Skip to main content

Today's Poll: Should Nik Wallenda be tethered to tightrope for Niagara Falls walk?

By Howard B. Owens
Doug Yeomans

Of the 167 people who voted "yes" so far, not one of them offered an explanation as to why they voted yes. People who vote "no" really don't need an explanation as it's already self explanatory.

He should wear a tether "why?" The whole point of walking a wire is to tempt fate and build excitement in the spectators. That's all part of the act! I wonder if the people who voted "yes" would love to outlaw motorcycles, 4-wheelers, skydiving and sneezing with your eyes open.

May 22, 2012, 10:23am Permalink
Tim Miller

I agree - it would be completely against what is being done.

Tethering would be like playing football in an arena full of peanuts (the packing kind) to minimize the stress of impacts, or pitchers pitching from 200 feet away to avoid getting hit by batted balls.

May 22, 2012, 11:04am Permalink
Billie Owens

Ask yourself, what would Evel Knievel do, or better yet, what would Harry Houdini do? I think we know the answer. If they talk the talk, they should walk the walk, or tightrope.

May 22, 2012, 11:52am Permalink
Jeff Allen

According to Walenda, it is ABC who is insisting on the tether and he opposes it. He should shop the coverage out to a network that will allow it untethered. That issue had to have been in the original contract language so it all sounds a bit fishy to me.

May 22, 2012, 12:42pm Permalink
Sean Nickerson

I vote yes. Why?

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAdRMcrzM9M ]

That's why. ^^^^^

I'm not saying he should be forced to, but in my opinion he should.

He's a young guy, and I think he should be safe. But hey, It's his life I guess. And Maybe I'm missing the whole point of being a DARE devil.

It's one of those things where either you make it, and you're the man. Or you die on video and people laugh at you on the internet for all eternity and you end up on the Darwin Awards.

*shrugs*

Whatever happens, I wish him luck.

May 22, 2012, 2:41pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Sean, do you think people should be protected from their self? I'm pretty sure everyone here knows my stance on a lot of issues such as this one. I don't believe anyone should be forced to wear a seat belt or a helmet. I don't believe anyone should be arrested for ingesting drugs unless you break a law while on the drugs, such as: DWI/DWAI, negligence...etc. Personal responsibility should prevail and people don't need nanny government "protecting" them at every turn.

If you don't wear a seat belt or a helmet, if you do drugs, have unsafe sex or pick your nose with a dirty pinky and die because of it, it's your fault! I would love to go for a ride on the bike, helmet free. Is it foolish? Probably, but it's my decision and my life. Nobody should have the right to dictate to me otherwise.

We're supposed to be free to do as we please, not tethered!

May 22, 2012, 6:41pm Permalink
david spaulding

i voted yes...my reason being.....children will be watching this event..if he doesn't make it,i think some children will be traumatized..heck,i'm over 50 and i think i'd have problems watching a man fall to his death from a cable above the falls.

May 22, 2012, 7:25pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Why does that mean he should be tethered? You're squeamish about watching a guy fall so you want to apply rules to him to prevent your squeamishness? That makes no sense...LOOK AWAY! If parents are worried about their kids watching it then they should record it and let them watch it later. BE A PARENT.

May 22, 2012, 8:28pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

I hesitated, but ultimately voted for the tether. I guess for me it's like watching the Indy 500. I love a great crash, lots of flying car parts and such, but when someone is killed it makes me feel sick. I "get" the whole daredevil history and risktaking involved. I guess I just don't want him to die if he falls. That's not much entertainment, IMO

May 22, 2012, 8:54pm Permalink
Rich Richmond

I would allow the man the “dignity of risk” provided that he sign a disclaimer and a release form absolving the Police, Fireman or any other rescue personnel from having to risk their lives to satisfy his ego and to enhance his notoriety and personal gain.

If he falls and doesn’t survive they will find him eventually…maybe. If he does survive and they can extract him safely, fine, otherwise let the “dignity of risk” along with personal freedom and responsibility be something other than words.

May 22, 2012, 9:47pm Permalink
RICHARD L. HALE

Several comments...

Billie...Evel Knievel wouldn't wear no stupid tether!!

David...Traumatized children? To a certain age maybe, but have you seen some of this video games these kids have access to?

Sean...an occupational hazard. You pay your money, you takes your chances.

I believe, that every one of those flag draped caskets that are flown into Dover Del. every week, give every American the right and freedom, to do whatever they want to do....short of violating the rights of others.

May 23, 2012, 12:51am Permalink
Billie Owens

Richard, I know dang well Evel Knievel "wouldn't wear no stupid tether," which was my point exactly. I'm with you. If you're going to be a daredevil, which for the record I find asinine, then be a real one.

May 24, 2012, 1:06pm Permalink

Authentically Local