Why is it that decent people have to rescue idiots who have nothing better to do than climb a mountain in winter? And why is it that the military is now participating in the rescue of the idiots while the military effort could be expended in the war on terror? Sorry, but if it were up to me, these 3 idiots would be found as popsickles next April and their tombstones would say 'stuck on stupid, I tried by myself but failed'........
Do you feel the same about people who cause car accidents?
Smoke?
Drink?
Should all the people that make a mistake just be left to die?
These were three experienced, well equipped climbers who wanted a challenge. One of them got injured and could not get himself off the summit area...it happens.
Why do people ski? Why do people build and fly experimental aircraft?
You could go on all day about it. Fact is we live in a free country and people are allowed to challenge themselves any way they see fit. SAR is a small price for us all to pay to allow people to enjoy the great outdoors here.
BTW - they are still human beings and they deserve to be rescued with every resource we have.
Also I suggest you read up on the benefits the military receives by participating in these mountain rescues - this situation becomes a training mission for them as well which benefits our troops.