Tragic. And just before XMAS.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by Boar-Ral

I can understand both sides of the argument, here. The ordeal was the result of a series of poor decisions, which in itself is a shame. We can criticize someone for the decisions they made, but I can look back at things I have done, and in retrospect, I should have known better. It was late, and he might have been tired, upset, etc. That can really affect your judgement and cause you to make decisions you might not have in a clear frame of mind.

On the other hand, when he did realize how bad the situation, he did what he felt was right, which itself was another poor decision. His heart was in the right place, even if his mind was not. I think what causes me to be the saddest is that when he died, he probably did not know that his family had been located, and might have assumed they were experiencing the same fate as himself.

I think that the best way that the media could have reported this is with the facts. Just tell it like it is, and leave it up to individuals to respond how they feel appropriate. I shouldn't feel that the media is tugging at my heartstrings the way they are setting it up. I should feel that way -- or not feel that way -- based upon what happened, plain and simple, and how I feel about that.

I would probably still feel badly for him and his family, but at least I would be making that decision completely on my own.

As always it's things like

"made the fateful turn"

"canyon of death"

"minutes from shelter"

"a meticulously planned mission that he was certain would lead to his family's rescue"



Then if you go back and read many of the reports, they are all conflicting. One says his body was found seven miles from the car, another said he was found a mile as the crow flies. One says that he died only hours before his body was found, medical examiner says he can't tell when he died.