Dear Hummoron,
First, let me thank you for thinking enough of what I wrote to quote me. I am relatively new to this forum. To my knowledge, this is the first time that has happened.
Second, let me apologize for the "Fudge(packer)" and idiot comments. It was entirely inappropriate in a matter as serious as this. I was beside myself in learning how badly this incident was botched, but that is no excuse for name-calling.
I don’t know how experienced you are in “first hand Darwinism.” I don’t know how many dead bodies you have recovered rather than rescued. I don’t know if you have seen any of my posts, but I am an avid bicyclist, environmentalist, recycler, strict vegetarian and lover of natural wilderness and ski patrolman. I bought my H2 because it best serves me in getting to work to fulfill my rescue responsibilities. I know you don’t like our trucks, but if you or a loved one were in trouble, I don’t think you would give a second thought to how much fuel a rescue helicopter burns per minute. I could be wrong.
Klaus has elucidated the numerous responsibilities of the Ranger. Even if search and rescue weren’t within a ranger’s purview, I think every citizen has responsibility in doing whatever possible (within reason) to protect the life and limb of others.
You hypothetically assume that Adam was intentionally breaking park rules. You may be right, but I can just as easily hypothesize that he was out at night, focused on the woman he was with, and didn’t see the restriction signs. Perhaps the signs were poorly marked, poorly lit by a burnt out bulb or down entirely. Regardless, does this infraction obviate the responsibility of the Emergency Response System to perform to the standard of care mandated by their job description? Do you honestly believe that driving in a restricted area justifies leaving two people to die of hypothermia?
I don’t see how you can criticize Adam. According to your view, he has paid the ultimate price for his transgression. To that extent, he has taken responsibility for his actions. Now how about the rest of the players ponying up?
I won’t list all my titles, but I am involved in training other patrolman at some fairly high levels. A general rule of thumb for assessing rookies in my business at the most basic level is “would you want them working on your loved one?” I would like you to honestly ask yourself this question regarding this incident. If your loved one, whether breaking a rule or innocently wandering off, were in these dire straits, would you be satisfied that the system functioned properly?
I ask you to look at this entire incident without bias. Your preconceived notions about Adam’s attitude are pure conjecture. Comments regarding seagull food and gene pool, while clearly chosen for their inflammatory quality, are disrespectful of the dead and hurtful to their friends and family. I hope we can refrain from any more of that.
Lastly, my love for the great outdoors and environment notwithstanding, I feel compelled to say that in the short time that I have been a member of this forum, I have found many, many bright, considerate people. I am proud to consider myself as one of them.
t~
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