Deaths on Rail Tracks
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No one would deny the fact that the husbands of Roberta Halpern and Usha Waney have been traumatized by the unfortunate accident at the Del Mar rail depot. Is a lawsuit the answer?
The question is one of responsibility. Webster defines responsibility as “moral, legal, or mental accountability.”
Who then is accountable for the deaths of Roberta Halpern and Usha Waney?
It is perhaps natural to want to blame others for our own actions.
When we hit our thumb with a hammer it’s “that stupid hammer.” When we hit a bad tennis shot, we look at the racket. It is indeed a mature person who can see objectively through the pain and take responsibility for one’s own actions.
This country was founded on the principle of independence. Being independent is not looking to others for opinions or for the guidance of one’s conduct.
This then is the dilemma--wanting to be independent but without the responsibility and accountability.
The unfortunate trend in this country is to make others responsible for our own actions.
If we do not accept accountability for our own actions, I am afraid we will eventually lose our independence.
RONALD M. KIMURA
Cardiff
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