Why we need tort reform in the U.S.

We live in a litigious society. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Only
in America can a woman order a hot cup of coffee, clumsily spill it on herself,
and then turn around and sue the vendor for millions in damages and WIN! It’s ridiculous,
and it needs to stop.
 
Such frivolous actions only detract from the real episodes when lawsuits are the
only answer — to punish and send a message that the behavior cannot occur again.
When we as a society allow the inane to occur, we begin to empty the action of any
value and meaning. That helps no one in the long run.
 
You would think that our members of Congress would subscribe to the same principle.
That they would eagerly rise and echo our claims as a people that “there ought to
be a law” to prevent such actions.
 
And yet, the latest example of such frivolity is one perpetrated by a congressman
himself — Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). It seems the fella bit into a sandwich
in the congressional cafeteria and broke a tooth on an olive pit.
 
OK, how unfortunate. So maybe, just maybe, he complains to management and they work
out a deal where the cafeteria covers the congressman’s dental bills. Even then,
I’m scratching my head, because aren’t members of Congress supposed to have the
best healthcare in the country? Do they really need help in getting proper healthcare?
 
But Kucinich doesn’t want just compensation, he wants damages — $150,000 worth.
The olive apparently caused “serious and permanent injuries” as well as “loss of
enjoyment.” There you have it, Americans. Enjoyment to an elected official is apparently
worth six figures. Give me a break.
 
I guess I should be surprised by his actions, but I’m not. Kucinich is one of the
most liberal members of the House. And yet, he has to know that his actions could
lead to the loss of jobs for the workers in the cafeteria.
 
The $150,000 has to come from somewhere. And as much as the congressman will cry
that the money will come from “Big Insurance Companies,” someone at the cafeteria
vending company will still need to pay the bill. That means lost revenues, lost
profits, and less in the till to dole to employees.
 
This is why we need tort reform in this country, folks. If elected policymakers
think that even they can make a quick buck off the backs of America’s private sector,
then we’re all in for a world of hurt …

Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 169, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.