by Dante Ghi

Created on: February 09, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Blame. Such a harsh word. It is always associated with displeasure. Who is to blame for the unusual death of Jennifer Strange? This is a question her family is certainly attempting to answer. Executives at KDND 107.9 certainly would like to know the answer. Most likely, lawyers and judges will ultimately determine the answer. But, will it be the right answer?

Let us review the actors in this tragedy. First, KDND The End 107.9. How ironic that the radio station promoting the contest that ultimately led to the demise of Ms. Strange would be called The End. Are they to blame? Afterall, it was their contest, their rules, their water. I'm certain the planning of the contest included some discussion about whether this type of contest would draw any listeners. Although they contributed, they are not to blame.

Second is the Nintendo Corporation. They are the entity responsible for the creation, production, distribution, and price of the Wii. Based on the advertisements, they had to know that there would be a high demand for the item. They purposely made a limited supply, knowing this would create more profit for them. They manufactured the demand for the Wii, however, they are not to blame.

Third brings us to Ms. Strange's children. Her three children. They were the ultimate recipients of the Wii. Their wants for the latest and greatest toy are what drove Ms. Strange to do such a thing as enter a contest that could possibly effect her health. Every parent wants to tell their children 'yes'. Every parent wants to please and demonstrate thier love for their children. That is how society is. We, adults, normally attempt to provide for our children so that they have a better life than we did. These children are not to blame.

Fourth is Mr. Strange. Where was he when his wife, the mother of his children, was attempting to hold her wee for a Wii? Did he condone such juvenile actions? Did he encourage it? Did he see this as a way for his wife to save him some money, money that could be used for his own, personal satisfaction? Unfortunately, Mr. Strange is absent from comment. Only he and the decedent know his level of support. Even in absence, he is not to blame.

Fifth is you. Yes, you. As a contibuting member of society, you help to form our social norms. You, collectively, created the demand for 'bigger and better' America. You contribute to the 'Rat Race', you push to compete with the Jones', and the SMith's to compete with you both. You look down from your SUV upon those that are not your 'equal', driving them to obtain more. You smirk at the shirts and bumber stickers proclaiming "The one with the most TOYS wins". You made her desire to please her children so that they could be the 'cool' children. You created the environment of greed and materialism that pushed Ms. Strange to drink one more mouthful of water. Water consumed in greed in a state that is abnormally dry to severly dry, depending on how far south you live. Over 75% of the State of California is in a drought (U.S. Drought Monitor for Feb. 6, 2007). Although you made the race, you are not to blame.

Sixth and finally is our culprit. Ms. Jennifer Strange, loving wife and caring mother to three. She is to blame. She held the ultimate responsibility for her own safety. She was not mentally challenged. She was not otherwise handicapped. She was able to enter the contest of her own free will. It is common knowledge that anything in excess is harmful, even our beloved water. She knew, or should have known, the dangers associated with the contest. She had the drive, the greed, the motivation to compete. No other person or entity can claim that. Only Ms. Strange.

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