thoughtnot

Some days, you have to wonder where our society is headed. Today I have read TWO news articles, both of which demostrate the absolute lack of “personal culpability” that seems so common in our time. Unfortunately, parents are passing the misguided ideas of entitlement and lack of responsibility down to their children. The general social mores today seem to be “it’s never my fault” and “if you don’t like the outcome, sue someone”.

First up is your classic injury lawsuit. Apparently the family of a boy who suffered brain damage after he was struck by a line drive off an aluminum baseball bat has sued the bat’s maker (Hillerich & Bradsby Co.) and others on Monday, saying they “should have known it was dangerous”. The “others” include Little Leage Baseball, not because it was a LLB sanctioned game (it was not), but because they endorse the bat that was used!

Now, pardon me if I say “WHAT?!” Did the boy’s parents not realize that baseball can be dangerous? That there is an inherent risk in ANY sport? I would certainly be reeling if something like this happened to my child, but I also believe I would be sensible enough not to sue the bat maker and other uninvolved parties. A more sensible approach might be to lobby to require that little league pitchers wear some form of chest armour to protect them while they are young. That would carry more weight, because statistics show those children (5-12) are more likely to be hurt by batted balls. Apparently this is not new, and there are a lot of misconceptions about metal bats. You can read about them here and here.

The second story I would like to share is about a girl who is accused of plotting to murder a 13-year-old classmate is suing the school system because she was placed in an alternative school. Apparently it offers an “inferior” level of education, and stifles her educational growth. The plot involved two others (including a 19yr old), and had reportedly been planned to the point of determining where they would dispose of the body, and what their alibies would be. But the girl’s parents, in their infinite wisdom, believe that it’s OK for her to attend school with the child she threatened. They argue that she should not have been moved since the incident did not happen at school. I believe in “innocent until proven guilty”, but there is definitive evidence in this case. Just crazy.

Certain stories just leave you standing slack-jawed and pondering whether the gene pool can survive much longer.