I think it's a bit nauseating that the Republican party constantly tries to paint Edwards as beholden to trial lawyers, claiming he uses his influence for their benefit. "Kettle! Kettle! Black! Kettle!"

In frenzy for tort reform, we seem to have overlooked a very important thing about the American judicial system--the courts are the main tool the American people have to exert some regulatory authority over business. If we could not sue corporations and professional service providers for providing bad services and products, they would have no reason not to do so. We'd be driving cars with malfunctioning seatbelts, our children would be playing with dangerous toys, we'd be eating poisonous food on a regular basis, and there would be nothing we could do about it.

Trial lawyers are not evil creatures. They do a very important job. Yes, there are some frivolous, meaningless lawsuits happening. But reform shouldn't mean eliminating civil suits altogether. Balance, people. Balance.