Yes, I don't think we should joke about what was obviously a tragic event, but I don't feel it is disrespectful to say that it was a stupid act.
And regarding lawsuits - I don't mean to harp on this but most people don't realize what a surprisingly big role they play in shaping parts of our society - mostly for the good, if I may editorialize. Without lawsuits, for example, many corporations would have less incentive to provide healthy, safe products as well as decent conditions for their workers (our roads could still be clogged with exploding Pintos). They have also helped raise the safety bar at amusement parks, although I agree sometimes this may reduce the "thrill" on some rides. Please don't mistake this as a plea for more lawsuits. And one last time - it does not matter about warning signs, video cameras, or the type of restraint - Disney would lose this (hypothetical) lawsuit. This isn't even the most egregious example of rider misbehaviour. My favorite (briefly) - a woman on the Knott's rapids ride, when she saw she might get wet, unbuckled her restraint and JUMPED INTO THE WATER, breaking her leg. She sued. Knott's lost (settled, actually). You could smuggle a welder's torch onto a freefall ride, and cut out the harness when you reach the top, leap to your death, and your family would still win a lawsuit against the park. Ridiculous? Yes. Reality? Unfortunately. And in the end, insurance premiums that parks have to pay go up and up - and guess who pays that bill in the end.
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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.
*** This post was edited by spewey on 11/6/2000. ***