The extent of your liability...

It's something most people probably don't consider very often, but people are WAY more legally liable than they think they are. At least, that's the impression I've gotten so far from my Torts course. I hesitate to speak with any authority, as I'm only 2 weeks into the class and we're only now getting into any current casework, but from what I've read so far it seems that one is liable for the unforseen consequences of his actions to an almost ridiculous degree. We haven't gotten into negligence yet, though, and that's where the real good stuff is, so I'm sure I'll have more to report then. But in the meantime, here's something to think about: Say I'm building something in my driveway, and I drop a nail. Later (that day, tomorrow, next week even) the neighbor's kid steps on this nail, contracts tetanus, gets an infection that spreads to his brain, and suffers permanent brain damage. My fault. Or if he dies, wrongful death suit, also my fault. Yikes.

Obviously the above scenario depends a lot on circumstances, and probably wouldn't be so cut and dry. However, as I'm rapidly learning, our legal system seems to have a pretty flexible view of what exactly 'justice' is.

In other news, I fear for the future of this country. I never had the intention of venting about political issues on this blog, but it's not like anyone actually reads it anyway, so I doubt it matters. Ok, specifically, I fear for the future of the nation if McCain is elected. Not so much as a result of him (although I disagree with him on 90% of his beliefs), but rather, because of his choice of running mate. Now granted, it's obviously just a political move; he knows that he wouldn't have a chance in hell of winning if he had chosen an old rich white man (GOP bread and butter), and he knows that his first choice of running mate (Joe Lieberman) would be viewed as unacceptable by most right wingers. But seriously, Palin? She's been in politics for what, 8 years? Unless, of course, you're counting 'town council' of Bumblefuck, Alaska, in which case it's like 10. She's on record saying she has no idea what exactly the VP does. She lacks the international experience to work at a certain house of pancakes, let alone the White House. And she's against abortion IN CASES OF RAPE AND INCEST, which pretty makes her an idiot. Say what you will about human life, you are, of course, entitled to your opinion. But to want to ban abortions, even when the woman has been raped? That is seriously just fucking evil. I would love to resurrect Hitler, Pol Pot, and Torquemada (the Grand Inquisitor) and let them have a go at Palin. Hell, throw in Vlad the Impaler (lol!!1!) for good measure. See if she's still against an abortion then.

Ok, wow. Maybe that was a bit much. But I really think this election is the last chance the world is going to give us to get our shit together, and I'm really hoping we don't disappoint them...

On a lighter note, here's some things to look at!

The Story of Stuff: Something EVERY consumer should watch

Amazing Aerial Photography...Definitely check out London at night.

Safe and Satisfying Anger Management

This is one of my old standbys...Great for grammar freaks like me