Responsibility

2011

Wednesday, January 5

12:34:24 AM

Responsibility

You know, I often wonder how we (as a country) got where we are today.  Such a litigious society!  Sure, there's the ambulance chasing lawyers - they're easy to hate.  But what about the well meaning lawyers who are out to help people get what they deserve?  What do people really deserve?

Do people deserve millions of dollars in a settlement against ladder manufacturers because they were too stupid to consider what would happen if they fell off the top of a ladder?  Were they too lazy, or cheap, to buy a taller (more appropriate) ladder?  I admit I've stood on the tops of ladders to reach things, or to get on the roof, but I know if I fall off it's my fault.  I wouldn't go looking for some easy money.  Some might say that makes me stupid.  I most heartily disagree.  

People should just own their stupidity, admit they are responsible for their own choices.  If a company has been negligent in the design or manufacture of their product, then take them to court.  Somewhere in the law books, there's a standard - and it boils down to common sense.  If you stand on a chair with wheels wouldn't you expect it to roll?  If you jump on a skateboard on a hill wouldn't you expect it to roll down a hill?  If you stand on the top of a ladder with nothing to hold on to, wouldn't you expect your balance to be more precarious?  

Growing up, I learned all about cause and effect; some the easy way, some the hard way.  It seems like common sense should be added to the endangered species list.  People don't seem to understand that if you buy a hot cup of coffee you could burn yourself!  (Would that women who sued McDonald's have been really ticked off if her coffee had only been luke-warm?!)  I talk to all kinds of people who agree with me on this.  Are they just blowing hot air my way?  Am I so fortunate as to have only highly intelligent friends and acquaintances?

I fear the average intelligence of these United States is falling precipitously!  Fear and selfishness seems to have this nation firmly in its grip.  What other explanation can there be for leaving "the greater good" in the ditch and pandering to minorities wants or needs at the expense of the majority?  

People need to stop being so lazy and opportunistic.  If you do something stupid, own up to it.  Go to emergency, pay the bill, take your lumps, and don't make the same mistake again!  Later, laugh about it with your friends so they know to avoid doing the same thing.  Some lessons are really hard to learn.  I know, I've made some of my own stupid mistakes.  I also knew when I made them, I'd have to live with the consequences.  Why should someone else pay for my mistakes?