A message from the people [at least one people, that is]:

For those who, in letters to the editor and in comments, attack our juries and say they can't determine the value of human loss, please read the following:

To realize the value of 10 years: Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years: Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour: Ask lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute: Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one second: Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

To realize the value of a friend: Lose one.

To realize it's all only worth $250,000: Ask a politician, your physician, or the insurance industry.

Questions?