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.
Good points, just like why we bother rescuing people at Mt. Everest?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Has anyone thought of the possibility (I offer no opinion) that perhaps these climbers decided to make themselves "missing" and have really not been in danger on the mountain? As you can see, its a great way to get a ton of publicity for people who prior to this were not celebrities, get their 15 minutes of "fame" and maybe write a book and get some speaking opportunities.
We rescue people because it is the right thing to do. If it's about the money, then they can be asked to pay the state back.
We could talk about Miss USA losing her crown then.
Sure it is....just don't go up the damn mountain !
The writer should do some research before spouting off on something about which he knows nothing:
http://www.americanalpineclub.org/pdfs/MRreal.pdf
They are dead!
Ahem. Mt. Everest is in another country. "We" don't pay for those rescue attempts.
L
Ludicrous! The men were starting to train for Everest. They were accomplished mountaineers and would never unnecessarily subject fellow mountaineers atempting rescue to risk for some publicity.
"Good points, just like why we bother rescuing people at Mt. Everest?"
A lot of times they don't. The approaches to Everest are littered with the bodies of people who were not only not rescued, but not recovered post-mortem.
Anyone wanting fo follow this situation from the bird's eye view of fellow mountaineers with experience in the Cascades, try this:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/619105/page/0/fpart/1
Like the 'runaway bride'????? Anything is possible these days!
Maybe they're on the trail of the van der Sloots?
/gallows humor
I hope we find these guys, but I suspect it won't be until the Spring thaw.
And I'm tired of listening to you so I'll just leave the thread.
"Mountain climbing is a sport for the wealthy who can afford to take weeks off from work to indulge in their expensive hobby."
The writer is a horse's ass.
The families should be billed for the rescue. Payment plans with low interest.
On the positive side, search and rescue are getting valuable experience and training.
I will save my mourning...victims of drunk drivers, children dying and suffering from diseases, inhumane treatment of animals.
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