Okay, okay. Let's keep the system the way it is now. I thought maybe there was a way to make paying these bills a little more relevant. But if everyone is still happy to continue paying the consequences for other people's choices, good or bad, then I guess I'll just make sure at least I cover my own interests, and make more use of those paid for government resources for my own benefit, somehow.

Seems that's the way this country is heading anyways. Why fight it?

Thanks to AKSAR and Hikermor for these thoughtful posts on SAR! The current system seems like a working system. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke... I'm willing to pay taxes for a fool to be rescued from time to time if that also means saving many good people.

I suppose this could easily veer to much toward the political, and we don't want to go there, but I have regarded today's SAR volunteers as philosophically related to the Minutemen of our revolutionary era. One minute we are plowing fields and splitting shingles for the roofs of our log cabins and then the phone rings, and its off to another SAR opps!

I guess the term "Minuteman" is outdated and sexist - probably should be "Minutepersons" - my apologies

Let me close then by repeating my earlier clarification.

I have great respect for all those fine folks who go out of their way to help others in need. I believe charity, especially in this form, is noble, and pleases God, or Karma, or whatever one chooses to believe in. While not qualified in rescue operations, I have seen fit to do my part as a volunteer, and I believe that time was well spent.

My many thanks to all those who give of their time and money freely. My qualms with how we run our social business via our government have nothing to do with my feelings in this regard. I will always support those who volunteer to help others. I hope throughout this discussion no one has got the wrong idea.

They should probably do the same thing they did for climbers on Denali. Make everyone who goes out there pay a "rescue insurance". The main problem is how do you enforce this with random hikers. Maybe require them to buy some sort of Day Pass.

pete2

Most parks do in deed have some sort of entry fee, as well as campground fees, etc. Those fees assist in keeping the trained and knowledgeable (hopefully!) staff in place that will render emergency assistance, as well as other functions.

https://www.nwmedstar.org/Sub.aspx?id=470

We carry this insurance for helicopter evac as we lived in a rural area and a quick trip to the trauma doc usually ran $25000.

The rescued will have to pay this bill otherwise, it is not covered by taxes.