This & That, Ceci et Cela

Fourteen freed European hostages may only just be arriving home after being held in the Sahara desert, but some politicians in Germany are already suggesting that one of their first trips should be to the bank. There has been no confirmation that a ransom was paid to their kidnappers, but the German media are taking it as read that Mali, the poverty-stricken West African state where the hostages were being held stumped up the cash and would be recompensed by Berlin in foreign aid.
I’m SOOO tired of hearing about stupid tourists engaging in dangerous activities in places where even natives of the country in question would not go. So if they survive it, they should definitely pay all incurred costs. Very simple and straightforward solution; e.g. if it cost $10M to rescue all 31 idiots from Mali then it means each one should now regard himself/herself $322,580 in debt (total cost divided amongst the group). They can regard it as a 2nd mortgage or a nice reminder of their stupidity. There’s something to be said for going off, off, off the beaten path without guides (and if at all you tried to find one but no local would agree to go, that should a red flag!) or informing others before departing.