The Lawsuit Matrix
The Lawsuit Matrix by Lady Camelot
According to an article written by Michael Weissentstein, A New
York Jury awarded $20 Million in punitive damages to a smoker's
widow last week (after a jury deliberation of over two days).
Per Mr. Weissenstein's report, Ms. Gladys Frankson sued Brown &
Williamson (Lucky Strike Manufacturers) when her husband passed
away in 1999. Ms. Frankson's husband had begun smoking around
1954 at the age of 13.
Let's take a long and very deep perspective of the grand effects
this ruling may have on corporate America:
To any other, this may simply be an everyday case in the
National court system, but contrary to what one's opinion may be
of cigarettes and cigarette smoking, the phenomenal repercussion
of this landmark decision may create extreme, adverse effects.
Not to be misconstrued that we do not sympathize with Ms.
Frankson's loss, as any loss of human life is a sorrowful
hardship.
Why does this particular ruling have such profound consequences?
Think about it. Since Ms. Frankson was awarded a sum for her
husband's loss, would it not only be right and justifiable that
ALL persons who have died from lung cancer due to smoking should
be awarded equal amounts as well? Should this not mean that
government should become the main source of intervention and
stop all production of tobacco products? What about the people
who have suffered from certain types of oral cancer, should not
chewing tobacco manufacturers be called upon to halt ALL
production of their chew products as well?
Furthermore, what about the recent McDonald's case? Why not hold
ALL fast-food restaurants and restaurants in general liable for
persons suffering from type II Diabetes, for persons suffering
unimaginable weight-gain related, health problems associated
with their eating at these restaurants?
In addition to tobacco companies and local & National Food
chains, I naturally would assume that we should also hold
alcohol manufacturers, and distributors liable for liver
disease, the thousands of D.U.I.-related deaths, and even kidney
dialysis. But we can't just stop there. Eventually, this ruling
may even lead to the auto and small engine manufacturing
industries as well. After all, aren't automobiles, motorcycles,
and lawnmowers leading culprits for smog and oxygen depletion;
thus an indirect cause of ozone layer reduction?
We mustn't forget the beef & cattle industry. God forbid one
should get botchulism or salmonella poisoning for digesting
undercooked beef -- or worse yet -- mad cow disease? Greater
concerns are for the cattle themselves, as they emit methane
gases. Perhaps we should eradicate cattle too, because there are
definitely some major counter-effects of even raising and
herding these gentle giants for human consumption.
We must not forget to include certain food manufacturers that
produce potato chips, candies, chocolates, and other "junk
foods," categorized as "high fat" content products. Apparently,
these items, too have and are wreaking havoc on human bodies
everywhere. Plaque from fatty acids is continually building up
in our heart arteries and capillaries as we munch away on these
delectable treats. Eventually, we end up with Heart disease, and
myocardial infarctions -- the cause -- your friendly "junk food"
industry. Perhaps these unsuspecting businesses must too bare
responsibility for the products that we (as individuals) CHOOSE
to consume or ingest.
Another probability in the lawsuit assembly lines, is the
produce industry. Chemical solutions that are used to repel
fungi, disease and other parasites are traditionally utilized on
many of our fruits, vegetables and beans. So, you forgot to wash
that apple and decided to eat it anyway -- now you've been
placed in a complex situation. You may just have ingested
chemical compounds that will eventually cause and lead to some
form of cancer -- and ultimately -- your own demise. Do we now
bring a case against the apple grower or the chemical producer?
Hmmm... tough decision. Why not sue both?
Less we not forget the notorious cocaine manufacturers and
distributors. Countless persons die of cocaine, crack and other
substance abuse on a daily basis. But ah -- we don't have the
information to sue them. We can only prevent the use of it. In
essence -- prevention is key.
The fact is, we live in a society where numerous unhealthy
products are created, manufactured, distributed and sold to
consumers. The point being that we CANNOT hold every company
responsible for OUR OWN ACTIONS. The nice thing about America,
is that we have a distinct CHOICE whether or not to use certain
products. When our overuse, misuse or general use of a product
comes with repercussions, we must choose to accept our own fate
and learn from it.
Regretfully, not all persons learn from their addictions, or
effects of product usage. To those who are left behind, or to
the survivors, I leave you with one piece of advice: Live.
Learn. Prevent. Suing industries for our own choices, is a
travesty to America and will ultimately lead to irrevocable
circumstances. A good film to watch that will enlighten one's
perspective on "too many laws," is "Demolition Man," starring
Sylvester Stallone.
I welcome your comments.
(c) 2004 Lady Camelot All Rights Reserved.