Reply #65: Well said

[AlienAvatar]

I agree completely.

I haven't yet had a chance to read all the responses, so I apologize if I'm being redundant by bring up another point. Some may bemoan the fact thay an all out effort seems to be given for these climbers while the same wasn't done for Katrina victims, homeless, etc. My response is that an all out response should be given to any and all who are in a helpless and life threatening situation. The fact that this is denied in some cases shouldn't mean that we deny all. We have resources to give aid to all. That Katrina was such a disaster was due only to the almost willful incompetence of the leaders we entrusted to be in charge of such emergencies. It had nothing to do with lack of money or resources.

Maybe these climbers took a foolish risk. Maybe they shouldn't have attempted the climb. I don't know. Maybe, if they return, they should be scolded or even punished, but, right now, the first concern should be to try and see that they DO return.