From the UK Daily Mail, the death of April Jace, wife of actor Michael Jace, is being investigated as a homicide or accidental death. I don't know who Michael Jace is. I've never seen "The Shield" or "Burn Notice", shows the report says featured Jace. The couple had been married for a little over ten years, and they had two children, with a third older child from a previous marriage. I feel badly for all involved, especially the children.
Naturally, some of the comments about the story rush to blame the fact of April Jace's death upon the easy availability of firearms in America. California, where the Jaces live, is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to owning and carrying weapons.
It's not clear yet, so we will give Michael Jace the benefit of the doubt. If this was a tragic accident, it was completely unnecessary, especially given the fact that Jace appears to have portrayed a police officer in some of his work. He should have been taught -- at the very least -- basic firearms safety, even with prop weapons. Hollywood could do the country and our youth a great service if they would show proper firearms handling and make it "cool".
On the other hand, if this turns out to be an intentional shooting, I encourage people to look at the pictures of the couple in the Daily Mail article. Mr. Jace is a tall man, markedly taller than his late wife, and no doubt heavier and stronger. I'm sure he trains to maintain good physical condition for his profession. He didn't need a firearm to kill his wife. He could have used his bare hands, a knife, or a baseball bat, and it would have been just as deadly.
The problem is not the method, it's the madness.
Many people killed because of not following gun safety precautions. It is mandatory that if you have gun in your hand then take it seriously. I prefer that government should gun safety class necessary for gun owners.
ReplyDeleteWe used to be taught by our parents. We also had a firearms' safety class as part of our high school "health" class. My state requires those below a certain age to take a hunter safety course in order to obtain a hunting license. That's all fine.
ReplyDeleteA lot of it is just commonsense. I have had a grand total of two ADs in since I started shooting over half a century ago. Both were scary but inconsequential due to the ingrained habit of muzzle discipline.
I'm hesitant to make training mandatory for firearms' ownership. But I'm against most things being mandatory, including seat belts and motorcycle helmets -- though I always wear a brain bucket on the bike and buckle up in the car.