Canadian being held by Taliban

[Topaz]

I don't know which is more Unbelievable, that a 26 year old, travelled to Afghanistan as a tourist OR we are to believe he was a tourist?? The Feds have their work cut out for them in getting him release and what payment will be have to be paid to do that. Any thoughts on the guy?? http://ca.news.yahoo.com/afghan-taliban-release-video-captured-canadian-095259906.html

[pegasus]

There is always someone crazy who tells himself, "Man...where can I go this year that will be exciting and cheap? I know. I'll go to Afghanistan"

Really though, I hope he gets out OK, and then send him the bill for how much it will cost the taxpayers for his release. Or fine him for being stupid.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Charles Anthony
deleted re-copied Opening Post

[Shwa]

Bill him or fine him, sounds reasonable. If he gets out the sales of his books and speaking engagements will more that cover off all of that. Likely get a nice job in CSIS or some other agency for the experience.

If he gets out...

Edited May 12, 2011 by Charles Anthony
deleted re-copied previous post

[Hydraboss]

Oops. I guess he dies.

Happens to stupid tourists all the time. Swim near the Great Barrier Reef? Guess you risk being eaten by a shark. Go on an African safari? Guess you risk being eaten by a lion. Go on a "stroll" in Afghanistan? Guess you risk being taken out by firing squad.

Oh well.

[sp]

Edited May 8, 2011 by Hydraboss

[Guest American Woman]

It's sad. Evidently he thought he was invincible, that he would be safe, that no harm could come to him. Too many young people feel that way and do foolish things as a result. At 26, though, he should have known better. The Canadian government had issued a strong travel advisory against going to Afghanistan, saying not to go and to get out if there. The site also says that getting people out of a dangerous situation will be on a cost-recovery basis, so he obviously would have to pay any costs incurred back to the Canadian government. I imagine Canada will consider paying any monetary demands, but if there are other demands, I would imagine Canada will not be able to give in to them. I would say it doesn't look particularly good for him at this point, but perhaps the Taliban will accept money. But can Canada rightfully give money to the Taliban, knowing what it will be used for? I certainly believe Colin went there as a tourist, not a spy, but I doubt that will mean anything to the Taliban, even if they really do believe he's a tourist in spite of their spy claims.

[RNG]

Haven't most western governments agreed to not pay ransom any more as it just encourages more kidnapping?

[ninjandrew]

Haven't most western governments agreed to not pay ransom any more as it just encourages more kidnapping?

Not to mention funds terrorism.

He's probably some tree planting granola boy that thought he'd be safe so long as he kept his energy positive and his chakras aligned.

Either way, good luck to him.

[fellowtraveller]

Check Lonely Planet Thorn Tree travel forum, he is not alone in travelling Afghanstan, Iraq, the tribal areas of Pakistan and many other dangerous places.

It's a testosterone thing amongst travellers(male and female),a oneupmanship game that can have a tragic ending.

His choice, his consequences. I wish him the best.

[Oleg Bach]

I don't know which is more Unbelievable, that a 26 year old, travelled to Afghanistan as a tourist OR we are to believe he was a tourist?? The Feds have their work cut out for them in getting him release and what payment will be have to be paid to do that. Any thoughts on the guy?? http://ca.news.yahoo.com/afghan-taliban-release-video-captured-canadian-095259906.html

Saw the video. Of course he is not a spy. Just a real dumb adventuring kid. Try to convince the Taliban that he is a "tourist" - This culture can not get their heads around the idea that the wests actually breeds these idots that wander into a war zone to look around and have some fun. Might as well send the kidnappers the cash and get it over with. Of course he is being abused...the fact that he used the word "humanely" when questioned by his keeper was an indication that the word was planted in his mouth - No body naturally answers like that.. It is too clinical a word to be used under such stressful conditions. The kid should have said - they are treating me okay and they are kind...I would say someone is putting the boots to his ribs at night. Better get him out of there...before the ruin the kid or worse.

