Would you negotiate with terrorists?

[Godscreated]

Are we talking Terrorists or Kidnappers here? I'm confused.

I'd pay. The life of any of my children or grandchildren (even the son I don't get along with) is worth more than any money. Of course if I ever discovered their identity, I'd destroy them and everything they love.

Then how are you any different from them, first you give them incentive to go and do the same thing to someone else then you would take matters into your own hands and treat them as you were treated. There are reasons for the rule of law. I will admit when I read the scenario my first thought was to take them out but, with some thought I realized that's not the right choice in this situation. The situation as presented leaves one with no control and at a great disadvantage.

GC

[FatAndFaithless]

Are we talking Terrorists or Kidnappers here?  I'm confused.  

I'd pay.  The life of any of my children or grandchildren (even the son I don't get along with) is worth more than any money.  Of course if I ever discovered their identity, I'd destroy them and everything they love.

Then how are you any different from them, first you give them incentive to go and do the same thing to someone else then you would take matters into your own hands and treat them as you were treated. There are reasons for the rule of law. I will admit when I read the scenario my first thought was to take them out but, with some thought I realized that's not the right choice in this situation. The situation as presented leaves one with no control and at a great disadvantage.

GC

Bolded mine.  Are you serious?  You're equating grief-stricken loved ones paying a ransom in an attempt to save a life with the kidnappers?

[vorlon13]

Throwing money at something guarantees we all get more of it.

My personal response is irrelevant, the government should take the harshest measures possible to discourage it.

[Godscreated]

To pay will embolden them by giving them a sense of sucess, this is the last thing you want to do with this type of people.

So you would do the "right" thing and let them perish for the "greater good". Either you're really as despicable or you're not honest with yourself.

Honest really, let's look at honest, almost no victim is returned whether the money is paid or not that is reality. If everyone pays then where does it stop, if no one pays it becomes a worthless and risky proposition for any kidnapper. If I don't react for the "greater good" then what value does my loved ones life have, money? I as you would want to pay but this world isn't just about us, is it.

GC

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Throwing money at something guarantees we all get more of it.

My personal response is irrelevant, the government should take the harshest measures possible to discourage it.

That use to be the death penalty and I personally believe it still should be.

GC

[abaris]

OK, so you would let them perish for sure instead of taking the one and only. Good to know for future reference. In case you feel like riding the high religious morality horse again.

[account_inactive]

That's a tough one.

I would most likely pay and negotiate with the terrorists but I would also try and find out the identity of them and have my revenge later on.

[paulpablo]

I'd negotiate with the terrorists but probably take the official route through the police and see what happens.

since I live in the uk and kidnapping isn't common here I'd assume that the kidnappers are either deranged and psychotic and not to be trusted, or bluffing at how dangerous they are and don't really want to be in this situation and would hopefully just let my family go once they realise the police are involved.

I can't really say what I'd do for definite but in general the best rule of thumb I go by is to not bow down to intimidation tactics.

[Godscreated]

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Then how are you any different from them, first you give them incentive to go and do the same thing to someone else then you would take matters into your own hands and treat them as you were treated. There are reasons for the rule of law. I will admit when I read the scenario my first thought was to take them out but, with some thought I realized that's not the right choice in this situation. The situation as presented leaves one with no control and at a great disadvantage.

GC

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Bolded mine.  Are you serious?  You're equating grief-stricken loved ones paying a ransom in an attempt to save a life with the kidnappers?

Read my post to "abaris." I didn't say it would be an easy thing to do, it would be heart wrenching. Where is the logic in paying when the result will be that the kidnappers are not going to leave witnesses behind, they've already threatened to kill them if they don't get the money so we would have to assume they would have no problem with killing them if it means they can't be identified. Self preservation is just as important to them as it is to you wanting to save a loved one. The money becomes useless if they can't spend it.

GC

[Minimalist]

Then how are you any different from them, first you give them incentive to go and do the same thing to someone else then you would take matters into your own hands and treat them as you were treated. There are reasons for the rule of law. I will admit when I read the scenario my first thought was to take them out but, with some thought I realized that's not the right choice in this situation. The situation as presented leaves one with no control and at a great disadvantage.

GC

Bolded mine.  Are you serious?  You're equating grief-stricken loved ones paying a ransom in an attempt to save a life with the kidnappers?

G-C must have asked "what would jesus do?"

[Catholic_Lady]

Of course I would pay if it's the only chance. I can't imagine anyone not doing it and throwing their loved ones to the wolves.

My thoughts exactly. I don't think I could ever look at myself in the mirror again, knowing I didn't at least do everything I could.