When Abby Sunderland decided to set a record by becoming the youngest person to sail around the world, I was already bothered. This culture of the first, best, fastest, youngest at any cost, at any risk, and any poor judgement is already just plain unfathomable to me. She is still a child - or worse - a teenager! - and teenagers already think they are invincible - which is why they can't drive or drink, let alone take on the forces of nature...on the Indian Ocean...in monsoon season...solo!!! For what it's worth (file under Lessons Not Learned), the Sunderland eldest son, Zac, has already circumnavigated the globe solo at the age of 17, and returned to a hero's welcome. I'm not sure if its her or her parents, or a horrific combination of both, but the sheer narcissism is mind-boggling. This is what happens when you have too much money or too much time (or a reality tv show producer following your every move).
*KKGGKSFGINGWEPFOJ* [sound of banging head on keyboard].
And then, she almost dies. In a massive storm with 20 foot swells, her wee boat gets jostled about around, and the mast gets knocked off. Abby activates an emergency locator beacon, and waits for help with her Girl Scout Emergency Provisions Kit. Never fear! The government of Australia charters a plane to go search the high seas for her 40-foot speck of a boat, and establishes contact. The nearest seaworthy vessel is dispatched 20 hours to go rescue our Dear Abby.
Of course, I'm relieved that Ab is OK; and would not wish otherwise. And yes, I'm fine that search and rescue works, no matter the reason for the pinch we're in. But it does seem like the additional expense (estimated at $300,000) to divert national resources because of an attempt to be in the Guinness Book of World Records, or more likely Bravo TV, seems horribly wasteful, presumptuous and wrong.
And while perhaps it should not be part of this rant, the Sunderland family consists of mom, dad, 6 home-schooled kids, with another one on the way.
*JFGIRLGHEIORGHEGJRGJRLG* (Ouch.)
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