Reading the comments of so many here, I see a lack of understanding and no humanity. The bottom line is these were guys who participated in a hazardous sport knowing the risks. I see some who say they were selfish to participate in such things being married and fathers. With that analogy, even if one is single, if one has family (living parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, granparents, cousins - whatever) - even friends. Then that person should lead a very sheltered life - get real people! Though I am single, I do have family and friends who care about me. I also participate in high risk things like skydiving, mountaineering, scuba diving just to name a few. Am I selfish as well because I could die participating in activities I enjoy while I have living parents - etc.?!?! We are not selfish, we are people who choose these challenges to fulfill our lives. Some people like to knit and collect stamps, we live for adventure. And BTW, you are in just as much danger driving the freeways during rush hour. There is something in just about everyone's life that could cause them to not come back home again. Some ask why they did a winter climb - duh, winter has not quite started yet when they started out. At any rate, I as a climber can tell you that winter climbing in the Rockies train and prepare you for the best of conditions in places like the Himalayas. I know, I have been there. I also know one of the reasons for leaving climbers on Everest (aside from the huge task physically speaking of bringing someone down from above the "death Zone") is some climbers wish to remain up there. Their goal was to get there, and many say if they die there, that is their final resting place. And those who have no idea of who these guys were should not assume their experience level because of what happened. I have been on trips with guys with way more experience than me, and saw a few die. I have been on skydives with people with double and triple the amount of jumps I have, and they have died. In all this, I say don't condem these people for being selfish, stupid or whatever. The inuendos are all based on different points of view which for the most part are meaningless because so many people with their opinions have no clue of what they are talking about. You can not unless you have done these things. I for one commend these people for having the guts, drive and will to pursue things most only read or dream about. I am sorry for them given what they went through, and at the same time gladdened they did not get into some freeway accident, shot by a mugger, by some extremist terrorist over in the Middle East, or 50 times by cops thinking they had a gun. Most of all, I mourn for their family and friends. Leave them alone. This is a near two week story now. Let's close the chapter and let the families have some peace. Let them decide to with hold the last pictures from the media who seem to thrive on the misfortunes of others because of a morbid public. If I were the families, I'd not release the pictures either! Bottom line is the people as a whole have become too cynical, judgmental, self serving, cold hearted and just plain ignorant or not caring about the feelings of others. Humans seem to be losing their humanity.

For what its worth, I dont think people posting are being cruel and unkind and heartless. I think most everyone feels helpless in this tragedy, anger at the men for paying the ultimate price, sadness for their families and children. I think we are venting our frustrations out by focusing on the cost of the effort to recover them, both with regard to risk to rescuers and the financial cost. These could have been avoided had the men been more responsible: not undertaking a risky "passion" and carrying things [like beacons] which would have made it a whole lot easier to have located them in a much shorter time and could have perhaps saved their lives. No, we are not being cruel and inhumane. Just saddened by the waste.....

What's with our morbid facination with death and distruction? Why do we need to further agonize over the loss of these climbers by reviewing photos of their last days?? While this is truly a sad occurance -- my heart goes out to the families -- the rescue teams have done all they can do. Instead of continuing a futile 'search' which would result in the spending of thousands more dollars, perhaps it's best to end the search. Furthermore, I would rather see 'tax dollars' put to use by helping the known survivors of catastrophies that were completely beyond their control like the victims of last year's Hurricane Katrina. Does anyone remember Hurricane Katrina? No one seems to be shedding any tears for the thousands of displaced men, women, and children that still have no place to call home. Let's work on THAT recovery effort.

Of course we should attempt a rescue for each and evert person that goes up that mt. rescue attempts are made every day in different forms ie drug alchol interventions. money is soent in all different ways in the taxpayer system. we should be glad to live in a country that respects each persons personal goals and asperations and is will to back them up. this country wouldnt be were it is today without risk takers they are the very foundation this coutry is built on.we sould mourn the loss of these men and support the wishes of the families.

These guys did what they loved! They did make some mistakes in doing this, but they also did some things that were correct. They left detailed notes about where they were going and the routes they were taking. They signed in and left their names and routes, had friends close by in case they did have a problem. But they did not have locater beacons (required by Oregon law by the way), GPS, active cell phones, enough stuff for an emergency and why go in December? The mt. would of still been there in May. I think it is selfish to participate in extreme things like this. We all have a responcibilty to our loved ones, whether it be wives, kids or extended families to make sure we are safe and return to them. That is our obligation. These men were selfish just like the people who left the man on top of Everest earlier this year. Disgusting! Morn their loss, celebrate their lives, but be safe!

The families have the right to decide whether or not they want the photos published. The families can decide what they want the public to know about their loved ones. It's their decision. They made it, so respect that. You didn't know those men. They did. I feel for them and am deeply saddened about their loss. Let them grieve and let them grieve the way they want to. They deserve that. They are in my prayers.

