Posted on 12/17/2006 5:20:45 AM PST by Nasty McPhilthy
A trio of climbers, ascended Mount Hood, under adverse winter conditions — to test their survival skills. The intrepid climbers took gear such as food, fuel, bivvy sacks, a shovel and ropes. These men knew they were taking a big risk – or they would not have taken survival gear with them.
Mountain climbing is a sport for the wealthy who can afford to take weeks off from work to indulge in their expensive hobby.
These clowns have been missing for over a week, and the state is expending tens of thousands of dollars in search and resuce operations.
Why is the sheriff’s department and the U.S Forest Service rangers looking for these men who are addicted to danger?
The taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the foolhardy thrill seekers who knew they were taking a big risk. The families of the climbers should pay for their own search teams; they shouldn’t expect the government to pay for the reckless chance the climbers took.
From USA Today:
“Deputy Gerry Tiffany, spokesman for the Hood River County sheriff’s office, said its office does not charge for its searches.”
I think it’s about time the government starts charging for rescue operations – when it’s a case of adventurers who place themselves in danger.
I’m sick of hearing about the missing climbers; I’m sick of watching the relatives of the missing men on TV praise the courage of the climbers, and I’m sick at the thought that taxpayers are paying for the rescue efforts.
Well it isn't reasonable and prudent but much in life isn't.
Are you an accountant? IRS agent? Comptroller?
There is a benefit to society when people push the envelope, take risks, etc. That doesn't limit us only to trying those things that have never been done before.
It seems that while you acknowledge the benefit of having members of society willing to take risks, you only want to allow them to take the risks you deem necessary. It just doesn't work that way.
I'm willing to help shoulder the (tiny) burden for emergency response services in order to encourage risk taking. It just seems we have a difference in philosophy on that.
"It just seems we have a difference in philosophy on that."
So it would seem. Can we agree to disagree?
Certainly. I don't think that your view is unreasonable; just a difference in how we see things. Hopefully you didn't find my comments to be offensive or overly confrontational, because they weren't intended as a personal affront.
And while we're at it, Go Vols!
Good 'ol Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee.
Arrgh! I might have to rethink my previous comment. ;-)
Seriously, I think you guys should in a low scoring contest. Penn State's offense needs to improve a great deal in the offseason if we're to compete for the Big Ten title next year.
that would be "should win in a low scoring contest"
Are yall gonna hug now?
Hopefully you didn't find my comments regarding the upcoming Out Back Bowl to be offensive or overly confrontational, because they weren't intended as a personal affront. ;-)
I can agree with you regarding pushing the envelope, however, these climbers weren't pushing the envelope; they were pushing their luck.
It's sad that the search for these climbers from Dallas has continued to dominate the media yesterday and today, when the news should be reporting on the death of our Fort Worth Policeman who was killed by a drunk driver.
LOL, but then the author wouldn't get paid by the word for his column...
Headline: "Tree Climbs Mountain"?
*snrk*
LOL. Not a chance...
You'll Always Be, Second in the SEC.
nice point. courage is something too many people lack. Have a Merry Christmas.
Everythind we do is a personal choice. For those activities which may result in loss of public funds the individuals should be required to carry insurance which will be used to reimburse public agencies for rescue activities.
If a natural disaster is the cause of the search and rescue activities, then public funds will be available and won't have been wasted on Mt Hood style rescues!!!
Everything we do is a personal choice. For those activities which may result in loss of public funds the individuals should be required to carry insurance which will be used to reimburse public agencies for rescue activities.
As you say, climbing is for the wealthy, they could have had insurance to pay for searches when they get lost. We all have to buy auto insurance or health insurance to cover our ills, or we have to pay for the costs incurred!
I think the Coast Guard does in some cases.
It's a matter of degree. A typical ambulance ride for a grossly overweight person who has suffered a heart attack is a lot less expensive than this search and rescue mission.
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