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Hernando Today

Shameful commentary

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Keith O'Dell Jr.

Tampa

Published: October 30, 2009

Re: John Nash's column, "Lawyers gone wild," in the Oct. 6 edition of Hernando Today.

First, I must say that fair reporting requires you to publish both sides of the story or rather both views, not just one. I've tried to communicate that to John Nash via e-mail numerous times only to have him get back to me after a week and state, he can't use a column for "that sort of thing." Stating, "That out of some of the 50 e-mail comments 96 percent were in agreement with the column published."

Hard to believe there were only two e-mails that disagreed with that article. I decided to write my own, in hopes of allowing the public to collect another opinion of this column.

"Do you suppose that when that lawyer brought the emotional and irrational jury to tears by showing them an 11-minute video of the victim playing with friends, he had visions of winning an unreasonably large award?" Other than not having your facts right, possessing a total lack of understanding as to how our civil justice system works, your views are comical and insensitive. What must not have been comical was for that mother to watch 11 minutes of her beautiful, only child's life snuffed out by irresponsible conduct. Anyone that is human can surely appreciate the fact that life is precious, and to lose anyone is unbearable.

Maybe, Mr. Nash you weren't around when there were no seat belts, no airbags in cars, exploding Ford Pintos and the tobacco industry was pandering to our youngest children. All that stopped because of great trial lawyers, who stood up and fought for the common good of the country.

"I hope that Kia and the car dealership involved will fight the disgraceful attempt to extort millions from them." As for your comment concerning the product defect case against Kia for a bad seat belt/restraint system, it's really great knowing people like you are in supporting this Korean car manufacturer who brought this product to American consumers. If the product was defective, the restraint system failed and this young girl was killed, it's troubling to know people like you are rooting for the underdog manufacturer against this innocent Brooksville family and their deceased daughter.

There are much more vitriolic nonsensical attacks that say a lot more about the author than those he seeks to defame, but I feel that I must stop if only because it is not likely to get through to Mr. Nash.

In closing, I would just like to say that common sense goes a long way with most people; however, I am convinced that Mr. Nash has none. Those who took the time to read, I thank you, and would ask that you at least think and use your own common sense to realize that this was a very sad and tragic story, which could and should have been avoided.

Lawyers are needed and will take to the stand to help fight for what is right. To attack on one of the country's best trial lawyers and the best system of justice that exists in the entire world is misguided and wrong. To utilize the power of the pen in a grossly opinionate and slanted manner and at the same time refuse to publish an opposing view is shameful.

Such conduct does not represent fair reporting and is in fact a disservice to the public's right to all of the facts and only then make a determination as to the truth. Shame on this type of "journalism" and God bless this young mother and her determined lawyers who fought for what is right. If lives are saved it will be because of them and the courageous jurors of Hernando County — not scribes like Mr. Nash.

Keith O'Dell Jr.

The Yerrid Law Firm

Tampa

Editor's note: John Nash is not a reporter; he's a columnist, whose work is published on the editorial page. The editorial page is for an individual's view on particular issues, like Mr. O'Dell's, not a balanced report like the news reporting found on the news pages of the newspaper.

The Yerrid Law Firm

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