In harm’s way Part II: Kidnapped MD’s rescue results in death of Navy SEAL

Almost two years ago, I blogged [here] that Americans who put themselves in harm’s way jeopardize the lives of others. I recounted the stories of mountain climbers who were rescued from a ledge, hikers who were captured in Iran and four people who went sailing in the western Indian Ocean and were captured by pirates.

Today we learn that a Navy SEAL was killed during a raid on a Taliban base which freed an American doctor who had been kidnapped last week. At least six other people died during the battle. Their backgrounds have not been detailed. [Story here.]

The doctor had been working for an organization called Morning Star Development, which runs clinics in rural Afghanistan. According to its website, Morning Star Development is a 501(c)3 charity. It addition to its clinics, it is also “training a new generation of Afghan leaders in the best practices of leadership from around the world.”

Americans can work in rural Afghanistan if they want to. I realize the people there need help.

The question is should Americans working in rural Afghanistan, who are aware of the risks they take, expect to be rescued if they are kidnapped?

You see, the problem is that someone’s son was killed saving this doctor.

I know that men who sign up for the Navy SEALs are aware that they risk death. However, it is one thing to risk death in wartime or when trying to kill the likes of Osama bin Laden.

It is something quite different to be killed rescuing a person who should not have been there in the first place.

The death of a brave Navy SEAL was unnecessary. I am angry at Morning Star Development and the doctor who caused this death. I grieve for the Navy SEAL’s family who will live with the fact that their son died while rescuing a doctor, who I’m sure had good intentions, but should not have been in rural Afghanistan.

If I were in charge, I would tell Morning Star Development and similar groups that they are free to send their people to places like Afghanistan. But if harm comes to them, they should not expect to be bailed out by my son, your son or anyone’s son.

In Harm’s Way: Are There Consequences?

What if I decide that I want to go “in harms’ way”? It is my right as an American citizen, isn’t it? Then what if things go wrong and harm befalls me? Who picks up the pieces? Let’s look at some recent examples of folks who went in harm’s way.

On February 20th, two West Point Cadets decided to practice rappelling on Storm King Mountain. It was not part of their curriculum to rappel on a Sunday. The day was cold and very windy, possibly not the best day to climb a mountain. They became stranded on a rocky ledge and called for help via cell phone. Eight hours later after attempts to rescue them from the ground failed and in 50 mph winds and 20 degrees temperatures, a daring helicopter rescue was carried out by heroic NYPD cops. Thanks to luck and skill, no one was hurt.

Despite the common knowledge that pirates lurk near Somalia, some incredibly naïve [or incredibly stupid] people sailed their 58 foot yacht into dangerous waters off the coast of Oman last week and were captured. According to the New York Times, one of the party of four on the boat blogged before heading into the area, “I have NO [sic] idea what will happen in these ports, but perhaps we’ll do some local touring.” No doubt they will be seeing some very interesting sights.

In 2009, three American hikers wandered across the Iraqi border into Iran and were captured. One of the hikers, a woman was released on “humanitarian grounds” because she was sick. Also, $500,000 was posted as “bail.” The other two hikers, both males, are still being held. As lovely as Iraq seems from the pictures I’ve seen, it has to be right up there with Somalia as a place where I would not like to hike. But let’s compound the folly by straying into Iran.

What have we learned here?

People either don’t listen or feel that they are immune to the consequences of their actions. It is this same lack of accountability that permits people to smoke, drink alcohol to excess, not exercise, eat too much or use addictive drugs. Don’t worry, you will be cared for.

ADDENDUM [February 22, 2011]

Sadly, the four Americans on the yacht were killed. This tragedy did not have to happen. Details are a bit sketchy but four American warships and aerial drones are said to have been following the yacht. A spokesman for the pirates apparently had warned that the captives would be killed if any rescue attempts were made.