Monday, July 9, 2007

Protecting the stupid

I recently had a discussion with a co-worker about stupid laws and people filing law suits for no reason (just to make money). She said: "If people are stupid enough to get killed by a TV dinner, shouldn't we just let them die?"

She has a point. For example, requiring seat belts for drivers and helmets for bike riders is good for minors who are not yet ready or able to make their own decisions. But why should the state try to protect grownups who do not even want to protect themselves?

And if people do not understand that they shouldn't put scorching hot coffee in a plastic cup between their legs or put a poodle in a microwave, should they really have the right to sue McDonald's or General Electric?

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any anecdotes related to this topic or any other comments.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

When medical service is provided, and paid for,
by society, it is a good idea to have people use
seat belts. It saves money. Of course, in line
with that we ought to ban smoking and at least
excess drinking, as both cause severe illnesses
with huge public expenses as consequense. But
considering what is possible, a law requiring
seat belts or prohibiting drunk driving is a damn good thing.

/Anne Sofie