Compassion over the girl's death is not incompatible with consternation over
the circumstances of her death and pessimism over its probably litigious
consequences. Granted, there's not been a lawsuit filed in this case yet,
but I doubt any of us will be surprised to see it happen.

At the risk of being called bitter and cynical, it's a sign of our times
that, no matter what safety precautions are taken and what degree of
rationality is expected of visitors, there will inevitably be someone who
thinks that various principles of physics, gravity and common sense don't
apply to him/herself, and there will inevitably be some lawyer available to
place very expensive blame everywhere except where it actually belongs. Yes,
these are our guests, but is it too much to ask that they behave like guests
without pulling stunts like this?

Best wishes,

Thomas Berry, Archivist
Historical Construction Equipment Association
16623 Liberty Hi Road
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Phone 419-352-5616
Fax 419-352-6086
[log in to unmask]
http://www.hcea.net






----- Original Message -----
From: Delecia Huitt
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 3:44 PM
Subject: Re: Chicago Museum


HURRAY!!!!!  A voice with a little compassion.  I hope that I never get to a
point where worrying over a possible, maybe, could happen lawsuit, would
surpass the compassion felt for the family and the girl herself.  What has
happened to make so many of you so bitter and cynical?   As a parent, I
would hope that you would not look upon every child that enters your museum
as a little dummy who may end up causing you problems.  Why should we not be
expected to make our museums as safe as possible for those we invite there.
They're our guests, aren't they???  They put bread on our tables, don't
they???

Delecia B. Huitt
Southern Missouri Historic District
2901 Hwy 61
Festus, MO 63028
636-931-5200
fax 636-931-5204


"Carol Ely" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: "Museum discussion list" <[log in to unmask]>
05/12/2003 02:08 PM
Please respond to "Museum discussion list"

        To:        [log in to unmask]
        cc:        (bcc: Delecia Huitt/DSP/MODNR)
        Subject:        Re: Chicago Museum



> Instead of allowing stupid genes to be naturally
> eliminated from the population our politicians introduce laws that try
> to reduce the serious consequences of stupid behaviour by the stupid.

My God, people, the girl DIED. It was certainly a stupid move, but teenagers
do stupid things, and she DIED of a fractured skull in front of her friends,
teachers, and classmates.

These cold-hearted comments are completely uncalled for.

No one has filed a lawsuit (yet) - so it's a bit too soon to start going off
on how this relates to American attitudes on litigation. No "politicians"
have yet introduced laws to prevent teenagers from sliding down bannisters
in museums in Chicago.

I have no problem with public places being made as safe as reasonably
possible, with railings, barriers, and warnings. Some people are stupid, and
others are just unlucky, or clumsy. Children do unpredictable and yes,
stupid, things. I'd rather they not die.

I have no problem with reasonable regulations to make places safer. I have
no problem with "politicians" (otherwise known as the officials we elected)
introducing such legislation. I have no problem with our court system
holding organizations and individuals accountable for preventable violations
of laws involving public safety. (and this accident in Chicago probably
doesn't fall into this category).

Just show a little compassion here, please.

Carol Ely
Museum consultant
Louisville

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