Idiocracy

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The comments section of The Consumerist blog is not always known for its high quality content, but I do read the articles occasionally, because I am often a cheapskate when it comes to consumer items.  Sometimes an article about consumer issues illustrates the worst things in modern society:

Charges Filed Against Bed, Bath & Beyond Manager Who Refused To Allow 911 Call

Now, one could perhaps conceivably argue about fine legal points such as the obligation to defend others, the appropriateness of mandatory reporting laws, and the like.  The legal issues here are not what disturb me.  

First, assume for the sake of argument that this couple who saw the toddler in the hot car adequately communicated to the Bed, Bath & Beyond clerk the life and death nature of this situation.  The clerk, because of what she understood as a corporate policy to not get involved in matters in the parking lot, refused to allow this couple to use the phone to call 911 either out of blind obedience or fear of reprisal, or both.

This is not BB&B's fault.  It should not have to explain that an employee should make an exception to corporate policy to save life and limb.   Someone failed to teach this person morality and common sense long ago.

Maybe it's just the next step in the process of evolution by natural selection.  The video below is not safe for work, and possibly other places.

Idiocracy Court Battle