This past weekend's deaths of the storm chasing scientists in Oklahoma, and the injuries of the crew of a second car manned by Weather Channel storm chasers, has spawned some really stupid comments about how there needs to be "a conversation" about whether storm chasing is "too dangerous".
When people say there needs to be "a conversation", what they are really saying is that you and I should shut up and allow authorities to discuss and decide among themselves whether more liberty needs to be violated, by "law", for our own good. Oh, you and I can chime in as long as we encourage those violations or are begging for someone to come save us.
The "consensus" will undoubtedly be that government-approved scientists and other authorized people will be "allowed" to continue storm chasing, but people like you and me must be discouraged from doing so- probably subject to some "fine" or other violations if we don't take the hint.
Storm chasing- even the most "irresponsible" kind- is an invaluable tool for learning more about storms and how other people (those who don't want to risk chasing the storms) can survive or avoid the storms. The near-religious belief that only authorized scientists can make valuable discoveries and contributions seems to be widespread among believers in The State. But it's wrong.
People know chasing tornadoes is dangerous. That is why they do it. They know, intellectually, that there is a risk of death (even if emotionally they feel invincible). NASCAR is dangerous. Over-eating is dangerous. Driving is dangerous. Thinking for yourself is dangerous. Without danger, what is life?
I would bet that everyone does something that someone else, somewhere, would consider "too dangerous".
Don't force people to do things that they feel are "too dangerous", but don't prevent those to whom boredom is the biggest danger from doing what gives them enjoyment. Especially when it can benefit the rest of us so much.
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I was told by my brother-in-law, who likes to fish, that fishing is the sport that has the highest death rate. Hmmm. Let's have a conversation about fishing. What don't people understand about the right to do with your own body and mind that you want just so long as you do not violate the rights of others in so doing. We used to call that inalienable rights, a quaint notion that the do-gooders and the government has made all but null and void.
ReplyDeleteKent, you better stop making so much sense oo the authorities will deem you to be too dangerous to blog.
ReplyDeleteIf I suddenly vanish, raise the alarm and muster the militia.
ReplyDeleteThese guys died doing what they loved. Is there any better way to go out?
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is. Which is a point I made in one of my very first blog posts: link
ReplyDeleteI ride a motorcycle. For that matter, I drive a car!
ReplyDeleteThat is my choice. No one else's.
The only absolute safety is in the grave anyway.
I refine gold for FUN and profit using scary chemicals and dangerous heat! And I do it without a permission from my betters!
ReplyDelete