In response to the Aug. 2 article "State faces E. coli lawsuit": This is another example of the spurious lawsuits that prove that tort reform is a serious priority that must be immediately addressed. Personal responsibility is a concept that is becoming obsolete in our society. The parents of these children bear the burden of responsibility.
The duties of parenthood include educating oneself about risks associated with child health and well-being. It is not the responsibility of the local, state or federal governments to oversee and monitor the personal responsibility associated with choosing to procreate. The state of North Carolina took appropriate precautions regarding these petting zoos at the 2004 State Fair. While it is quite unfortunate and regrettable that the children became ill as a result of their visit to the petting zoo, it is nevertheless ultimately the parents who must accept responsibility. By allowing their children to visit the petting zoo, the parents (or guardians) are the ones accountable for ensuring that the children were monitored while in the petting zoo and appropriately cleansed afterward to minimize the risk of becoming infected with E. coli.
Beverly Ann Stadermann-Chester
