Tort Reform

In my opinion, nearly every single problem in this great nation can be tied to an over powerful and intrusive government and/or ambulance chasing attorneys.  Don't get me wrong, good lawyers exist, however there are far too many immoral lawyers who seek to rake in millions of dollars off the backs of hard working and successful American individuals and companies (John Edwards comes to mind) instead of creating their own wealth.  Unfortunately, frivolous lawsuits, which should never have seen the inside of a court room let alone been awarded (McDonald's coffee spill?) have driven our society to live in fear of a car accident, a neighbor kid running through our yard, falling and breaking a leg, inviting "friends" for dinner on an icy night and someone falling on the steps.  Forty years ago, any of these would have resulted in an apology and a ride to the hospital.  However these days, in far too many Americans, the attitude has turned into "who can I sue for this". 

It's a sad state of affairs, and in my opinion, true tort reform would go a long way towards reversing this trend.  I would like your input.  The best solution will be hatched from many ideas.  I'm thinking, to start, that no "mental" or "psychological" damage award should be awarded for more than, maybe, $5000, adjusted annually at 3% rate of growth.

Another idea, no company can be held liable for harassment in the workplace.  It's now too easy in today's world go after someone or some company simply because they have money.  How is a business responsible for the way an employee acts?  A business should not be held accountable.  If you want to sue for harassment, you sue the individual(s) who you are accusing, not the place where they work.  Also, perhaps the law should read that you have to prove intent to harm, not merely negligence, in order to bring a case before the courts.  Also, if the case is successfully defended, the prosecution pays all court costs and legal fees.

These are only a few ideas that I have had.  It seems to me that if we remove the millions of dollars at the end of the rainbow, perhaps people will quit chasing the rainbow.  We must return to a mindset of personal responsibility.  Please, offer me your input and  suggestions to this pressing matter.  You can e-mail me, tortreform@tracytarum.com.  (And please put "TORT REFORM" in the subject block.)   There are a few issues in today's political discussions that are critical to sustaining the way of life as we know it.  This is one of them, and it is getting completely out of control.  Please get involved, and let me know your ideas.  They do matter.  And PLEASE, get out and vote TRACY C. TARUM in the PRIMARY ELECTION ON AUGUST 5th!  I need you to spread the word, and I need your votes!