People make their own decisions every day. So it's not about
how old one has to be to make their "OWN" decisions.
It's more about how one exercises responsibility when
making those decisions.

When young ones begin making decisions that clearly will have
a negative effect on the family then it's time to begin discussing
their choices and or their departure for a life on their own.

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"What you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.”
Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

Of course when your car dies on the highway, getting back to safety doesn't involve a military operation or chartering an Airbus. Can't recall how much AAA costs these days, but I'd bet a lifetime membership is less than the estimated $300,000 it cost to rescue Betty.

Personally I think it was a ridiculous decision on everyone's part. Just b/c she thinks she could do it doesn't necessarily mean she should. At 16 she is still effectively a child and had something catastrophic happened I really don't want to imagine beyond that.

On a side note, the next group meet is going to take place at that girl's parents house on July 4th. It is being organized by them and balloon boy's parents. Everyone is welcome. Bonus points for anyone who arrives by boat or balloon.

So how did her age cause the storm that took her mast off? My point is that her age ends up being irrelevant, and the same charges could be levelled at any ocean sailor.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

She is a child. That is relevant.