May 02, 2005

The Right to Disappear

Does someone have the right to disappear? Jeff Wagner is asking that question on his radio show today, and I want to ask TAM readers. It has to do with Jennifer Wilbanks, A.K.A. the Runaway Bride. For whatever reason she decided she didn't want to get married and ran off to New Mexico without telling anyone. The problem with Wilbanks was she initially claimed she was kidnapped. So I want to make the situation more abstract. Suppose I wanted to be away from my present life for a few days and run off to Las Vegas without telling anyone. Neither family nor friends know what happened to me so they call the police. Suppose I'm a 22-year old blonde female who's disappearance draws the attention of cable news channels. I decide I had enough of Vegas and come home. Am I responsible for all the fuss made to find me when the whole reason for leaving is to get away? Why?

Suppose I left a brief note saying I want to be left alone so don't try looking for me. Yet a manhunt is organized. Am I still responsible? Why?

Leave your answers in the comments or e-mail me. I'll post the best ones and respond.