I am glad to see people agreeing that these men should have thought of their responsibility to their children first, instead of taking very foolish risks. And I do not believe that we as Americans are denying them our rescue efforts amd the funds spent on this effort. But these same funds can be used to save other lives. For all of you who believe that we should keep looking for them or that our tax dollars were well spent, why dont you take off 1 year of your life or donate your own money, to save MILLIONS of lives in this world? Work in a developing country, find a cure for a common disease, work to distribute food to the hungry. There are countless things you can do. And a zillion better ways to spend money on the truly NEEDY than wasting it away on men who made poor, very high-risk choices. I totally agree with others who have said they should have at least carried beacons with them.

And yes, we all have deep passions. I am passionate about my children, painting and my work. I am so passionate about my work in fact, that I GLADLY spend 24/7 as a neuroscientist working to cure mental diseases. Wish that a fraction of the rescue funds could have been made to save mentally ill patients who shiver in the streets and who are found frozen to death each and every year, and especially at "this" time of the year. Why do you so-called compassionate people not raise a huge cry about THOSE people? Those nameless, faceless nobodies who die alone on our streets too mentally ill to even spell "passion" let alone feel it...

IT'S ONLY MONEY !!! LET'S DO WHAT EVER WE HAVE TO DO FOR THESE MEN AND ANYONE WHO IS ON NEED! GOD'S BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILIES OF THE LOST CLIMBERS AND TO THE ONE'S WHO GAVE THEIR TIME TO SEARCH FOR THEM!!!

To everyone that has posted so far about some of the peoples lack of compassion, you are right. We have become a selfish instead of selfless people and we are becoming harder and less kind every day. As for the pictures that everyone wants to see, leave it! It seems that there is nothing sacred to anyone anymore and the media has taught us that. Just take a look at reality shows, talk shows and shows like Jerry Springer. Let's all revel in the ugliness of life and learn to like it more than the goodness in life. For goodness sake! Let the loved ones have these men's last living moments to themselves, seeing them happy and smiling. Leave the grieving families alone and let them heal. We don't need to see pictures of their equipment so that we can start an even bigger debate. These three men enjoyed the challenge of the outdoors and the personal growth that came from it. At least two of them were putting their sights on Everest and this was supposed to be one of many practice runs that would lead up to Everest, with similar winter conditions. The guys had some bad luck and the weather caught them unaware just as it did lots of others in Wa.and Ore.. It moved in fast and mountains create their own weather and then multiply it tenfold. It was just bad luck. Bad luck happens every day, to all of us in differing degrees. As for what these men were doing... without people like these three men, who embraced life's challenges, we wouldn't be flying, or going into space or have telephones or modern medicine, or know the world was round. These guys are the type of people that push the envelope and propel us forward. Maybe personally they didn't make some huge discovery or invention, but they lived their lives bigger than most of us, and probably inspired a lot of others to try to do more with theirs. I personally am sorry for their families and friends loss for our loss in not having known them better.

I read these messages and I'm quite astonished! Can us as American's feel this way about this tragic story and the way this seems to be ending, I still have hope. I cannot understand where the passion is for our fellow American's, this is another example of what is wrong is our world. Please to the families, I wish you all of the best and please disregard all of the negitiviy and please know there are many of us with a true heart who care deeply for you and your love ones. May God Bless and keep you safe during this hard time in you lives.

I am truly saddened by some of the cruel and heartless comments made here. These families are going through a difficult time as it is without anyone else's two cents worth. During the holiday season I would assume even the most cynical realist could show a little compassion. My condolences to the families.

I have read many of these comments. I cannot believe how people can be so cruel in their opinions but that is the freedom of America as is the freedom to explore and live life however we choose as individuals. Those three men were adventurous outdoorsmen. I cannot fathom their choices because that type of sport is not for me. I am not that adventurous so who am I to judge? It is easy for you to sit there and say what they should or should not have done. Who are you? So are you telling me that if you were out on a fishing boat or spending the day at a state park with friends or family and something went horribly wrong that you would not expect your family to plea for help? Would you not expect rescuers to make an effort to find you or your family member's at all cost? I can bet 100% that your tune would change very quickly if it was you or your family member. I cannot imagine what was going through the minds of those 3 men. My heart aches thinking about what they were feeling as they were struggling for their lives. This is a terrible tragedy but there is a lesson with every tradegy in life and this lesson should teach everyone to value every moment you live. Do what you love because life is short and it could turn for the worst in an instance. Most of all, have compassion for others because you never know when it could be you in that situation. I pray for those 3 men and their families.

The pictures are nobody's business. You wouldn't go up to a perfect stranger and ask, "hey, can I see the last pictures ever taken of your loved ones?". Maybe someday the family will offer them to us, but that is up to them. As for the taxes, get over it. That is what they are for. Be glad those funds are there when you turn your back "for a second" and these people are sent to find your missing child, even though it was a accident.

We enjoy Oregon because it has many natural areas. They are wondrous beyond words, and as such, possess amazing beauty and hidden dangers. As humans, we must realize our limitations in regards to harsh weather in the Pacific N.W. We cannot control the mountain or the weather. The family, not media, control cherished photos. Not everything in this world is dictated by greed and the almighty dollar.

