Posted on 12/17/2006 3:43:18 PM PST by ConservativeMan55
One climber found dead on Mt. Hood
Years ago I knew a gal who was into climbing and X-country. But her favorite thing was...
RESCUE!
If somebody was half an hour late back from a hike, she was on the horn trying to find info, etc. She'd been in choppers so many times she could probably fly it herself.
She really was as looney tunes about it as some climbers were fanatic about climbing.
(and she was involved in some succesful rescues on Mt. Baker and others)
Where to begin? How about with "I'm tired of a bunch of chest pounding phoney macho men going on about how engaging in risky behavior is somehow the smart thing to do." There that's for a start. Next
These guys were experienced climbers doing what they loved
Obviously not experienced enough or they wouldn't have gone in the face of an incoming storm and would have been better prepared
They have no doubt experienced more in a week than most people do in several lifetimes
Total and utter horse sh!t. Life isn't about doing stupid risky things and getting away with it. Life is about so much more than that that if you think that these guys experienced "more in a week than most people do in several lifetimes" then I'm feel truly sorry for you.
I know these men would not have chosen to die,
Ya think?
they knew the risks
Again obviously not or they wouldn't have gone.
They may have made mistakes, but they were not being stupid.
Hmmm making a mistake in chosing a recreational activity that can (and apparently unfortunately did) kill you isn't stupid? I'd hate to see your definition of stupid then.
As I posted on another thread, let's try to keep the Maureen Dowdisms to a minimum.
thanks for an articulate and very informative post. I will reconsider my previous remarks.
There is a certaint lack of symmetry to your comment since you failed to also criticize
" I am tired of all the judgemental couch potatoes who sit around clucking like a bunch of hens."
I agree with you.
I agree with you. Why not wait until spring or summer to climb a mountain?
"It kind of reminds me of these homosexuals..."
Your comments have descended from the meanspirited and ignorant straight down to vile and disgusting.
Look, you've made your point that you despise climbing, climbers, rescues, and rescuers.
Now why don't you just go away.
LOL. Touche...
And secondly - if you have something of relevance to the discussion I'd like to hear it, but simply criticizing the style is a matter of personal preference, and personally I haven't observed your being qualified to criticize anyone on style.
Do you believe that climbers should post a BOND so that they will pay for their rescue if need be?
Do you believe that climbers should post a BOND so that they will pay for their rescue if need be?
I think you might be right...He climbed to the base-camp of the Himilays last year...(whatever that is)...he has quite a regime he goes through before these excursions...
I agree with you. These people were engaged in a recreational activity that is extremely dangerous and completely unnecessary. I'm sorry for their families and wish them the best but I don't think that other people's lives should be put at risk because they went on the mountain in winter in the middle of a series of very bad storms. I also don't see why it's a national news story.
In WWII, mountaineers and climbers of the American Alpine Club, along with the American Ski Patrol Committee worked with the War Dept to form the 10th Mountain Division which IIRC is currently active in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Check out the American Alpine Club and 10th Mountain Division...see if you think ego plays any roll in it.
Probably a lot of high altitiude training, dealing with the lack of oxygen is really difficult. I do not mean to trivialize trekking, far from it. Technical climbing may have higher physical requirements and allow you to reach everywhere, but that comes with a much higher risk of injury.
Wow. A little touchy this morning, huh?
Very well.
First, as I posted on another thread, these sorts of activities should be encouraged by society. People who climb mountains and those who launch new businesses are different only in the way they choose to pursue their passion. You could try to prevent risky activities in order to score a short-term gain, but on the whole that will result in a net loss to society.
Second, regarding your comments about taxpayers bearing the burden. The National Park Service pays a total of $3 million annually for SAR activities. That's throughout the nation, and includes a lot more than just climbers. Most SAR is on a volunteer basis and doesn't cost you a cent; those who aren't volunteering are salaried and would be paid regardless. Moreover, I suspect most conservatives would agree that emergency response is a legitimate function of government.
Third, as to your comment that they were unprepared, the SAR folks on the scene have stated that they were in fact well prepared. But perhaps sitting behind your keyboard 2500 miles away gives you some special insight that those on the mountain lack.
So the only calculation to be made is to determine whether or not the tiny cost borne by the taxpayer is worth the overall societal benefit. I submit that it is. Perhaps that just makes me a "chest pounding phoney macho man".
Family IDs climber found on Mt. Hood---
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16262193/
Give me a break. You're comparing the useful service of the Merchant Marine to mountain climbing? These guys were engaged in a recreational activity that they knew was dangerous and even life threatening. I think it's extremely selfish for anyone with a family to willfully put themselves in harms way just for kicks. It's selfish, irresponsible and stupid.
No nasty response here. These hikers chose their climb. Many people now are putting their own lives at stake to find them. One family member came out yesterday and compared the family's emotions to those who have family serving in the military. That may be true in some way, but those serving in the military are putting their lives at stake for a good reason. Their service is not a hobby. Even the military considers the options and risks of weather conditions. Unfortunatley, many climbers do not.
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