Abby is the Litmus Test

[Constitution Day]

Wha? You mean piloting an account on FR and critiquing doers is not living life to its fullest?!?!?!?

LOL! Spot on!

[b cool]

I agree Talisker,

The same thoughts ran through my mind as I read the comment on the other Abby threads.

I am an adventurer, I also have a day job...but the day job does not reflect the soul that God gave me. I have been running hills, mountains, rivers, and lakes by myself for day long and multi-day trips since I was 13.

If I was not smack dab in middle of the lower 48, I would have probably played out in the ocean more as well.

I applaud this young ladies efforts and adventures. This represents freedom. More people should follow the lead of individuals like this IMHO.

B Cool,

[jdfromny]

I’m with you Talisker. Personally, I believe that Abby and her family probably prepared for this epic journey the best they could. It is evident to me that Abby is more than mature enough to make such an attempt. I guess these other folks would rather the record go to some turd world country. How many “children” around the country get killed in auto accidents? Should we bar them from getting into cars?

You folks out there will be great parents while the leftists and media herd you and your children to their “safe” locations. For the good of YOUR children...

Abby Sunderland (and family) are, to me, American heroes for trying.

[gunsequalfreedom]

Wow you’ve been here for less than 2 years and think a vanity like this in breaking news is good?

The posting rules are an issue but the point the original poster makes is a darn good one. I have never seen a bigger bunch of whimps in this forum. This is an American setting out to do a great feat. She obviously was well preparred and set off an a voyage few would have the courage to.

For that she gets trashed by her own, FReepers no less. We are in trouble when even FReepers have turned into sheeple.

[PLMerite]

“Her parents though that putting her on a boat 1000 miles from the nearest male was likely to be more effective than a chastity belt.”

Until she gets rescued by a French fishing boat... /sarc

[b cool]

Heard That...and agree.

[gunsequalfreedom]

Thank you for the post. You have it right!

[null and void]

Every plan has a flaw...

[VeniVidiVici]

communist-studied conservative trigger-word,

Troll much? Or would you just like a little cheese with that whine?

[Mr. Mojo]

Of course, we're all supposed to believe that every post on FR is independently made, but these hate posts have been too interlocked in similiarly bizarre content for me to believe that.

So is it your position that a few "pants pissing" posters with multiple FR accounts are responsible for most of the posts criticizing Abby's family?

[B Knotts]

I agree with you. I’m sickened by the sheer number of nanny-staters posting screeds against this brave young woman.

[Ramius]

No...she is a child and has no business alone on the high seas...as evidenced.

Evidenced by what? That she almost made it? Had she not been dismasted, the worst was pretty much behind her.

[marktwain]

Thank you for your post. It is part of America being feminized to define “children” as younger and younger.

Many people seem to think that life can be lived without risk, and that the State can somehow prevent risk, when in fact, live is by definition risky.

They only time you are not at risk is when you are dead.

[TonyInOhio]

I haven't paid much attention to the Abby threads, and was surprised to see they have evolved into pissing matches.

I think it was great for her to try. I also think her family should reimburse the taxpayers of Australia. Were I an Aussie taxpayer, I'd be pretty pissed that my government spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the dream of an American teenager.

[Vigilantcitizen]

I’m with you.

[fish hawk]

Tomorrow is Sunday. Save your righteous sermons for then.

[Charlespg]

what a load of bovine excrement, I’m about as right wing as you can get on many things,but going though the Indian ocean in the winter season when even experienced sailors have advised against it is foolhardy

[ninergold3]

I think your post is very well written and speaks volumes.

I'm also noticing lots of people here are getting really nasty. I thought this was a place to share views and opinions of what is going on in the world. Instead, I'm noticing lots of snippy - nasty stuff being posted. On this thread the person who slams you for being a FReeper for only 2 years. I thought FreeRepublic was a forum that we wanted to grow - especially during fund raising time.

Personally, I've been slammed over and over on the Nevada State board for not falling in with the Tea Party Express pick to run against Harry Reid. I didn't realize that my opinion - as a member of FR for many years - wasn't as important as the next guys. Very Sad. . .

[Paved Paradise]

The words, “young woman,” or “young lady” are euphemisms often used for little girls. I might call a small boy, “young man.” She is a child - Sixteen, so YOUR screed against those who are calling her a child is ludicrous, as that is the proper term.

Second, as to her not being old enough to assess proper risk. Everyone who has “kids,” knows that their judgment of anything is not fully developed. We even have much brain science to back this up. The frontal lobe is not fully developed even when a young person is 18 or 19, let alone 16.

Most people worry about their daughters going away to college, let alone sailing alone across the world - where there are pirates, fish with big teeth, and the elements.

And, let’s not forget the sheer idiocy of sailing in the southern hemisphere during their winter. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!

Thus, I conclude with wondering about the judgment skills of the parents as well. “But she likes to sail!” Oh, brother.

[Old North State]

I think I'll withhold judgment on this episode. If the young girl returns safely and refuses interviews, stories, book deals and movie offers then she can say she did it for the challenge. If she and her parents hustle the story for money then they can foot the bill for the rescue. People should be free to take risks, but if the risk is part of a get rich quick scheme that can't expect us extras to pony up for the production costs.