In a series of cases involving the serving of alcohol to minors in a private home setting, the Court ruled that the homeowners could be pursued for any damages that ensued from such negligent acts. People were killed by drunk drivers in this line of cases.

 

Next time someone wants to help that high school party out by stoking the social fires or looks the other way when little Debbie and little Johnny toss a few back at the backyard neighborhood barbecue, the owners of the property, be they Aunt Sally or Uncle Bob or Mom and Dad or Big Sis are now squarely in the gun sights of legimate claims for any of the potential disasters that can and often do follow such 'sin in haste and repent at leisure' conduct.

 

Oh yes, by the way, in the meantime, our brilliant lawgivers in Columbia led by Admiral McConnel and Governor  Mark "Accountability" Sanford continue to do the bidding of the liability insurance industry and their hand-wringing handmaidens, the Chamber (of Horrors) of Commerce. They hate anything that might cut into the Insurance Monoliths's profits or the corporate balance sheet. They say they approve of these decisions-lip service only-and then end run these decisions by gutting victims rights to recover damages when they suffer such grievous losses.

 

They call it Tort Reform. I call it Profits over People and a whole lot worse; think fertilizer in a large field of bulls.

 

If a drunk injures you or worse, kills your spouse, who is making sense? The posturing politicos or the judiciary?

 

Our solons in Columbia love to speak the mantra of 'personal responsibility' but cower like cur dogs when the need to protect people's rights comes along.

 

Call 'em out! Call 'em out! They are a sorry lot.

 

You can say anything you like boys but that don't make it smell right or be right.