Just more "we have to treat everyone the same" nonsense. It needs an seriously organized protest, something along the lines of many, many people buying the "insurance card", deciding they need to be rescued in expensive ways [although let's keep it in nice weather as much as we can] and BANKRUPTING that dratted system - and continuing to protest with signage about those awful people who had to be rescued and bankrupted the system.
It has a nice circular swing to it that I like.
?

No, not in a free society. Like JT I hike alone and have climbed solo ( that's roped up solo not free solo) and I have rescue insurance through the American Alpine Club. In Hawaii the fire dept does everything from roof repair to cat in tree to cliff top rescue. I do not want to be taxed for any of these.

The FD needs to cut its budget and refocus on its correct mission.
I would be part of a volunteer rescue crew and I can reach anyone on OhWahWhoo. It's not that I would be living for the sake of another but challenging myself to assist another free person to safety.
Hey have some fun!

If you call out for rescue, yes you should pay the freight.