[Oleg Bach]

Oh and when he gets back a little humane Canadian jail time might be a good idea for this little jerk who is about to cost the tax payer a few million bucks.

[Moonlight Graham]

Me thinkin Omar Khadr is thinking "good luck mofo".

[Oleg Bach]

Me thinkin Omar Khadr is thinking "good luck mofo".

Dumb kids - I told him not to hang around with that Jimmy fellow - he is a bad influence - but no - the little bastards just don't listen...much like that journalist that wanders off trying to make a name for herself and now sits in a jail cell...Jeeezz you would think that this "Ignotistic" (that was a huge mistake) would have at least gotten slightly biblical and remembered "Honour your father and mother and your days on earth will be long and prosperous" In other words..when dad says don't go to Afgahnistan - Don't...But the kid is from TO and was probably raised by a single mother who never taught or could not teach her son to be a man and not wander off like some little arrogant girl.

[scouterjim]

I don't know which is more Unbelievable, that a 26 year old, travelled to Afghanistan as a tourist OR we are to believe he was a tourist?? The Feds have their work cut out for them in getting him release and what payment will be have to be paid to do that. Any thoughts on the guy?? http://ca.news.yahoo.com/afghan-taliban-release-video-captured-canadian-095259906.html

Well, at least he didn't have a stack of Bibles like that goofy Yank aa couple of years ago.

[Bonam]

It's interesting that when people make mistakes along the lines of doing drugs, or not getting a good education, or committing a crime, or something similar, many posters on these boards are espousing their beliefs that people deserve a second chance, that the government should provide programs to help them get back on track, etc. And yet those mistakes are mistakes much more likely to be repeated, much more likely to be a recurring problem in someone's life, and probably much more expensive over the decades that the person in question will require government aid.

Why do criminals, drug addicts, welfare bums, etc, all deserve government help and a second chance, but a guy who made one bad choice on where to travel does not?

Edited May 9, 2011 by Bonam

[Hydraboss]

It's interesting that when people make mistakes along the lines of doing drugs, or not getting a good education, or committing a crime, or something similar, many posters on these boards are espousing their beliefs that people deserve a second chance, that the government should provide programs to help them get back on track, etc. And yet those mistakes are mistakes much more likely to be repeated, much more likely to be a recurring problem in someone's life, and probably much more expensive over the decades that the person in question will require government aid.

Why do criminals, drug addicts, welfare bums, etc, all deserve government help and a second chance, but a guy who made one bad choice on where to travel does not?

None of them deserve another chance. CFS. Can't fix stupid.

Bye bye.

[ninjandrew]

It's interesting that when people make mistakes along the lines of doing drugs, or not getting a good education, or committing a crime, or something similar, many posters on these boards are espousing their beliefs that people deserve a second chance, that the government should provide programs to help them get back on track, etc. And yet those mistakes are mistakes much more likely to be repeated, much more likely to be a recurring problem in someone's life, and probably much more expensive over the decades that the person in question will require government aid.

Why do criminals, drug addicts, welfare bums, etc, all deserve government help and a second chance, but a guy who made one bad choice on where to travel does not?

I dont get it. Life sentences for all felonies? What about this guy not getting a second chance?

[Sandy MacNab]

Oops. I guess he dies.

Happens to stupid tourists all the time. Swim near the Great Barrier Reef? Guess you risk being eaten by a shark. Go on an African safari? Guess you risk being eaten by a lion. Go on a "stroll" in Afghanistan? Guess you risk being taken out by firing squad.

Oh well.

[sp]

Play with the bull, you're apt to get the horn. You've also "signed" a waiver of fault. Good luck!

[pegasus]

It's interesting that when people make mistakes along the lines of doing drugs, or not getting a good education, or committing a crime, or something similar, many posters on these boards are espousing their beliefs that people deserve a second chance, that the government should provide programs to help them get back on track, etc. And yet those mistakes are mistakes much more likely to be repeated, much more likely to be a recurring problem in someone's life, and probably much more expensive over the decades that the person in question will require government aid.

