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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).