I see no conflict/contradiction in hoping that the father makes it, safe and unfrostbitten, but also thinking how stupid it was to risk one's family this way.
It doesn't have to be an either-or situation, you know. Sometimes people do actually contribute to getting themselves into trouble by careless assumptions. We can feel badly about the predicaments they bring on themselves, but still take them to task for nt planing properly.
I think it better to honest about the mistakes people make, and call them on these, rather than to slather them with sympathy for making "categorical errors". That is what being a conservative means to me.
I do get the feeling that some who are taking issue with the way I see this sad disaster are very liberal in their thinking!
Not sure why people were giving you a hard time. I'm with you!
Anytime I drive anywhere, even a few miles, I bring a bottle of water. And I always have a couple of granola bars or something in the car. In the winter, we have survival kits in the car, with sleeping bags, candles, matches, coffee cans, tuna, crackers, candy, etc.
I think that the preparedness/survival mentality depends on where you live and your lifestyle. We live in the north, where snow and cold can be dangerous. Plus, we have experience in backcountry camping. So our mentality is to always be prepared.
If someone lived in an urban area like San Francisco and rarely ventured into wilderness or rural areas, I can see how they might not have that same preparedness/survival mentality. The fact that they had no food or water in the car on a car trip (no matter where they were going) with kids tells me they were lacking in that area. Kudos to them for burning the tires to keep warm, and for surviving as long as they did.
It kinda reminds me of Oprah's road trip with her friend. They set out with no snacks in the car! I guess they figured there would be 7-11s around every corner, LOL! I wouldn't set out on a road trip like she did without a cooler full of food for lunches, and a pile of snacks and water in the car.
That said, I am praying that they find the father soon, and that he will be in good condition!