1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation
Teachers: Anne Kline and James Foletta

Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

1st Melissa Mix   2nd Tisha Bacigalupi   3rd Sarah McDonnell

"[A driver] claimed the accident was not his fault because the road construction with its loud machinery had distracted him and he could not concentrate on the road ahead. Once again responsibility was not taken."
Sanam Kashgia, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"If we were to accept that because criminals are victims of abuse, divorced or absentee parents, living in the inner city, etc., and therefore cannot be held responsible for their actions, we would have to release every prisoner in the nation. . .Criminals need to see that what they do is not ok and that their actions will not be rewarded by either light sentences or ridiculous awards in court."
Nicole Griffin, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Still another absurd case involves a bank robber who is suing the bank he robbed because he was hurt while trying to escape through the turnstile doors. The criminals are being rewarded for their blunders and the victims are paying. Too many people are shifting the blame and neglecting their responsibilities as citizens." 
Tisha Bacigalupi, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Another example of irresponsibility was displayed by a family who sued Los Gatos Christian Church. Their daughter went water skiing with the high school group and she didn't know how to ski. The youth leaders then proceeded to teach her how by giving her instructions. When she finally began skiing she hit a wave, and fell resulting in an injured knee. The church paid for everything, hospital stay, ambulance ride, physical therapy and other expenses, without being asked. About three years after the incident the family sued the church for $50,000 because they didn't teach her how to ski properly."
Kerri Franklin, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

  "A man felt his wife was at fault because she did not love him at the time of their marriage. A court actually thought a quarter of a million dollars is due to a man because he was not loved. This society allows preposterous claims like this one to go on. The man puts the blame on his new wife for the failed marriage. He did not share the responsibility. This sort of behavior is not isolated. While watching television my mother saw a story of a women suing a wealthy man for breaking their engagement. She was granted over $200,000. She will not have to work for a long while because a man decided she really was not the right woman for him. This society punishes a man for not loving a woman enough. Again this person is not taking the responsibilities to survive, but instead living off another's hard work."
Tisha Bacigalupi, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Winston, however, claimed that he suffered from "a handicap of sexual addiction." Being handicapped can stop good judgment, but hiding under a subtitle shows no responsibility on his part."
Sanam Kashgia, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

"Under federal law, any person with a low income and a mental or physical 'disability' that keeps him from working, is entitled to SSI[Supplemental Security Income]. In certain cases, addiction can be defined as a disability, so some people hooked on drugs or alcohol are entitled to benefits."
Chris Myers, Pioneer High School, San Jose, California

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