The prop gun killing on the “Rust” movie set by Alec Baldwin reminds me of other reckless gun-violence disasters on movie sets. Specifically, when the actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the 1984 CBS television series “Cover Up.” As well as when actor Brandon Lee, 28, son of the late martial arts star Bruce Lee, died after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the 1993 movie “The Crow.”

And, after that first prop gun “accident” on a movie set wouldn’t one wonder why safety measures aren’t enforced with higher penalties if they aren’t followed religiously?

However, since many in the entertainment business are pampered elitist, I’m really not surprised that movie sets have remained superficial, lackadaisical and irresponsible!

In my opinion, the charge of involuntary manslaughter verdict is the responsible course of action to assure accountability is taken by Mr. Baldwin in this shooting incident case.

Nevertheless, the more politicized and double-standardized absolute powers’ involvement becomes with gun violence negotiations, the more societal puppeteering by the entertainment business over our gun-crazed society starts to look like that $1 bet between the two wealthy brothers from the movie “Trading Places.”

RICK KNIGHT

Henrico County