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Do You Make ‘Em Pay?
http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/boy-in-balloon-officials
After reading the story, it raised a lot of questions.
But, I have one question and it comes from the fact that it was reported this morning that the balloon could only carry something that weighed in the neighborhood of 30-35 pounds and the young boy was at least 50 pounds.
It sure would be nice if we could get a version of this story that we could “comfortably” believe and not deal with all of the possibilities, but I have one question:
Who should pay for the massive response by public safety, among others for this incident?
Does this go well beyond what would be included in a typical list of services provided or should the taxpayers continue to take it in the shorts because someone is looking for fame, fortune or are really that stupid?
What are your thoughts?
TCSS.
Art
After reading the story, it raised a lot of questions.
But, I have one question and it comes from the fact that it was reported this morning that the balloon could only carry something that weighed in the neighborhood of 30-35 pounds and the young boy was at least 50 pounds.
It sure would be nice if we could get a version of this story that we could “comfortably” believe and not deal with all of the possibilities, but I have one question:
Who should pay for the massive response by public safety, among others for this incident?
Does this go well beyond what would be included in a typical list of services provided or should the taxpayers continue to take it in the shorts because someone is looking for fame, fortune or are really that stupid?
What are your thoughts?
TCSS.
Art
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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I don't believe that you can justify charging people for something that results from their stupidity, after all it's what keeps us all busy. But if the hot air balloon was a publicity stunt/hoax (and personally I think it was, too many things don't add up) then there should be a nice long itemized list of expenses that they need to reimburse. Sadly, even IF they had to pay, some network would put them back on tv and before you know it, donations would come in to help them pay for it. Stupid people seem to really like other stupid people.
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Permalink Reply by Capt.Alex Arnold on
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I have a mixed feeling on this situation. My crew and I were eating lunch when that all started yesterday. We were all glued to the tube while it unfolded. Of course we had to get back to work and so we were unable to see it finally play out. I am hoping that this wasn't a publicity stunt. It would sadden me greatly that the parents would put an "assumed risk" on their child in order to get some attention.
I am sure that there were multiple jurisdiction involved and I am positive that some of those were probably volunteers. If it is found that this was a publicity stunt, then yes charge them for time and equipment, then charge them criminaly. We sadly are in the "dah did I do that?" business. The majority of the time though these incidents that we respond to are not intentional and planned. They are things that everyday people (including some attached to our service) have had happen to them. Yes there are "stupid" people out there but just because you are "stupid" doesn't mean that you wake up everyday thinking "What can I do to cause a henderence and bother to everyone in my community?"
Let us see how this all plays out. I am sure that some media company is going to do a made for TV movie about this. I can already see in my mind a few select titles but the truth will come out eventually.
Be safe and learn something new today.
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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I just watched a video from FireCritic which was a CNN interview and the kid (who seems autistic) clearly says he heard his mom and dad yelling his name while hiding in the garage. The reporter asked why he hid in the garage and he says
"Like you said..... ummmmm I did it for the show." Mom says Noooooo. Dad looks embarrassed.
JUDGE FOR YOURSELF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI6UONWCq7A
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Kind of a Trumanesque moment.
The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was about a guy who "lived" on TV.
This kid sounds like he couldn't separate reality TV from reality LIFE.
Too bad.
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Taking your kids along to chase severe storms, UFO shaped hot air balloons, reality tv shows, I'm guessing this is another "joe the plumber" media hype where the media is going to turn this family into celebrities. Who knows, maybe their own reality show where they swap wives/husbands/kids, take turns floating in balloons in the middle of storms and play hide-and-seek with other people's kids. I'm sure it would be popular. Now if only they had a name for this new reality show...."Just how F***ed up are you?"
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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I think that entire family has some very serious mental issues. I think it was a stunt, and I think charges should (and might) be brought. Plus, if it is proven to have been a publicity stunt, then there should be a recovery of damages and expenses sought by the agencies involved.
While being interview by reporters the dad was quoted to say; "We were working on an experimental craft,"...."I call it the 3D LAV, a low-altitude vehicle for people to pull out of their garage and hover above traffic for about 50 to 100 feet. It's still the very early stages of the invention." (ABC News), which says to me that this was a planned occurrence. This family is familiar with "show biz" and knows which buttons to push.
There are also questions about whether the craft was technically an "experimental aircraft" which should have been registered with the FAA. So there could even be Federal penalties. I don't believe we have heard the last of this story.
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I don't believe we have heard the last of this story.
Which I believe is by design also.
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read more here - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/ap_on_re_us/us_boy_in_balloon
The whole famn damily is nucking futs.
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Permalink Reply by Truckinainteasy on
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When we start charging for stupidity our budget problems are over.
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It appears that criminal charges will be brought for what is being described as a hoax.
I think it's a matter of time before a big fat bill for services is handed to this family of whackos.
See story link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,568321,00.html
Art
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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My "thoughts"...? If it indeed turns out to be a hoax then the full cost should be borne by the family.....If it was indeed an "incident" then it would fall under the same situation as any other call....I am sorry that it would only be a misdameanor 3rd....all the people risked in this incident or whatever....not to mention the cost.....Proves my theory.....People can and will do stupid things. Paul
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Permalink Reply by Wade Seely on
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Hey all,
I'm a firefighter in the area and work with some of the guys that responded to this incident. I do believe tha it was a hoax for a variety of reasons; however, I believe that it may be difficult to prove and truly prosicute these idiots enough to have them repay for services rendered. I hope that they do have to pay fort his stunt, i just don't see it happening.
TCSS
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