[...] Flamebait. If a commenter’s only goal is to get a rise out of you or your other readers, allowing their comments will only invite trouble. Then again, it can be fun to duke it out with flamers from time to time.  [...]

My point is not that Steve Irwin provoked the sting ray or somehow intentionally brought about his untimely death, at least not in the immediate sense. However, it cannot be denied that he willingly engaged in a dangerous occupation. In so doing, he actively and habitually put himself in what most reasonable people would describe as dangerous situations. He wasn’t swimming with potentially deadly sting rays out of sheer coincidence; he was doing it because he volunteered to do it. Moreover, he understood the risks.

Therein lies my lack of pity, a point which I think I’ve clarified adequately. I do respect the man and his work. I do feel sorry for his family. Given the circumstances, I just don’t feel sorry for him.

I invite you to state your points on my blog more rationally in the future. You’d go a long way toward impressing me if you would at least mention your real name; “nonofyourbuisness” only tells me that you don’t feel strongly enough about your remarks to take responsibility for them, which is curious considering how strongly you word them.