A Litigious Society

"I think he did the right thing no matter the consequences." — Frank Reagan, "Blue Bloods"

"Blue Bloods" isn't the most popular show. It isn't the most dense show. It won't win any awards, probably, but it does achieve something interesting. It is about family. It is about ethics. And it is about asking and doing the hard things.

We like, publicly, to talk about the world in black and white terms. We do this in terms of the law, morality, and religion. But we live in a world that is full of grey areas. We all have to live in the grey areas, in the margins, and most people like living there.

We are also a world that likes to jump to conclusions, harshly judge others, and fails to take personal responsibility. That all came to mind when I watched "Blue Bloods" from Friday. One of the key story lines revolved around an off-duty police officer who foiled a robbery. Not only did the thief get caught without a shot being fired, all the civilians were protected.

Instead of being seen as a hero, the cop was brought up on charges because he'd been drinking before he risked his life to protect society. One of his fellow cops, Jamie, noted that if he'd been a civilian, he'd be hailed as a hero. Because he was a cop, he was deemed a public menace.

What his father Frank, the police commissioner, had to weigh was the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. In the end, he suspended the officer, but commended his bravery and refused to fire him, even though that is what most people thought should happen.

This, to me, speaks to a larger issue in our society. We live in a litigious world, one where people are looking for a handout however they can. In response, those with skills, training, and passion to help others are reluctant.

My wife talked about a time when she came upon a car accident. As a nurse and a good citizen, she stopped and rendered aid. But she was quick to leave before giving her name for fear she'd somehow be sued by the victim who sought to make a quick buck off the unfortunate incident.

We'd like to say that would never happen, but all our evidence proves otherwise. Doctors literally risk their careers when they use their skills to help someone in need outside their office or the hospital. We are a society that is breeding people to be fearful of being good samaritans.

I can't help but think we're going to reap what we sow. When we teach people to fail to live up to their own responsibility, when we create a society that punishes people for stepping out to help those in need, we create a society where we fail to care for our fellow man.

I can't help but think that's not how the world is supposed to work.