Posted on 12/20/2006 2:29:43 PM PST by llevrok
Related Content Fight over mandatory beacons renews Story Published: Dec 20, 2006 at 11:08 AM PST
Story Updated: Dec 20, 2006 at 11:32 AM PST By Anita Kissee and KATU Web Staff Watch the video MOUNT HOOD, Ore. - As the rescue effort continues on Mount Hood, so do the costs, which some critics are saying is way too much.
Sheriff Joe Wampler with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office has said all along that he is not looking at the cost of the rescue, he is looking for the men. One of them, 48-year-old Kelly James, was found dead in a snow cave over the weekend. The two others, 37-year-old Brian Hall and 36-year-old Jerry Cooke, remain missing.
Rosie O'Donnell and her co-hosts kicked off 'The View' Tuesday with the hot topic of the missing climbers on Mount Hood.
Rosie O'Donnell: "I read in the papers that over $2.5 million the search has cost so far to find these three men."
Jacque Reid, Guest Co-Host: "Here they are, they knew the storm was coming and they still opted to go out and who should pay the cost?"
Rosie O'Donnell: "What warrants 27 helicopters and 1,000 people looking? I just don't understand."
Joy Behar: "Send this team over to New Orleans and fix that situation."
Wampler has poured his heart, soul and county's manpower into finding the three climbers and resents the implications that the money would be better spent helping Katrina victims.
"I just want to reach out and grab her neck," he said. "I mean, literally. This is not stupid money. This is important money. This is about people's lives."
At $6,500 a day, many may question the cost of the elaborate rescue effort, but Wampler said the bill is misleading. His crews would be working anyway and 90 percent of the rescuers are volunteers. It is not even costing the military extra money because the mission is being tagged as training.
"We can either spend our time in a simulator or a simulated environment or we can get the best experience in a real world situation like this," said Capt. Mike Braibish with the Oregon National Guard.
"As long as people are climbing mountains, there needs to be people to help them," said Darren Stone, owner of Climb Max.
Stone said that as long as climbers keep coming to Oregon, the state should keep catering to them.
"Kilamanjaro is the most climbed mountain, but more people get on top of Mount Hood," he said.
Economic numbers do not pinpoint how much climbers spend while visiting the mountain, but in general $800 million is spent in our forests every year.
On a side note, Oregon is one of just a few states that can make you pay for your own rescue if you are reckless, and even then it is only $500. The law is the result of three college students who got lost on Mount Hood in 1995, only to be found safe in a tent after $10,000 was spent to search for them. It has only been enforced one time - for a boater. We are told this case would not apply because the men were prepared.
She's had more than one pie shoved into her face.
The power of our country and perhaps mankind itself, survives on the Greatness of those folks who come together in the voluntary service of others. With unselfish personal sacrifice, with commitment to community and a heartfelt drive to make a difference in the life of another, these folks give their all. Their privilege to serve...... drives the hearts of any volunteer.
No amount of money could every repay these great folks for what they do for others. They are content with being allowed to serve, their successes, and a 'thank you' for what they do........ that's all they really need. Having said that, most SAR organizations could use money for training and new equipment...feel free to call yours and toss a few bucks their way. It could be you or your loved one that is the subject of their next mission.
I'm NOT one of those armchair evaluators. Before I retired, one of my many hats was that of SAR Coordinator and Incident Commander.
I thank you for your service and sacrifice, and I applaud you for what you have committed yourself to do.
As for the fat Pig and her like, I have scum living on the inside walls of my septic tank that I hold in greater regard....at least they eat human waist........ and make the system work.
As for those that insist on Monday morning quarterbacking the crews and commanders........well, you weren't there, you didn't have to deal with the trials and tribulations that come your way from all sides in such an event. You watched it on your television or computer in the comfort of your homes or offices. Many of you mean well, but please know all the facts before you make your educated guesses.
As for those that were lost in this horrible event. It is a shame indeed. When one sets out to be with Mother Nature, one must always remember.... you may dace with Her, but be very ready when She decides to lead.
These guys could certainly been better prepared, but I must tell you. Of the hundreds of SAR missions I have been on, not one subject was ever ready for the unknown. Nobody means to get lost in the woods, fall off a cliff, break a leg when tripping on a fallen tree, and on and on..........
I highly recommend (within your own physical capabilities) to go out and enjoy the beauty of what God has made for us....but don't go without a plan, a backup plan, and without being prepared for the worst.
Rosie is a fat pig, but there is no way to compare new Orleans and Mt. Hood. Two completely different events.
She would enjoy that.
The last time I checked, EMS billed you are your insurance for their services?
According to most reports, they were very well-experienced climbers and did nothing foolish.
Climbing is a dangerous sport, and accidents happen.
If no one ever did anything dangerous, humans would never have done much.
It's so obvious that Rosey and Joy and people like them truly do not care about anyone but themselves. All they care about is continuing to make trouble over agendas that beyond their comprehension.
Didn't cost anything, considered an exercise. LOL
I nominate THAT as QUOTE of the Day.....most of us would not BE here....if others had NOT ventured across the oceans.
I live in the shadow of Mt. Hood on the Washington side of the Columbia River and we see the mountain out our windows everyday the sun is out. We knew a large front was coming through the day after these three men traveled to Mt. Hood and went up the north face...by far the most dangerous route,especially in winter. Noone can say the weather was not a factor, and that 100 mile an hour winds were on the Pacific coast that night. At the top of the summit on the mountain it was 20 below zero, and the winds were almost 140 mph. This was not unusual for Mt. Hood in the storms of winter..and at over 11 thousand feet. It is no wonder these men were lost and the cost to the taxpayers, you and I who live there, was enormous. What is more important were the brave souls who risked their lives for a rescue...thankfully none were lost. The search is off for now, and the final two are still on the mountain.
If it had been four lesbians lost on the mountain, she would demand a "Homosexual Mountain Climbers Right to Rescue Amendment" to the state constitution.
Exactlly...I live there and there wasn't anyone in the NW who didn't know this storm was coming and that it had killing winds. There were trees down and power out everywhere. These three on the mountain had planned the trek up, had light equipment and ONE CELL PHONE! There is a locator device avilable for rental ($5) from any forestry center. That definately could have helped.
Drop her in the snow on the mountain. You will find the bodies.
I sincerely hope that should someone with your attitude ever hit a tree, because you missed a curve... and get trapped in the car...bleeding and in horrible pain while all alone in the dark and cold of night...... that NOBODY bothers to call it in.
I really don't want my tax money paying for cops and Paramedics to come to your aid. Nope, it is probably kinder to others to just let you bleed out....after all, you would have been the fool that was driving to fast for conditions.
Now, I do maintain the belief that people should be responsible for their actions and with those actions, consequences should come. But your approach makes you sound like a heartless fool.......and somebody I would never lift a finger to help.
He will have to use both hands!
I'd never seen a Porky put it's head up its own ass til' Rosie came along.
What a totally clueless and disconnected woman.
-PJ
-PJ
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