Aleks - please note that in my commentary I state that Murnieks angry response is understandable, and call attention to underpaid and overworked police and firemen. Its also worth noting that our scientists handled themselves pretty well, reserving judgment until they investigated the site. They weren’t ‘fooled’ by the scam. The Latvian authorities also acted promptly and professionally.
But once we start getting into ‘what ifs’, we open a Pandora’s box of endless speculation. But, just for rhetorical purposes, I will add another ‘what if’. What if this wasn’t an ad exec’s publicity stunt, but a piece of performance art by an eccentric artist? And he claimed that the public and media response was all part of his ‘living art’, sort of a social experiment for the instant information age.
I, for one, think Tele2 should do more than pay expenses. They might contribute something to a welfare fund for police and firemen, or maybe buy a new firetruck for Mazsalaca. So far, it appears that no harm was indeed done. But maybe, just maybe, someone can find a way to bring some good. If public opinion does turn against Tele2, they may be forced to do so. Lets see what happens.
