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Abby's Odyssey: In Defense of the Sunderlands (Should they be blamed for this dangerous adventure?)
American Thinker ^ | 06/13/2010 | Tim Gordon

Posted on 06/14/2010 6:58:42 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

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To: Little Ray

I just wonder how people’s reaction would be had Abby Sunderland actually SUCCEEDED in her solo trip to be the youngest world circum-navigator...

Would it be as hostile as the reception she’s getting now ? Or would she be hailed as a hero...

I mean Christopher Columbus went on his trip to the New World with just a theory and lots of tax payer money. Had his ships sunk, would this adventure have been called fool hardy ?


21 posted on 06/14/2010 7:18:09 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind
Oh, heavens, these parents endangered this girl by letting her sail around the world.

Oh heavens, her parents don't need to know a thing about us spiriting her across state lines to have an abortion.

Sorry - I'm just wondering how many on the left are having heart palpitations over the parents letting this girl sail alone, but have no problem whatsoever standing against parental notification for abortions.

Personally, I wouldn't have let my child try to sail around the world by herself. I think it's dumb, and I have a feeling the parents allowed it because they needed the publicity.

22 posted on 06/14/2010 7:18:21 AM PDT by MEGoody (Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)
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To: SeekAndFind

He wasn’t alone and 16.


23 posted on 06/14/2010 7:19:22 AM PDT by traderrob6
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To: Little Ray
This was a foolish stunt undertaken at the wrong time of year. I also read that she was knocked out when her mast broke and was unconscious for an unknown period of time.

And there are alternatives to Facebook and cellphone usage that don't include risking death for a reality show and an "I DID IT!" record.

24 posted on 06/14/2010 7:20:02 AM PDT by DJ MacWoW (If Bam is the answer, the question was stupid.)
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To: Tax-chick

Probably anti-piracy protecting tankers.


25 posted on 06/14/2010 7:20:20 AM PDT by Cold Heart
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To: SeekAndFind

“One can make all the right moves and possess all the right skills and still fail.”

Sure, but the evidence in this case suggests that they heedlessly ignored expert advice and let her sail during a disproportionately dangerous time window due to delays in getting her boat ready to embark. There’s a large difference between prudent risks (where you’ve done everything to minimize inherent risks to their lowest level) and reckless risks (where you’ve abandoned caution and essentially put life or limb into the hands of fate).

To use an analogy. Climbing Everest is inherently risky and never will be devoid of risk no matter what precautions are taken in terms of preparation and/or equipment. But even for the most prepared and well-equipped climber, trying to climb it in January is suicidal: you either will die or need to be rescued. The chances of getting to the top are virtually nil.


26 posted on 06/14/2010 7:21:19 AM PDT by DrC
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To: Nervous Tick
US Coast Guard... in BORNEO? LOL!

They actually DO deploy Coast Guards on worldwide missions.

One of my nephew's first assignment was actually near the Borneo area, coordinating rescue trips when the Asian Tsunami that killed 250,000 people struck almost 4 years ago. He made a lot of Australian Coast Guard friends there.
27 posted on 06/14/2010 7:21:33 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind
I just wonder how people’s reaction would be had Abby Sunderland actually SUCCEEDED in her solo trip to be the youngest world circum-navigator...

So next year it will be a 15 year old. Then a 14 year old. Maybe a 10 year old will try. Where are you willing to draw the line?

I mean Christopher Columbus

Wasn't 16 and looking for a reality show.

28 posted on 06/14/2010 7:22:38 AM PDT by DJ MacWoW (If Bam is the answer, the question was stupid.)
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To: traderrob6

Abby Sunderland’s brother made the same trip when he was 17. He was alone then.


29 posted on 06/14/2010 7:22:39 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: Tax-chick

How did I miss that? Congrats to Anoreth! ... and your and DP, of course!


30 posted on 06/14/2010 7:25:07 AM PDT by pgyanke (You have no "rights" that require an involuntary burden on another person. Period. - MrB)
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To: July4

I’ve got to disagree with you... The trip is not about selling shoes, selling shoes is about paying for the trip. I read in another article that she took the initiative to find a corporate sponsor on her own.


31 posted on 06/14/2010 7:25:31 AM PDT by OHelix
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To: SeekAndFind
“Christopher Columbus went on his trip to the New World”

Christopher Columbus was sent on his trip by a narcissist King and Queen that hope to make a ton of money on his trip.

Abby on the other hand... oh never mind.

32 posted on 06/14/2010 7:26:15 AM PDT by I cannot think of a name
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To: SeekAndFind

If this had been a grown person seeking a challenge, no problem. A skilled kid on an attention-seeking, record-breaking attempt with financial implications? Sorry, it’s sick in addition to being seedy.


33 posted on 06/14/2010 7:27:04 AM PDT by qwertypie
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To: Cold Heart

Now there’s a thought! She said she hasn’t gotten to shoot at anything except “an imaginary small-boat attack,” but that could be the mission. She’s appropriately cagey about operational information.


34 posted on 06/14/2010 7:27:33 AM PDT by Tax-chick (A cat may look at a queen.)
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To: OHelix

A 16 yr. old cannot sign a contract.


35 posted on 06/14/2010 7:28:01 AM PDT by July4 (Remember the price paid for your freedom.)
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To: pgyanke

Thank you! Today is her 1-year anniversary.


36 posted on 06/14/2010 7:28:21 AM PDT by Tax-chick (A cat may look at a queen.)
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To: DJ MacWoW

And there is where this endeavor lost my support. Set up for a reality show a week after she left on the trip? It does explain why they had her continue on after she made port in SA. So Abby’s life really didn’t mean anything but another shot at fame.

I was wrong. You weren’t. Sorry.


37 posted on 06/14/2010 7:28:21 AM PDT by ex 98C MI Dude (Alea Iacta Est)
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To: ncpatriot

Today Fox says they home-school and the neighbors rarely saw them out, implying therefore they are quirky.


38 posted on 06/14/2010 7:28:25 AM PDT by GnuHere
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To: SeekAndFind

If I had a daughter I would rather have her out at sea than in a public high school.


39 posted on 06/14/2010 7:28:41 AM PDT by exist
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To: July4

What’s your point?


40 posted on 06/14/2010 7:29:06 AM PDT by OHelix
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