Very sorry for their families. Comment on insurance:

I roadrace motorcycles at the club level and I must have my own insurance coverage to have emt, ambulance, helicopter service, etc. I directly pay the cost of my high-risk activities. I do not ask anyone else to pay it. Nor do other racers in the same boat. I have climbed Aconcagua, Shasta, Whitney, and several peaks in the higher Alps. I should have had to pay for insurance in the event I caused a rescue effort.

As I sit here and read the comments, it makes me wonder how some people could ever call themselves an AMERICAN. I'm shocked to see how so many people have shown how inhuman they are. It does not matter that these climbers chose to do a dangerous climb or that they did not use the best of judgement as the time of year. What matters is they are human beings that needed help. Unfortunatly, our rescuers didn't make it in time. Our tax dollars are being wasted every day of our life and I personally would rather my money to go to saving a human life than glamourizing a politians personal life. God bless the families of these men and the ones who chose to go to Mt.Hood to try to bring these men home. God bless the ones with no heart.

I have been following this story since the first report that the men had gone missing and I feel sorry for the families, particularly the children. I know these men were passionate about climbing. However, once they had children, they gave up the right to pursue their passions. Their passions should have been watching T-ball, soccer and kids' basketball instead of leaving their families to engage in life-threatening activities. Notwithstanding my feelings about their right to climb, I believe that once they went lost it became our duty to look for them. How can anyone advocate leaving people to die, especially at this time of year?

PLEASE DON'T STOP THE SEARCH.
THERE IS ALWAYS A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!
I'M PRAYING FOR THE 2 MEN THAT THERE ALIVE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE.
SO CONTINUE ON WITH THE SEARCH.

One would have to be very callous not to feel sorry for the three men lost on Mt. Hood. However, it was their decision to go up when it was not a good time to go. It does not seem as though they were giving much thought to their families, but maybe they just thought nothing could ever happen to them. Of course, some people would want to try to find them and help them but there are so many people in this country and in the world who could use some help but never get it. There are people in this great country who live on the streets, people who never get enough enough to eat. I think those are the people we should be helping before we try to find three men on a mountain who made bad decisions.

Whats all this with MY tax dollars, nobody chooses
to give tax dollars. You pay to make money in a free
country it's the governments money. Chances are the
money collected from your checks built the freeway
you drove to work on this morning. I am ashamed to
be American. It's very embarrassing

As I read some of the comments I wonder if people would have the same feelings if it was someone they knew or loved on that mountain. would we say "thats what they get for doing things like this" if it was our father or brother or close friend? I hardly think so. As human beings we should be concerned that, in addition to the confirmed casualty, two other humans probably lost there lives. Time and

Interesting that those most offended by the use of tax dollars for this or any rescue effort are the same ones asking the government to regulate some aspect of the Mt. Hood situation. eg Mandate use of beacons, regulate how and when taxpayer funded rescues take place, require insurance, etc. Every little government intervention involves cost to create and more costs to enforce. Those costs are paid by taxpayers and the new regulation puts responsibilty more on others vs. accepting our own. The big picture sometimes is difficult to see, especially when we don't look for it.

As Americans, we shouldn't even consider NOT trying to rescue people in these situations. Since we have people trained and capable of helping in search & rescue, they should be called upon when neccessary. (Just like firefighters,police, etc.). The only way to prevent "accidents" like these (no matter what the precautions),would be to guard the mountain; or fence it all in to prevent ANYONE from trespassing and/or trying to climb it. This might "prevent" tragedies like these, but then it would'nt be America; Would it? Also, think of the costs of trying to prevent anyone from going on the mountain....they would be pretty high, I would think. AND dont whine about lost tax dollars...Just think, how much the rescue attempt would have cost if FEMA was in charge of it. (In other words, our gov't can waste way more than the money spent on this failed rescue.) Actually, it wasnt for nothing, though. Kelly James will be buried where his loved ones want him to be, and they'll be there there with him for that final time. Hopefully, they can find the other two, one day, even if they're not alive. There's something to be said for "closure" and just like life...there isnt a price attached too it.

Some of these BLOGS show just how humanity has fallen to its deepest form. These gentlemen got lost, just like the hopeless souls who posted the BLOGS about thier timing, training, or sense. You who have posted such blogs should look into the mirror and stare at the hopeless shell you have become. If you ever find yourself lost, do us all a favor and don't beckon for help. the world will become a much better place without you........

When I was 15 years old, and my little brother was 10, my father passed away from leukemia - something that he could not control. Living through my father's death, and watching my brother do so as well, has been hard and it's been almost ten years. These men will miss out on their childrens' graduations, weddings, and what would have been their grandchildren. So if I was one of these climbers children, I would NEVER understand how he could leave us alone, with something that was an "adventure" to him. I would never understand how knowing the risks, he would do so anyway. I would never get over the fact that although he loved climbing, he wasn't responsible to think of what should have been his first priority- his children and wife. As for the pictures, there will always be those people "rubbernecking", who can't look away. It's like driving through an area where a car accident has occurred. Leave these people alone, and give them the dignity that their husband/father did not. Think about this happening to your own family.