Can Large Overseas Companies be Made to Pay Damages to American Consumers?

We had a saying when I lived in Alabama to describe someone who was a real screw up, "That boy could break an anvil with a rubber hammer." Our Congress, who is sworn to protect us, has sold us out and they then feign righteous indignation for the courts and cameras long after the campaign contribution checks have cleared. Indeed, they could break an anvil with a rubber hammer.

The lawyers scratch their pointy little heads and ask the $64,000 question: can these large overseas companies actually be made to pay damages to American consumers? Sadly they answer, "probably not."

via WatchingTheWatchers.org

The original article dates back to June 2009.  Since then, it is apparent that those consumers are looking more toward the Federal Government for financial assistance.  There are 360 pending lawsuits mentioned in "Breaking an Anvil".  The American mainstream news media has not reported heavily on any of the proceedings.

The major earthquakes in Haiti and Chile continue to remain on the forefront of today's news.  There has been an outpouring of aid to the victims.  Social media continues to receive an honorable mention in keeping the world informed about their plight.  Unfortunately for the victims of defective Chinese drywall, the man-made nature of the problem seems to nuture an indifferent (almost spiteful) sentiment among those that are not immediately affected.

For example, in response to a recent Chinese drywall article posted to Bradenton.com, readers commented on how the Chinese drywall problem is not aid-worthy:

This WILL be a WASTE of the TaxPayers money!

Pay for the builder's mistake? Compensate the building for cutting corners? The builders should have bought American Products.

What is FEMA going to do? Pay for your mistakes. Pay for you cutting the corners. You should have bought american, you wouldn't have had this problem. You guys should be made examples of for not buying American Products.

Go after the builders, first. From assets, insurance and property holdings, then ask the gov't for help. Builders bought cheap, sold expensive. Hey, you get what you pay for. The builders lied. Time for builders to take responsibility for their actions.

For now, news about the Chinese drywall problem remains fairly visible in Southwest Florida.  It has been getting more airtime than the Toyota recall lately.  However, it remains to be seen whether or not Americans will choose deal or no deal with regard to helping out those affected by Chinese drywall.

Posted via web from chinesedrywall's posterous