Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Propensity to sue is nothing new

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

Whose fault is it that we have become a litigious nation?

Is it lawyers who advertise for clients with ads that read: "If you took (name of medication) in the past 10 years you may be entitled to join a class action suit, etc. etc."

These come-ons cover everything from leaky pipes, automobile tires, and now obesity. Some are legitimate; others are iffy.

Should blame be placed on individuals looking for quick cash to settle a grievance?

As Americans, we cling to the ideas of independence and freedom and protest any threat to our civil liberties.

Yet when it comes to our health and welfare, we take the easy way out and expect others to be responsible.

The latest effort to sue the four large fast-food chains for causing obesity is an example of how individuals are willing to blame others for their own bad decisions.

The tobacco judgments were a good example of litigation gone amok.

Millions of dollars in fines were assessed against the big tobacco companies for allegedly causing the deaths of smokers and illegal conduct in advertising their wares.

There was some justification for punishing the companies, but as one who lost a loved one to cigarette-induced cancer, I always felt the individual was responsible for the decision to smoke, in spite of the years of warning by doctors and the surgeon general and others.

We have seen the results of rising malpractice insurance costs to doctors, with a positive solution still not in sight.

We have read of juries awarding huge sums to plaintiffs in what seemed to be frivolous suits.

We agree that every individual deserves the right to be represented in a court of law for a legitimate grievance caused by an act beyond his or her control.

But getting fat on fast food, smoking heavily, having unprotected sex and abusing drugs and alcohol are all matters of choice.

Somewhere there must be a happy medium between lawful representation and individual responsibility.

President Bush and his advisors are chastising Israel for taking aggressive action against Yasser Arafat.

At the same time they seek approval for an attack on Saddam Hussein.

Ironic, isn't it?

The back-and-forth bickering between congressional candidates Rep. Jon Porter and County Commissioner Dario Herrera is an example of things to come.

Can anyone remember a truly clean election? Don't expect it this time.

Expect more of the same, especially in some of the close races.

Gov. Kenny Guinn's tax force seems to have reached the conclusion that government is not built on a solid foundation; it's held together by tax.

The northeastern states are acclaimed for the beautiful colors of autumn.

Nevada and southern Utah can boast their own brilliant burst of fall colors. Try the Mount Charleston range or take a drive across Cedar Breaks and into Brian Head in Utah. The contrast of stately green pines and brilliant orange and yellow trees is breathtaking.