Knife control
by Jeremy 'Panda Man' Weidenhof |
05/27/2005 11:11 am |
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Doctors in Britain are doing it. They’re calling for a ban on long, pointed kitchen knives to reduce stabbing deaths. Citing a rise in violent crime, the use of kitchen implements in up to half of stabbings, and the impulsive nature of many assaults, the doctors claim that banning such utensils would curb violence.
Britain already has a virtual ban on firearms and restrictions on knives similar to those here in the States, but carving up one’s spouse with a Ginsu seems to be a big problem across the pond.
According to the story:
"The Home Office is looking for ways to reduce knife crime.” "We suggest that banning the sale of long pointed knives is a sensible and practical measure that would have this effect."
In fact the researchers went to the experts on this one:
The researchers said there was no reason for long pointed knives to be publicly available at all. They consulted 10 top chefs from around the UK, and found such knives have little practical value in the kitchen.
Apparently the chefs saw no use for long knives in carving meat or dicing fruit and vegetables. Shorter pointed blades are given a pass, since they would likely “only” cause superficial wounds and not reach vital organs in a stabbing.
New opposition slogan: “When steak knives are outlawed only outlaws will eat steak.”
Presumably, workmen will eventually be consulted about the usefulness of screwdrivers, hammers, and other tools, students about the necessity of pencils, woodsmen about the usefulness of axes and chainsaws, et cetera. Any trade’s dangerous tools will be fair game as the violent abuse pointed objects.
The old saying “you can’t legislate morality” comes to mind.
BRAMANTI ADDS: This was my favorite line:
They consulted 10 top chefs from around the UK, and found such knives have little practical value in the kitchen.
I didn’t know Britain had 10 chefs. You’ve got to remember this is a country whose crowning culinary achievements include baked beans on toast and black pudding.
COURREGES ADDS:I love the New York Times headline on this: "British Medical Experts Campaign for Long, Pointy Knife Control."
The Times also quotes a spokesman for the Brady Campaign, who says his movement is "envious" of Britain for having these problems. I think that tells you everything you need to know about the gun-grabbers.