While we're on the subject of stupid lawsuits, the family of Rachel Corrie, who made the really bad decision of attempting block a bulldozer, is suing the manufacturer of the machine that ran her over. Corrie died while protesting the Israeli government's destruction of a Palestinian settlement. A dumbfounded spokeswoman for Caterpillar explained: "more than 2 million Caterpillar machines and engines are at work in virtually every region of the world each day. We have neither the legal right nor the means to police individual use of that equipment." One can debate the negligence of Corrie, the bulldozer operator, or both. But Caterpillar?

I am saddened by Corrie's death however her actions though brave in one eye are also stupid in another. Sure... the driver of the bulldozer is negligent for running her over but Caterpillar is surely not negligent. Heck.. they shouldn't even be involved. They have no control in the actions of either Corrie or the operator.

This is definitely a stupid lawsuit.

Stating the obvious Spit.

This is all Bush's fault.

If this isn't a case for people to notice how ridiculous our courts are right now. People filing stupid and frivilous lawsuits all the time. This is one of those idiotic lawsuits.

God I wish we went to a loser pays type system. This would eliminate these idiotic ass lawsuits.

Allen, I believe that the plaintiff can already be ordered to pay the defendant's court costs in a frivolous suit. It just doesn't happen very often, perhaps because there is little sympathy for a corporation in these cases. ("Ah, they've got the money!") But like in shoplifing, few stop to think that absorbing those costs makes things more expensive for the rest of us - and in the case of lawsuits, also tie up the courts and delay justice for others with more meritorious claims.

I read about this on Tim Blair and went right out and posted about it on my site. (I sure hope the trackbacks work!) I also mention the tsunami bit, which I saw here.

This is almost the same as relatives of shooting victims suing gun manufacturers. Its partly the girls fault anyway for standing in front of a moving bulldozer, how inept can you be? Guns and Bulldozers dont kill people, people kill people.

The bulldozer driver and/or the Israeli government would be the logical target(s) for such a lawsuit - from a moral standpoint. But then you have to ask yourself where the best potential payoff would be. The driver? Nothing to be gained there. Israel? Sure you may get a favorable ruling from some hair-brained judge, but just try to collect - not very satisfying. A wealthy, multi-national corporation with a reputation to protect? BINGO!

Oops! I meant hare-brained. Where's my editor?

I was over in Korea at the time and saw first hand the young girls that jumped out in front of the tracked engineering earthmover(military bulldozer). There were so many protests out at the base I was stationed at, and so much violent attitudes toward Americans after that. The protesters were screaming, "Yankee go home" Protesters getting sprayed with firehoses etc. But as soon as The Iraq war broke out, Kim Jong Il started rattling his sword. When the protesters knew that Jong Il was pointing his Nuclear capable artillery pieces toward Seoul, the protesting stopped. Gee I wonder why. All these different countries like Korea, Kuwait and Iraq are only "nice" to us because they know that American soldiers will sacrifice their lives to defend their(korea etc.) country.They know that the American govt is full of suckers who will do anything to please them. After training with the Kuwaiti Army I can see why they need us there, their Army is nothing but a bunch of bumbling idiots.

Our administration as well, is a bunch of bumbling idiots

Yes a bunch of bumbling idiots clearly. More like men with a political vision that you clearly lack the ability to even comprehend. If you cant see the massive gain the United States will get, both politically and financially, from a free, democratic middle east, I dont feel a need to explain it to you. I understand and respect the opinions of those thoughtful adults on this blog who pose reasoned arguments as to why they disagree with the Bush doctrine. Nobody who can do no better than one liner zangs and ad hominems isnt deserving of even the slightest bit of respect.

Here is another one-liner for ya..."When You See News As a Product...It's Impossible To Really Serve Democracy"