Disclaimer Nation (Don't try this at home)

Is is just me, or does it seem like disclaimers in commercials are not only exponentially increasing in number, but becoming both more asinine (sp?) and just plain frightening? Disclaimers for prescription drugs have become so long and convoluted that the advertisers are just having the actors read them. Instead of the fast-talking, monotone, legalese dialect read by some off-camera voice like we're used to, now we have the actors themselves saying things like: "My doctor told me about possible side-effects, such as stomach cramps, anal leakage, and dry mouth. But he said that (insert FDA-lapdog-drug-name-here) is right for me!"

And then, of course, you have a pill for something relatively benign, with a disclaimer stating "serious, sometimes fatal, side effects have occured." WHAT?!! And you still think this is an effective ad campaign? I think I'll keep my toe fungus rather than risk liver failure, thanks.

And now, even investments firms are getting into the game. "Consider all options, risk, and opportunities carefully before investing." Translation: "please don't sue us if the market takes a nose-dive."

Of course, we have Enron, MCI Worldcom, and the litigation-obsessed culture of modern America to thank for all this.