In a message dated 4/29/01 5:32:10 PM, Ari@OLTECO.com writes:

<<  the case in question
        is EXPLICITLY about VW NOT having equipped an '86 Vanagon with
        a 3-point restraint in a CENTER seat (the rightmost position of
        the middle two seater bench seat... NOW imagine how such a
        restraint could be installed, operated and supported by the
        structure of the vehicle and you'll see WHY VW didn't ever do it.>>

I can imagine such an installation and, without too much of a stretch, so
could VW.  I have a coloring book version of the EKTA which someone was
hawking on the list a while back.  It has depictions of 3 - point seat belts
coming out its wazoo.  They are shown on the right seating position of the
full width middle seat, the left position of the 2 person middle seat, both
sides of the rear seat and even on a folding ambulance seat which looks like
nothing more than a beach chair with thick cushions.  VW could learn a lesson
from Mark Twain who said," You can't depend on you judgment when your
imagination is out of focus."

     <<If a piece of an airplane falls through the roof of my house and
        kills or injures a member of my family should I hold the builder
        of my ~50 year old house responsible?>>

Sure, if at the time he built your house he knew there was the likelyhood
that sooner or later the tail section of a 747 was going to come through your
roof, if there was some proven technology he didn't use in the construction
of your abode which would have mitagated your loss and, most importantly, if
he were still alive.

Rich