First off, if you think I’m going to sit here and blame this Liberal, gun-control activist for his negligence on a movie set, you’re not going to enjoy my take on this event. I could VERY easily say, “this hypocrite deserved this” or “he shouldn’t even be handling a prop gun on set if he never took the time to learn proper handling.” Those judgmental words are so easy to type against someone with views other than my own while sitting behind my computer in a safe space.
But the truth is, I don’t know the whole story. WE don’t know the whole story.
Who handled the firearm before Baldwin received it? Were blanks used, or did someone actually hand him a gun with live ammunition? Did he receive any safety training with the firearm on set? Were the crew members hurt before or during a scene? Why were there two crew members involved?
There are so many questions, and we need to accept that we may never receive the whole story.
Now, don’t read this and say, “well, I know the answer because main-stream-media put this statement out.” Stop it.
I’m not defending Alec Baldwin, but this is a human tragedy that has turned into a political argument the Right is using against the Left. We’re better than that.
Regardless of the person or status, these events sadden me and CAN happen. Firearms are empowering and save lives every day, but just like with cars, these accidents are possible.
From my life experience in the gun industry, I’ve taught students who were involved in shootings, friends who watched family members negligently discharge a firearm, and even co-workers who have witnessed suicides on the range.
About 6 months ago, I even had a student whose husband was the props manager in Hollywood. I literally asked her for recommendations on prop guns or blanks for filming the intro of “Reloaded!” She informed me that blanks still have some sort of projectile, and her husband was on set during a similar incident as Alec Baldwin’s, but years ago.
My opinion? Regardless of Baldwin’s political views, I couldn’t imagine what he and his family must be going through. He has a long road ahead and has to live with the fact that he took another human’s life while on a controlled movie set.
Can you put yourself in his shoes?
When it boils right down to it, firearm safety needs to be #1, ALWAYS.
Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, point it in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger, know what surrounds your target, and keep control of it at ALL times.
If Baldwin had followed these rules, would this tragic event have happened? We don’t know. Did he even know the firearm safety rules? Is that his responsibility, or is it the producers and prop managers of the movie?
It’s so easy to put the blame on one person. But for me, before I am a Conservative or an American, I am a human. I pray for the families involved, including Alec Baldwin’s.
I will share more once further information is released.
Please know your firearm safety rules!
