Prohibition Claims Another Victim

This time it's the prohibition on "underage drinking." That is, the prohibition on imbibing alcoholic beverages under the arbitrary age limit of 21.

The news story recounts John Powell accepting a $5 bet to be punched in the face by Tiffany Startz. Her punch killed him. Or, that's the official story. Technically, the punch only "ruptured an artery in Powell's neck, causing blood to pool around his brain." Here's what really killed him:

Guy said Crest Hill police found that no one called 911 until after partygoers had settled on a story and gave the underage drinkers time to leave.

"They weren't concerned about my son lying there," she said.

The story doesn't mention how long the partygoers waited to call 911 but according to WebMD "[brain hemorrhaging] is a life-threatening condition, and you should call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately." (emphasis added) Unfortunately, under current law, had these people called 911 immediately the headline probably would have read something like:

Underage Drinkers and Partygoers Arrested After 911 Call                                                                                   Man lives after accepting bet to be punched in face

At the very least we need immunity laws for calling 911. It's unacceptable for people to die because they're afraid to call police for help.

Special Thanks to WebMD. Always there to vex my hypochondria.