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I read in a scifi book, I think Larry Niven short story... The wealthy elite signed contracts to the effect that regardless of the demands of kidnappers, no ran
by SapporoChris 7y ago
I read in a scifi book, I think Larry Niven short story...
The wealthy elite signed contracts to the effect that regardless of the demands of kidnappers, no ransoms would be paid by families or estates.
Once news of the contracts became public knowledge the rate of kidnappings plummeted.
Of course, at the start a few hostages were sent back to families piece by piece. But word did get around after that.
So instead of straight out crime, contracts if implemented globally, nationally or even statewide, might be a solution. I'm probably overlooking something :)
- chillacy 7y agoProbably that in real life the US position of "we don't negotiate with terrorists" might not be helping: > But the data just doesn't support it. Kidnapping is really a crime of opportunity. And there is no evidence or very little evidence to suggest that kidnappers are checking passports, and your nationality is going to determine whether you're kidnapped or not, regardless of the particular policy that your government has. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-u-s-policy-toward-negotiating-with-terrorists-may-be-risking-americans-lives https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-u-s-policy-toward-nego...
- AnIdiotOnTheNet 7y agoI'd be very surprised if such a thing would work outside of fiction. Nobody feels more entitled to break the rules than the wealthy elite, and very few people in the situation of having a loved one held hostage are going to stand on principle. As soon as one has paid, the bluff has been called.