Everest Controversy...

Has commercialization finally got the best of Mt. Everest? There have been several incidents on Everest lately that have sparked much controversy as to the competencies and principles of climbers attempting the ultimate climb. It has been argued since Jon Krakauer's infamous Into Thin Air that money is all it takes to climb Everest these days, and the skills and etiquette of climbing have been replaced by greed and the ability of anyone with a hefty bankroll to reach the prized summit at all costs. The recent controvesy this season began when climber, David Sharp, was left for dead by many groups who walked past the dying man in order to reach the summit. Their rationalization was that he was sure to die, so they had to finish. Sir Edmund Hillary, the Everest guru, was pissed at the lack of human decency. One week later, Lincoln Hall was in the same position, and his own team did the same. Fortunately, another group stopped to help him on their descent, and he is alive to tell the story. The extremities must be factored, and judgment calls must be made, but, is summitting more important than attempting to rescue someone who is still alive? Hillary demands that Everest climbers must get their priorities in line and do whatever it takes to save any climber in need. I agree.