Why do criminals, drug addicts, welfare bums, etc, all deserve government help and a second chance, but a guy who made one bad choice on where to travel does not?

Oh come on! If I jump off a bridge, do I expect the government to save me? Do I get a second chance? Walking into a war zone is not a criminal activity, nor do you do it because you are down on your luck, nor do you do it because you are addicted to "thrills". It is done to get attention and it is a form of suicide. Jumping off a bridge is probably an awesome experience, but there is a good chance it might be your last. This person is not an addict or criminal, he is a thrill seeker, plain and simple. And if his thrill seeking causes him injury or death, we, as Canadians, should not be held responsible for coming to his rescue without consequences.

Edited May 9, 2011 by pegasus

[RNG]

Oh come on! If I jump off a bridge, do I expect the government to save me? Do I get a second chance? Walking into a war zone is not a criminal activity, nor do you do it because you are down on your luck, nor do you do it because you are addicted to "thrills". It is done to get attention and it is a form of suicide. Jumping off a bridge is probably an awesome experience, but there is a good chance it might be your last. This person is not an addict or criminal, he is a thrill seeker, plain and simple. And if his thrill seeking causes him injury or death, we, as Canadians, should not be held responsible for coming to his rescue without consequences.

Well reasoned and well stated. Thank you.

[Bonam]

Oh come on! If I jump off a bridge, do I expect the government to save me? Do I get a second chance? Walking into a war zone is not a criminal activity, nor do you do it because you are down on your luck, nor do you do it because you are addicted to "thrills". It is done to get attention and it is a form of suicide. Jumping off a bridge is probably an awesome experience, but there is a good chance it might be your last. This person is not an addict or criminal, he is a thrill seeker, plain and simple. And if his thrill seeking causes him injury or death, we, as Canadians, should not be held responsible for coming to his rescue without consequences.

So being a thrill seeker is an unforgivable offense while being an addict or a criminal is fine and dandy and worthy of government help?

[ninjandrew]

So being a thrill seeker is an unforgivable offense while being an addict or a criminal is fine and dandy and worthy of government help?

I think the circumstances of his particular thrill seeking exclude him from the typical category of thrill seeker.

[pegasus]

So being a thrill seeker is an unforgivable offense while being an addict or a criminal is fine and dandy and worthy of government help?

I have no idea how you can possibly equate the concepts. Its like comparing apples and oranges. For most people, in my experience, who are addicts and criminals, there is an underlying reason for them to have begun their ways in the first place. Most addicts and criminals don't do what they do because they want to, they do it because they feel a need to.

There is a big difference between wants and needs. I want a 50" HD TV, but I need food. People who do stupid things because they feel they want to do it are not the same as people who do stupid things because they feel they need to do it. And therefore, it is impossible to treat the two types in the same way.

Edited May 9, 2011 by pegasus

[RNG]

I have no idea how you can possibly equate the concepts. Its like comparing apples and oranges. For most people, in my experience, who are addicts and criminals, there is an underlying reason for them to have begun their ways in the first place. Most addicts and criminals don't do what they do because they want to, they do it because they feel a need to.

There is a big difference between wants and needs. I want a 50" HD TV, but I need food. People who do stupid things because they feel they want to do it are not the same as people who do stupid things because they feel they need to do it. And therefore, it is impossible to treat the two types in the same way.

Yes.

[pegasus]

I think the circumstances of his particular thrill seeking exclude him from the typical category of thrill seeker.

How so? Thrill seekers can come in various forms.

[RNG]

I think the circumstances of his particular thrill seeking exclude him from the typical category of thrill seeker.

Come on. Wandering into the tribal lands of Taliban dominated Afghanistan and expecting sweetness and light?