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There's a recent news item about a British couple taken hostage by Seychelles pirates. Amongst the usual collection of OMGs and WTFs in the online commentary, was an observation that this couple got what they deserved by choosing to sail in dangerous waters.

I find myself of two minds on this. On the one hand, I think my position on personal responsibility has been made pretty clear in this Blog; however, on the other I'm offended at the timidity that the commentator is endorsing.

Once you've accepted the "you got what's coming to you for being there" attitude, where do you draw the line? Did the mother gunned down in a drive-by get what she deserved for living in a shitty neighbourhood? Did those passengers auguring into the Atlantic Ocean get what's coming to them for choosing to fly to Europe?

It seems to me that we have two options: spend our lives hiding in fear or spend our lives living.

Yes, weigh your options and yes, make informed decisions and yes, hold yourself accountable for your choices but, don't let fear being your primary driver.

Get out there and live your life.