How is Don going to distribute to people about to jump, when he is waiting in the boat at the bottom? And is he going to want that responsibility? How about we all write and sign little notes, stuck to the backs of our helmets, saying that we know this is dangerous, thank the state of Idaho and TF, and declare our wish not to have any legal or civil actions as a result of any accident that might occur. I have 16 bridge jumps, don't know anything about how the system works, but it seems a lot like gun control several decades ago. With pressure, we accept that our rights are only privileges, and before long, we will need permits to jump, and then, there will be a "No jumping from bridge" sign up. However, unlike guns, nobody is getting hurt except for the people who make the decision to jump. The sheriff doesn't want to get involved with any regulation, the people of TF like us... If it comes to that, how about we pool some money up to help and oppose the lawsuit, so that TF and Idaho don't have to cover it. I don't have extra money, but I have to BASE jump. To the parents of Brian: I am very sorry for your loss. I could not possibly imagine the sadness that you are experiencing, and I hope it never happens again. I am very sorry. I have roughly the same experience as your son when the incident happened. When I started skydiving, I knew that it was dangerous, but it took control of my life, and I had to continue, despite the risks. In fact, because of the risks, I had to continue. With BASE, with all of 16 TF jumps, I climb over the railing knowing that my decisions are my own. I inspected my gear, I packed my gear, I am walking out to the bridge on my own free will. I am climbing over the railing, on my own free will, and I know that within 6 seconds of exit, my life can end, and I will leave the world. My parents, brother, girlfriend, and friends, will all be sad, angry, upset, depressed, and never understand why I had to die so pointlessly. For the record, I will always BASE jump and skydive and I know that it is dangerous!!! I have made plenty of mistakes in the past, but have been lucky that I learned from them, and nothing was hurt. Sometimes, people make mistakes in this dangerous arena, and pay the price like many before. However, when I meet all the BASE jumpers that paid the price before me in heaven, I will not complain and say that it wasn't my fault, that it was equipment failure, etc... I will be laughing and smiling, grateful to have lived for 29 years, skydived for 2.5 years, and 4 weeks of BASE!!! If your interest is truly in keeping people from getting hurt in BASE, step back and take a look. Your son, very simply, made a series of mistakes that led to his death. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, just been lucky and got away without injury. However, your son might not have made it to 10 jumps if he didn’t have the presence of mind to seek a mentor, or even ask someone with more experience for simply, friendly advice. It is clear that he was determined to BASE jump. Without the bridge in TF, he would have been forced to jump an illegal object, at night, far from medical care, with the same degree of “I’ll figure it out on my own”. Is this more or less safe? The opportunity that BASE jumpers have in TF is an INCREDIBLE resource, that does more to encourage safety than anything else I can imagine. Any regulation or tampering with the operation of TF tampers with the the fundimental idea of BASE, be responsible for yourself. I don't have children, and can't possibly attempt to insult you by saying I understand how you feel and what you are going through. I don't. And again, I am sorry. However, just as you have never BASE jumped or skydived, you cannot possibly understand how I MUST jump. There is a consequence for every action. I understand that, and more importantly, accept that as the potential price that I might pay. With that, I hope that all my brothers and sisters stay safe out there, blue skies... Again, I am very sorry for your son's loss. But please don't let your sadness, anger, and resentment of BASE cause others to get hurt unnecessarily by regulating TF BASE... Peter --------------- Peter BASE - The Ultimate Victimless Crime
