Every once in awhile, a movie comes along that challenges long held beliefs and makes you question how much you really know about a particular subject like tort reform. I haven’t stopped thinking about the new HBO documentary Hot Coffee www.hotcoffeethemovie.com since I finished watching it this week. I was blown away by the rampant ignorance of the average American regarding issues like mandatory arbitration which really and truly do affect every single one of us. I’m frightened by the power unleashed by the U.S. Chamber and big corporations in the last two decades which have influenced and changed public policy in such a way as to limit the civil rights of average American citizens. Big money buys big influence and the true impact of tort reform legislation, which includes caps on damages resulting from civil suits is only truly being felt right now in the states that have approved such legislation. Even people who voted for tort reform are now having second thoughts as they see their right to seek damages in open court and confront the parties that harmed them being severely restricted or denied.

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In a recent interview Kevin Bacon commented that the blessing of age is that your body goes to hell right along with your eye sight so at least you can’t see the deterioration very clearly. I used to wonder why older women had those long gray hairs sprouting out of their chin and lips and now I know, you can’t see the damn things. I came by this knowledge recently after a night out with my husband. I had taken care that night with my clothes and makeup and was feeling pretty cute that is until I leaned over the magnifying mirror while brushing my teeth and spotted one gray hair about 3 inches long sticking out of my face right between my eyes. I was freaking horrified. The first thing that crossed my mind was that now I was the older lady with white hair growing out of my face. That being said, I’ve resolved to go easy on myself, to give up relentless self criticism of my body and my looks. I’ve been over weight my entire life. I reached a personal high point a few years ago and nearly gave up but I’m down a few pounds and thanks to a newly awakened interest in weight lifting am strong and fit. I just don’t want to waste any more time thinking about my weight. I’ve spent enough years feeling bad because I didn’t have a flat stomach and perky boobs. I’m laying that bull shit down at last so that I can live my life feeling joy and not angst.

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South Carolina is currently projecting a budget shortfall of $877 million in 2012. With a GDP of $159.6 billion in 2009, our current debt/GDP radio is 9.59%. The state has $12.1 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and unfunded health care and other liabilities of $8.6 billion. Our state is in financial trouble. Two billion dollars has already been cut out of what was a $7 billion budget three years ago. John Ruoff, director of South Carolina Fair Share summed it up when he said, “We’ve cut the fat. We’ve eaten the muscle and now we’re cracking open the bones and sucking the marrow.” Even business people are concerned about further cuts to the budget. The Greenville News quotes Frank Knapp, president of the small business Chamber as saying, “We can’t cut our way to prosperity.” Business leaders are rightfully concerned about further debilitating cuts to health care and education and what that could mean for the future of our state and its citizens. Ruoff, Knapp and others have formed a coalition to urge lawmakers to consider tax reform and yes, tax hikes to cope with the budget deficit. The recent report from the SC Taxation Realignment Commission or TARP suggested several revenue raising ideas including eliminating the 44% discount on capital gains income and lifting the tax cap on luxury items like yachts and jet planes.

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