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General Climbing Discussion

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Bolting Mt Everest 12-May-2005 At 11:46:29 AM Take!

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I spose from one perspective it could be seen as very arrogant for us to sit here with our mod-cons and say these things about the development of commercial climbing/trekking in the area, how about the livelyhoods of the locals who rely on the tourism, how do they feel about it?
We can say no oxygen, no sherpas, no fixed ropes - keep it like it was. But who are we to demand that these people stay living in the last century so that we can feel good about the mountain and its climbers maintaining a 'hardness'. Is demanding that a peoples livelyhood be removed because it better suits the ethics and kudos of our hobbie any better act than a merchant banker having her hand held up the highest WALK in the world. We may cow-tow at the style of ascent but at least the merchant bankers vanity is helping support the locals.
The locals feel that the mother goddess looks after them. So what would they ask for when praying to the diety? "Please give us safe climbing weather so more westerners come and ask for my services. Hopefully then my child can be born in a well equiped hospital, our table will have food and the school will stay open long enough for them to gain an education - thankyou Goddess".

Please don't read this as me having a stance for development or taking a side on any issue, its just another perspective that I too am yet to find a solution for.