Abby Sunderland Missing

[Dismagic1]

The parents were irresponsible. It is winter in the southern hemisphere. No one should be sailing there - let alone a 16 year old child. They are getting publicity as Abby's parents (but not in a positive way). The issue here is their irresponsible parenting and the subsequent rescue efforts needed and why they should be the ones to foot the bill.

So the parents sought out negative publicity?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Don't worry, I'm one of those really easy going people. I've said on another thread, that if I ever met someone from the DIS that I had a huge debate/disagreement with, I'd smile say, "Please to meet ya'," and then offer to buy you a drink or something.

Glad to hear it. I agree. I was just thinking of your name. I just returned from DL, and it was so nice to ride Mr Toad's Wild Ride again!

 

[wvjules]

Glad to hear it. I agree. I was just thinking of your name. I just returned from DL, and it was so nice to ride Toad again!

*snicker*

 

[dumboiu]

Don't worry, I'm one of those really easy going people. I've said on another thread, that if I ever met someone from the DIS that I had a huge debate/disagreement with, I'd smile say, "Pleased to meet ya'," and then offer to buy you a drink or something.

Good attitude!

 

[themilesfamily]

You said the parents allowed their daughter so they could get fame. I'm asking you, what fame?? The parents get none.

Sadly, parents can gain fame, notoriety, money, etc. off of their kids' achievements.

I think of that little girl Jessica Dubroff. She was 7-years old and trying to set some kind of flying record. She ended up dying in the plane along with her father and flight instructor.

To this day her mother is selling books, CD's, etc. on the internet, capitalizing on the daughter's name and her death.

I'm not a fan of children setting records in extreme situations -- it just pushes people to try to do things at younger and younger ages.

 

[dumboiu]

So the parents sought out negative publicity?

You are honing in on one thing and missing the entire issue. By fame, it means that they are Abby's and Abby's brother's parents - as in fame by parental extension (Oh, you must be Abby's or Abby's brother's mother/father - what was it like to let your child go around the world his/her self. Were you ever worried?, etc. They have already been interviewed so their names and faces have been in the media). Of course they didn't seek out negative publicity. Why would they do that? (you tell me). They hoped all would go well. But, this entire discussion (on my part at least) is about the blatant irresponsibility of the parents and who will pick up the tab for the much needed rescue.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

*snicker*

wishing there was a blushing emoticon! STOP THAT!

Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

 

[Dismagic1]

You are honing in on one thing and missing the entire issue. By fame, it means that they are Abby's and Abby's brother's parents - as in fame by parental extension (Oh, you must be Abby's or Abby's brother's mother/father - what was it like to let your child go around the world his/her self. Were you ever worried?, etc. They have already been interviewed so their names and faces have been in the media). Of course they didn't seek out negative publicity. Why would they do that? (you tell me). They hoped all would go well. But, this entire discussion (on my part at least) is about the blatant irresponsibility of the parent's and who will pick up the tab for the much needed rescue.

If she was 18 and it happened, who would you want to foot the rescue bill?

 

[dumboiu]

If she was 18 and it happened, who would you want to foot the rescue bill?

She is not 18. She is 16 and a child. Her parents gave her permission to do this stunt. They owe the cost of the rescue - unless of course you want to cough up the money since you seem to think there is nothing wrong with the entire stunt.

 

[dumboiu]

You said the parents allowed their daughter so they could get fame. I'm asking you, what fame?? The parents get none.

I now present you with the parents *fame* - or at very least media attention.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/37634233#37634233

 

[wvjules]

She is not 18. She is 16 and a child. Her parents gave her permission to do this stunt. They owe the cost of the rescue - unless of course you want to cough up the money since you seem to think there is nothing wrong with the entire stunt.

I think the question basically comes down to this: Should every person be responsible for the cost of their own rescue regardless of age?

 

[dumboiu]

I think the question basically comes down to this: Should every person be responsible for the cost of their own rescue regardless of age?

I disagree. I think the question comes down to responsible parenting.

 

[wvjules]

I disagree. I think the question comes down to responsible parenting.

Read my post again. I was clarifying what I believe dismagic was asking.

 

[Aisling]

I think the question basically comes down to this: Should every person be responsible for the cost of their own rescue regardless of age?

Good question. I keep changing my mind, though.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Good question. I keep changing my mind, though.

I think that there is not a "right" answer to that question. Just like there are no set rules for other consequences. If I rob a store I am just as likely to get 2 years in jail or 5 years in prison. There are other factors involved with that situation, and thus, the sentence or consequence is subjective.

When people do dangerous things, and endanger rescuers, etc., cost the budget of the rescue group, I think there should be a financial responsibility. I don't think that every hiker that goes out on a sunny day, gets lost and needs found has the same responsibility. Maybe that is wishy washy on my part, but that is how I see it. It isn't a black or white issue for me. In this case I'd love to see the sponsors hit to discourage the stunt behaviors.

 

[CandyMandy]

I disagree. I think the question comes down to responsible parenting.

You are 100% correct and I shake my head at anyone here who disagrees. Abby is a minor. If some people don't understand what that legally means, let me make it real simple:

Her parents are completely responsible for her and the impact of all her actions.

 

[dumboiu]

You are 100% correct and I shake my head at anyone here who disagrees. Abby is a minor. If some people don't understand what that legally means, let me make it real simple:

Her parents are completely responsible for her and the impact of all her actions.

And, if the courts find her parents unfit, they can still take her away from them. Why? Because she is a minor. Her parents acted irresponsibly, pure and simple. They must like media attention (positive or negative) - maybe it boosts their egos?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

And, if the courts find her parents unfit, they can still take her away from them. Why? Because she is a minor. Her parents acted irresponsibly, pure and simple. They must like media attention (positive or negative) - maybe it boosts their egos?

I don't think it even has to be fame. I think people live vicariously through their kids at times like this. They gain their self esteem from the attention that comes to their kids. Bragging rights, if you will. There also is the potential for money and further sponsorship. They have a large family. What do you want to be that a sibling tries to break the record again?

 

[Hercules10]

Any one that gives the keys of a custom built 40ft yacht to a 16y/o kid and sets them upon the world alone oughta have their head examined.

 

[monkeybug]

The only one who would get fame from this is Abby. Not the parents. Sure they might be in a picture or two but nobody gives 2 iotas about them. The only attention they're going to get is from all the overprotective and busy buddy people on the Dis.

I haven't read all the replies, so sorry if this has been brought up.
I'm guessing that Abby will be the last person to get any fame out of this. All the media attention will be focused on the parents decision to allow her to do this. I also highly, highly doubt that the "busy bodies" on the Dis are the only attention they are getting. Every article I've read mentions the parents, most bring up their decision to allow Abby to do this, and some articles are solely aimed at the parents and their decision. I just heard about this story yesterday, and I've read more about the parents and their decisions than I have about Abby and her journey. (and not because I was trying, but because the articles that have popped up on yahoo, cnn, abc, ect. all at the very least, mentioned their choice.)