Convenience Vs. Common Sense

It must have been very frightening for two couples in Oregon that recently found themselves stuck in the snow on remote roads while trying to take a shortcut to their destinations over the Christmas holidays. Frigid weather and no supplies in the car for days would have made anyone wonder whether or not they would survive. It is perfectly normal to empathize with them or even feel concern for them, but the fact of the matter is that neither of those families bothered to apply common sense to the trips they were taking.

G.P.S. systems are meant to map out a journey, perhaps, but are not meant to replace a map when the weather is bad. It would not be difficult to look at a map or even look on the internet to find out what routes look too remote to travel in a snow storm. Why is it so easy to avoid taking responsibility for our own actions in our technology enhanced world?

Common sense, when applied, would have given both families the idea to avoid an unknown route when there is substantial snow on the ground. It is similar to the idea that during a blizzard you should stay off the road, but if absolutely necessary to travel, make sure you have water, blankets and other supplies in your vehicle when you leave.

Several years ago a man sued the Winnebago company for an accident that he, himself caused. The man was driving down the highway, set his cruise control and decided to leave the driver's seat and go get himself a cup of coffee in the back of his R.V. He was granted a settlement for $1,750,000. Common sense would have kept him behind the wheel but he was allowed to sue Winnebago, and win a huge settlement, because he treated the cruise control as if it were an "automatic pilot". It is a miscarriage of justice when an adult that is smart enough to secure a driver's license and wealthy enough to purchase a custom recreational vehicle can win a lawsuit against the maker of his R.V. after an accident that he caused. Considering all of the infighting within our government about frivolous lawsuits, this one should have never found it's way to court.

The truth is that our legal system has gotten to the point of where it has relieved most people of personal responsibility. The little old lady spilling her coffee in a moving car only after she decided to take the lid off her cup while the car was in motion...at least the courts reduced her initial settlement.

At least one of the couples that got stranded in the snow blames the G.P.S. for their ordeal (see CNN video) and seemingly takes little, if any, responsibility for the situation in which they found themselves.

There are many examples of lawsuits that diminish the responsibility of an individual and award them grand settlements, yet people who truly have valid reasons to sue are many times denied any justice at all.

Speaking from personal experience I can testify that justice is denied to many people who deserve it.

In the late 80s, my daughter was molested in one place and then moved to another place where she was repeatedly raped (at age 6) while in the custody of San Diego County. I voluntarily placed her with the County after severe behavioral problems that put my youngest child's life in danger. The County of San Diego knowingly put my child in harm's way and my family was denied any restitution at all. In 2000, San Diego County decided (without my knowledge) to change the circumstances of my situation and charge me for the foster care which they extended because of the trauma exerted on my daughter. I believe those in charge at the time should be held responsible yet I am expected to pick up the tab of almost $30,000, Gov. Schwarzenegger, California's Attorney General, Rep. Billbray, Senators Feinstein and Boxer, etc. do not want to help me find justice or make those in San Diego accountable for what happened over twenty (20) years ago. A full article on this subject will be published at a later date.

The lack of accountability and/or responsibility that is now rampant throughout America has made us less secure as a whole and aided to put us in a position of vulnerability. It is responsible for our current financial disposition as well as our current rate of unemployment. We will not find solutions to our nation wide upsets until we hold ourselves accountable for what we do.