Letters read and not read according to how they're sent

60 Minutes
Sunday, January 12, 2003

 

ANDY ROONEY: (Voiceover) I never dare to skip a letter from a lawyer.
I made some remarks about the idiocy of the awards in some personal injury lawsuits like the woman who was awarded $28 billion.
(Footage of letters)

ROONEY: (Voiceover) Jan Peterson says 'Hogwash! The right to settle our disputes by jury trial is the American way.' C. Jay Vreeland, a lawyer from Del Mar, California, wrote, 'Love your show, hated you Sunday night.'

I mentioned the woman who sued McDonald's because she spilled hot coffee in her lap.

(Footage of letter)

ROONEY: (Voiceover) John Gallagher of Gallagher, Schoenfeld, Surkin & Chupein, writes, 'I always knew you were a bilious old crank.'
Well, that's not nice, John.

(Footage of letter)

ROONEY: (Voiceover) Here's one about that case from Philip Corboy of Corboy & Demetrio in Chicago. 'Mr. Rooney, I genuinely hope that your wife, daughter or granddaughter is never burned in the genital area by a hot cup of coffee.'

ROONEY: (Voiceover) This is from Joanne Doroshow at the Center for Justice & Democracy, whatever that is. 

She complains, but it's a good letter.
(Footage of letter)

ROONEY: (Voiceover) 'Your commentary did a disservice to the debates over the importance of the civil justice system.'

Well, maybe it did and maybe it didn't, but next time that woman buys takeout coffee at McDonald's, I'll bet she'll have it with milk.
For a copy of the complete article, contact CJ&D.

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