Donald B.
Ardell – December 19, 2010
In a verdict that represents a "castle in the air"
rejection of natural causes and consequences, the family of a man who for
decades used a product known to be hazardous to life and limb won five million
dollars. The legal system declared that the deceased was a victim of the
tobacco company that produced Skoal and Copenhagen smokeless tobaccos, the
agent of Bobby Hill's demise.
The facts in the case are not disputed. The product is legal
to promote and sell. Sales of smokeless tobacco are on the rise. While
smokeless tobacco products are less of a health hazard than cigarettes, that
should be small comfort. It's like arguing that playing Russian roulette with
one bullet in the chamber is less insane than with two bullets in the chamber.
Bobby Hill, 42 at the time of death in 2003, was done in by his long term use
of smokeless tobacco. He was not forced to chew this repulsive product. He must
have enjoyed doing so. In fact, despite research showing that smokeless tobacco
is loaded with carcinogens, is addictive and is associated with gum disease,
tooth loss, cancer of the mouth heart disease and stupidity, he used it anyway.
This decision is legal madness. It also rejects a foundation
tenet of REAL wellness, namely, that we are responsible for our choices. But,
many people love to gamble and hate to take responsibility, so if you plan to
enter the "I'm Not Responsible, It's Your Fault" sweepstakes, pick a
product and start consuming it with fervor in excess. Disregard the obvious
health hazards of doing so. Choose something addictive and ignore all who urge
you to cease and desist with the self-destruction. There are many possibilities
other than tobacco products, such as hot dogs, cupcakes, donuts, ice cream,
fudge and so on. Use your imagination. But, stick with one product from one
company, and make sure the company is prosperous and likely to be in business
when the time comes for your heirs to sue.
While you yourself will eventually come to a bad end, you
will have the satisfaction while still alive that you making it possible for
your heirs to enter the "I'm Not Responsible, It's Your Fault"
sweepstakes. You never know - in this country, they just might win.
Donald B.
Ardell is the Well Infidel. He
favors evidence over faith, reason over revelation and meaning and purpose over
spirituality. His enthusiasm for reason, exuberance and liberty are reflected
in his books (14), newsletter (approximately 700 editions beginning in January,
1984) and lectures throughout North America and a dozen other countries.