Why are lost hikers not charged when found?
Concerning the missing 56 yo hiker from Cedar Rapids, Iowa that is lost in Estes Park. First, I would like to know when these people go out hiking in the mountains. Why are they not charged the full price to rescue them when they are lost. Second, I would like to know exactly who is dumb enough to go out hiking alone. They should be bill for rescuing them and for being stupid.
This letter has not been edited.
Leroy, if you got billed for each of your stupid letters, you'd be owing us taxpayers a fortune.
Posted by on October 5, 2007 02:24 PM"Leroy, if you got billed for each of your stupid letters, you'd be owing us taxpayers a fortune."
This comment makes oodles of sense, since the Rocky is published by the government. Typical of these forums, ignore the original letter completely and subvert the thread into personal attacks. Bravo!
Posted by on October 5, 2007 02:46 PMThe Rocky is published by the government??
You'd better check up on that, Leroy. And quit writing so many stupid letters.
Leroy
Seems to me that by the previous posts must be some of those dumb hikers you refered to that go off on their own and fell on their heads, but were able to stumble back on their own and to their keyboards.
Too bad they didn't break their arms and hands.
Posted by on October 5, 2007 03:28 PMSo Leroy has a fan. Always nice to have 1 fan or is it Leroy himself defending Leroy? 9 out of 10 bloggers think Leroy's letters are stupid. Whats wrong Leroy, only 2 this week?
Posted by on October 5, 2007 03:50 PMWhat would you know about having fans? I bet even your mom can't stand you.
But I heard she just loves Leroy and she says he's not just handy with his fingers on just the keyboard.
"The Rocky is published by the government??
You'd better check up on that, Leroy. And quit writing so many stupid letters."
Apparently the sarcasm was lost on you. Guess that shouldn't be a surprise considering that you probably an "educated" simpleton incapable of taking a statement in any way but the literal.
Posted by on October 5, 2007 06:10 PMAnon a mouses, pick a screen name guys.
Posted by Sharon B. on October 5, 2007 09:34 PMSharon, can I talk to Chas B? Those posts are more fun than your chick persona.
Posted by on October 5, 2007 11:04 PMHere's a thought - since state residents who purchase licenses for fishing, hunting, etc have part of that money go into an insurance find to find them if they get lost, why not figure out how to charge the tourists a fee which also goes into that fund unless they
1) can display a map they intend to follow with checkpoints
2) show that they have a fully charged cell phone in case of emergency
3) have knapsacks with basic emergency supplies.
4) go camping, hiking, etc with at least one other person who is similarly equipped
I am fairly sure that some folks will refer to this as nannyism. After all, most of the time, Dick or Jane Tourist (or Resident for that matter) is bright enough to know their limitations when going into the national parks or other wilderness areas - on the other hand, drivers are expected to carry insurance and most of us don't have accidents. Why not "search & rescue" insurance?
Posted by Mary on October 6, 2007 05:19 AMMaybe we shoud charge everyone who is ever in need of assistance. If your friend is having a heart attack, don't call 911 until you peek at the balance in her check book. If she doesn't have enough to cover the ambulance ride, forget it.
Tourists contribute a lot of revenue to our state and I really don't mind using my taxes to help others in need. I'd hope for the same kindness if I ever find myself up a creek or lost in the mountains.
Posted by Michael R on October 6, 2007 08:35 PMMary, I think it should be illegal for hikers, snowmobilers, etc to go out in the wilderness, well off the paved roads, without matches for a signal fire.
It seems every year, at least one person gets lost on Grand Mesa and dies because they can`t signal anyone.
Posted by Sharon B. on October 7, 2007 11:41 AMSure lets charge everyone for All government services. Have a house fire, after your house burns down the Fire dept will send a bill. Get robbed the Police will send you the bill for the investigation. Eacjh 9/11 service call should have charge, maybe $2.99 a minute. Plus ad a menui tree of rates so you know whether you really want to call the Police or FD.
Posted by Not with my money! on October 8, 2007 10:47 AMWhy don't YOU get lost Leroy?
Traumatized from being lost, maybe severly injured..then hit with a big bill on top of the experiance ?