Black Friday

One day a year, stores open their doors before God awakens to bring in shoppers and make Black Friday the most profitable day of the year. The problem is, the crazies come out of the woodwork. This year, a 73 year old woman was trampled in Southern Florida, a fight had to be broken up in a Wal-Mart, and a pregnant lady was run over before being taken to the hospital. This happens every year, and every year we are shocked and appalled that the businesses did not provide enough security in the store to protect the customers.

As John Stossel would say, "Give me a break!" Do you stand in the street during the Running of the Bulls and sue the government when they did not provide enough protection? Of course not. (But if you do, call John Edwards.) Black Friday is known for its rough-housing, trampling, and tackling in order to get that last Tickle-Me-Elmo. (Have you seen Jingle All the Way?) It shouldn't be surprising that at 5AM on the day following Thanksgiving, it's everyone out for themselves. It should not be the primary interest of the companies to provide protection for the customers from the customers. That should be secondary to the protection of their own merchandise and store.

So, I have some advice to all of those who want good deals for Christmas (or the Holiday Season for you secularists). The internet is a useful tool. If you can't hang with the big dogs, stay in your PJ's. And if you do feel up to throwing elbows to grab that last XBOX 360 at $399, don't complain when you come home to little Billy with a bloodstain on your blouse. I'm sure he'd appreciate the effort and injury for the hours he'll sit in front of the TV playing Call of Duty 2.