printApproved, indubitably, by Mayor Marie Gilmore, the “rescue” guidelines adhered to by members of the pampered oink sector of the City of Alameda preclude rescues that necessitate “water training.” Alameda is in the San Francisco Bay Area!
Since they did not have “water training,” the Alameda pigs chose to stake out a good spot on the sand from which to watch a man drown. The man took an hour to expire. At no time were these pampered pigs overwhelmed by an urge to violate the bureaucratic restrictions imposed upon them. What resolve!
The deceased would be alive had these services been rendered by a private company, where owners would be sued into bankruptcy over such an incident. As it stands, the taxpayers will be penalized: they will pay for ensuing lawsuits. Responsibility for criminal negligence will be collectivized, as in all state-run enterprises. Wait for a statement by the mayor, who’ll announce a commission of inquiry, which is where all issues of culpability pertaining to the State go to die.
As to the libertarian issue of free will and the right to die. I understand that the man was trying to kill himself. But I am not of the libertarian mindset that you leave him to die. Since I cherish life, my position is that it is incumbent on good people to attempt a rescue in this case. Incumbent, but not legally binding. Not in libertarian law. The point here is to alert you to government callousness. If you want rescue services to be effective, private arrangements, neighborhood associations and the like, are most effective.
Yes, a most regrettable incident. The mayor has already come up with $40,000 of other peoples’ money to provide “water rescue certification” for the oinks. Take off shoes, wade out, grab the guy, etc….
What government institution,(any government at any level) actually works? First these government entities need to be manned by interested and motivated people. What a joke. The bigger government gets the more inefficient, expensive and insulting to the public they become. A revolting development.
Really now! What does anyone expect from “San Fran-sissies”? No one is allowed to make comments to those who urinate on the public sidewalks. Speak about 2nd Amendment – VERBOTEN! OK for Pelosi to spend taxpayer money on Military Plane to transport her sorry a** to & from D.C., but training $$$ for lifesaving? When the BIG ONE happens, I hope these same people stand there waiting for others to help and don’t get upset when NO ONE DOES! KARMA, it’s a b***h.
California is a deeply troubled state. I lived in SoCal in the late 80’s, when it was a very different place. This news story and the implications to tax payers you cite thereof is a major part of the reason why I would not consider living there again.
BTW, I just placed an order for your new book (Into the Cannibal’s Pot) through my local bookstore, Powells. I look forward to reading it.
[Thank you so much; good idea too. Amazon is now up, although the page is not yet fully populated with the Advance Praise and Kindle. Soon.]