Because it's there

You know how I hate government intrusion in our lives, but there was one recent occasion when a $5 "requirement" might have saved two lives. Katie Nolan and Anthony Vietti have apparently died while climbing on Mt. Hood. They could have rented a $5 locator beacon which may have allowed rescuers to save them.

State and federal government agencies have interfered with the Clackamas County Commission's attempts to make the beacons mandatory. Although it is technically a tax (and we all hate taxes), I say if you're voluntarily going to risk your life in the foolish pursuit of thrills, you should probably be required to carry at least $5 worth of potential protection.