This past Thursday and Friday, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush were deposed for the Indiana Stage Fair stage collapse. At this time, it seems like a giant finger pointing catastrophe. The fans are blaming everyone and anyone who will listen for the tragedy…Sugarland and fair personal, as well as the staging company are all responsible. But, in reality, who is really to blame??

It is a tragedy that people lost their lives while attending a concert. True, it should have been a good time. But in a world of smart phones with immediate weather reporting, I think it’s safe to say that fair officials, the band, and the fans themselves all had information literally at their finger tips. The sky darkened and it became clear that a dangerous situation was imminent.

However, in our lawsuit happy society, when tragedy strikes the first thing we do is hire an attorney. In reality, everyone can share a little bit of the responsibility. Fair officials are really in charge of overseeing staging and the climate in which the event is taking place. If a mass evacuation were to be ordered, they are the ones who would have to make the call and lead people into the safe places. Sugarland and their folks certainly could have taken some initiative in postponing the show and making sure their equipment didn’t effect the stage stability. The folks building the stage obviously should make sure the structure is sound.

But realize, all of these people and entities could’ve ordered people to go…But the fans could have just as easily left on their own…Taken responsibility for themselves when they saw the darkness approaching. We all have time to check facebook and upload our latest Twit Pic, but we will ignore weather alerts and approaching storms to stand in wind, rain, and blizzard conditions for our favorite band or artist.

I know it may seem insensitive, but in all reality….We are all responsible for ourselves. Information is available to all, but it’s up to us to decide what we’re gonna do with it. The bottom line is, sometimes there is no one to blame…Sometimes it is literally just an act of God, a natural disaster, and a tragic accident. The incident itself can provide information to avoid much of the same in the future. Stages will no doubt be built sturdier with clearer guidelines. Fair and event officials will begin to have plans in place for in-climate and potentially dangerous weather, and hopefully fans will be aware of their surroundings when attending outdoor events…Pointing fingers and trying to squeeze cash out of those we deem responsible isn’t going to do any good…Especially if we can’t accept any of the blame ourselves.

I’m sure saying all of this out loud, or typing it for all to see rather, will stir-up some trouble. I’m sure people will get angry. I’m sure some of you will think I’m mean, heartless, cold…But I assure you, that’s not the case. I’m so sad for those who were injured and for those who lost their lives. I’m sad that such a tragedy occurred, but I’m sad that we can’t celebrate the lives of those lost, and remember them fondly while moving on with lessons learned.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com Don’t miss a country music beat! Sign up to receive free email updates or subscribe to CMTT via RSS today!