Comments on No Good News

Mountain climbers know what they are getting into (the dead of winter, among other things)and they know that death or serious injury is always a risk. I have no sympathy for them, especially when they cost taxpayers tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars to go rescue them or recover their bodies.

Tragic, yes, but 100% avoidable.

I feel very sorry for them and their families, especially. I'm not sure how it works now. But, I think that a climbing "permit" would make sense. Charge people like $300 to hike, or whatever would cover the cost of search and rescue to operate for the year. Also, I'm thinking that climbers probably bring money to the local economy. Either way, it is a tragedy. As a member of the world community, I don't mind paying for some of my more adventerous community members to be rescued. The government has found much worse ways to use my tax dollars. I am always willing to pay for life.

Since 2003, land search and rescue got its act together to use the same GPS technology they've used in marine rescue for 20 years. Instead of a $300 user fee, why not buy a $600 beacon and come home alive?

It would cost the taxpayer far less to make sure everyone carried one into the back country this time of year than to pay for helicopters to fly around in circles.

But regardless of whether it costs a lot or a little, I too, would much rather pay taxes to rescue people I've never met than to drop bombs on people I've never met.