Manufacturers can’t control behavior of individuals

Tuesday, March 23, 1999 | 12:03 p.m.

Do we outlaw cars because of the people who have died as a result of an unfortunate meeting with an unfeeling machine? How many people die from knife wounds each year? Yet no one has suggested outlawing knives.

As far as guns and tobacco are concerned, these items are used by choice. When people use guns or light cigarettes they make a choice. They always have the option not to shoot or light up.

Concerning manufacturer liability, tobacco and firearms are legal products. It has been know for years that tobacco carries the risk of cancer, yet millions of people light up every day. People know that guns kill, yet there is still an element in our society who don't care if a gun kills someone. But I sincerely doubt the gun industry supports those people.

Any item can be misused and cause great harm, but that is not the fault of the manufacturer. If an injury results from a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer should be liable. Remington or Smith and Wesson cannot control what John Q. Public does with his weapon. Only John Q. Public can control that.

Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Are we no longer responsible for what we consciously decide to do? Have we forgotten to teach our children what personal responsibility is?

LARRY SELK