-style weapons.
- Penalties should be severe for those not abiding by the rules.
No U.S. soldier handles a gun without hours of training. Even with all that training bad things happen. If our military must be trained before using weapons, why should the average Joe on the street purchase so many types of firearms without a training requirement? It is plain wrong and dangerous to put lethal weapons in the hands of so many without preventive firearms education.
I look forward to Neeson’s next movie exploiting his karate skills. Pepper spray might be a reasonable alternative.
Dr. Marc Yacht is a semi-retired physician. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
