TO MY FRIENDS IN MATA

Many of you have heard people say that wisdom comes with age. My guess is, this phrase was created by some old guy wanting to cheer himself up as he traveled to his next doctor's appointment.

The one benefit of age; however, is that it gives one perspective and experience in dealing with political challenges that seem to come in cycles. Age also allows a person to see in simple terms why things occur.

In our society, businesses exist for one greedy reason - to make money. Profits go up when they increase the amount of money that they bring in and lower the amount that they pay out. In times where business is tough, the focus is on cost-cutting, which means taking money from employees by lessening salary and benefits, by cutting down what they pay injured workers and by cutting down what they pay those hurt by their carelessness.

When the political winds put those in office that seek to curry favor with business, then legislation is proposed, argued and oftentimes passed to give more to business and less to employees, workers, and injured persons. Unfortunately, I have been through these cycles, and it is a painful experience. Oftentimes, the cycle becomes more violent when, as has been the case lately, interest rates are low and the insurance companies are making less money on their retained capital. The need to take from those who have little grows in direct proportion to corporate greed. This reverse Robin Hood mentality that allows the powerful to step on the weak is transparent and predictable and has no place in a modern, democratic society.

What are we to do? If we ask ourselves what we truly believe, the answer will be obvious. Do we truly believe that those who negligently and carelessly cause injury should be required to fully compensate their victims? Do we truly believe that all people are entitled to a trial by a jury of their peers? Do we truly believe that courthouses should be opened to all, not just businesses? Do we truly believe that fair compensation is not only morally right but legally and constitutionally required? If we answer “yes” to these questions, then we know what we must do. We must fight for what we believe. Will the fight be more difficult given the current political makeup? Yes. Will there be battles that logically, morally and factually should not be lost because of the political power of the wealthy? Probably. Do we owe any less obligation to our clients just because the battle is harder now and the cards are stacked against us? Of course not.

While some say, “it does not matter, the politicians have their minds made up” - I disagree. That may be true for some, but not for those with a conscience. I believe that when you are right on an issue, and we certainly are right on these issues, legislators, regardless of party, should be challenged to do the right thing. Those with a conscience will hear us and be with us. We must show them that what is at stake right now is nothing more than government-sanctioned welfare to insurance companies and preferential treatment to the wealthy, while taking from the poorest and weakest voices in our society. It is certainly not a time to sit back while making the excuse that doing nothing is okay because it does not matter what we do. All of us have won difficult cases because we were right and did not quit!!

Two and a half centuries ago, Tom Paine stirred his complacent patriots to action with words we all remember: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman....yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

I urge each of you to fight for our clients, to fight for their right to a fair trial, and to fight against those who would steal the legitimate rights of the weak and helpless. Remember, we are the voice of the sick and injured who, otherwise, would have no voice. To this end, we never tire, we never back up, and we never step down. Looking for an excuse to give up is not acceptable. Certainly not now! Certainly not for MATA members!

Sincerely,

Tom Strong