Take A Hike
Unfortunately stupidity is not a crime punishable by imprisonment in the United States. Other countries, however, have stricter laws.
The release of the two Americans who spent nearly two years in an Iranian prison was met with much fanfare. They were arrested after they were caught wandering aimlessly around a remote region of the Iran. Iran first accused and then convicted them of spying. They were sentenced to eight years in prison. Through diplomatic relations they were released on $500,000 bail each. While it's not clear who posted the bail (I pray not the US Government) these two dimwitted adventurers had enough sense to immediately jump bail and leave Iran. Proving that the Iranian justice system, unlike the United States' system) if nothing else does work as a deterrent.
The hikers' version was that they were hiking in Iraq and "got lost". Let me just say like most criminal defendants that story is neither plausible or believable. There are a lot of hiking trails in this world. I'm not a hiker but I would assume Arizona, Colorado, and California have more than their fair share of scenic and challenging climbs.
I am a surfer. Despite the fact that there are great waves in the Gaza Strip, the Mexican territories controlled by drug cartels, and the South American waters controlled by rebels I don't even consider "hanging ten" in any of those places. Round rock and Flags at Daddy's home (literally) break in Seabrook, Newport, Narragansett or Coast Guard work just fine. If and when I do travel it will be to a plush resort in Costa Rica or to visit Gavin in South Africa.
In short I believe the Iranian government's version of events. If it were up to me I would have let these two cool their hiking heels for the remainder of the eight year sentence.
Instead of wasting diplomatic efforts on two CIA operatives who aren't smart enough to read the GPS on their iPhones why don't we concentrate on Iraq and Afghanistan. At least there we would save thousands of brave US soldiers from harm's way.
KOKO
