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Gordon Winters: Readers have little sympathy for woman who sued McDonald's

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Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008 - 12:52:53 am CDT

The brief story on the hearing-impaired woman who sued McDonald’s because she wanted to use the drive-in window spawned 155 comments. The overwhelming majority took the position voiced by John Galt: “Another frivolous lawsuit filed by another crybaby. It is unfortunate that people develop disabilities but it is not right to make others bear the burden. Take some personal responsibility, go inside and order, and stop complaining. Everyone has problems, deal with it.”

But a few commenters supported Karen Tumeh’s lawsuit. Cannotbelieveyoupeople wrote: “WOW!! Does anybody have compassion anymore for the disabled? I prefer to keep my dignity intact when possible. I am sure that she has her reasons for the lawsuit! Maybe before you leave a comment you should use some EMPATHY!!!

Mayor: Proposed 10.1 percent rate hike is step in right direction; 85 published comments.

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Gordon Winters

Most of the commenters had nothing good to say about the proposed increase in electric rates. Me wrote: “Now, are they going to give us a 10 percent wage increase as well? I think not!!”

Joe riposted: “Consider yourselves lucky. In L.A., So Cal Edison is likely proposing a 30 pct rate increase.”

Letters, 7/16: Stop NASCAR to save gas; 78 published comments.

Len Hoggat’s letter suggesting that NASCAR races be eliminated to save fuel drew comments that were both pro and con. Jon congratulated Hoggat for stirring controversy: “That was some stinky bait you used there Len. What a stringer of fish! My hat is off to ya.”

Chad didn’t think much of the idea: “I’m no fan of NASCAR but last time I checked, the league paid for the fuel. They can do with it what they choose. That’s the free market people. Obviously enough people are entertained by NASCAR to justify the fuel costs.”

Fair Vote Nebraska: Issue isn’t dead; 70 published comments.

Seventy comments were posted to a story reporting that a group had failed to put the Nebraska State Fair move on the ballot, but was considering other options. A few commenters were disappointed. John wrote, “This is truly a sad day for us. I think we as a state should have voted for this. Not just UNL wanting and UNL getting.”

Most, however, wanted to put the issue in the past. Barry Walker wrote: “Finally it’s gone. The fair was never really that good and I am sure GI will be able to do it better. Now bring on the Tech park and some better jobs to Lincoln.”

City, consultants molding arena ‘site concepts’; 63 published comments

Sixty-three people weighed in on the story about preliminary concepts for a new Haymarket arena. Many of the comments addressed the plan to put the project to a vote. It’s a done deal said: “I believe our city leaders have already decided to build the arena. The only thing we will be allowed to vote on is how to finance it. If we shoot down their proposed financing, they will only find a way to STEAL the money out of our pockets without a vote.”

Well if history repeats countered with: “The Omaha Civic auditorium was built in 1954 and Pershing in 1957. I wonder how many people at that time said ‘no way can Lincoln compete with the Civic since it’s bigger/better/supported by more citizens, etc.’ Pershing did fine.

To do nothing would be a BIG step backwards.”

Reach Gordon Winters at 473-7434 or gwinters@journalstar.com.


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Better wrote on July 22, 2008 6:12 am:
" While actually reading the comments is the best way to see what people are saying (at least the comments the JSP Co. chooses to print), this overview of the interactivity was more accurate as it noted which position(s) tended to be more dominate in the postings. "

 Goffman herselftypo fixed wrote on July 22, 2008 3:56 pm:
" Unfortunately, the description "disabled" often acts as a shorthand instruction to treat our fellow human beings in a diminished way. I admire Tumeh's suit and wish her cause well--such suits hopefully set worthy legal precedents for those with the chutzpah to expose themselves, but personally I decry labelling of all kinds when it leads, as it often does, to manufactured societal roadblocks. For me, the "disability" is often in the eye of the perceiver--not in the person who gets perceived and judged as lesser just so others may retain their sense of social status(even their self-perception as good Christians on a mission of helping the less fortunate) and self-importance. True illness and physical limitations of course do exist, but the attitudes accompanying these can be far more damaging than the physical issue itself. The real pain resides in being treated differently, not in being lame. Disability is hardly a matter of simple medicine, and we should be careful not to over-medicalize it, it's about social control, dominance and inequality--being viewed and treated as a second-class citizen even if your test scores may be among the highest in the room. "

 nice job wrote on July 22, 2008 7:40 pm:
" I think Gordon does a much better summary than Benjamin Franklin usually does. Or maybe this weeks comments were just a little better. "

 Al wrote on July 22, 2008 11:00 pm:
" People are missing the bigger issue with drive throughs. Think of how much gas is wasted and how much carbon is vmoited into our air by the lines of cars idling in drive throughs across the nation. If you must eat meat from all of these fast food places, turn off the car and WALK inside. It is better for your health and the health of our Planet. "

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