DEMOGRAPHICS SHOULD DICTATE DISASTER RESCUES.

Byline: Max M. Feibelman

JUST last week, a radio talk show host had people calling in to express their opinions on the ``women and children first'' rule that applied when the Titanic sunk. I listened to the views expressed along with the controversy that developed concerning equal rights for women. Some of the men who called in stated that they would no longer give up their place in a lifeboat for a woman.

These various views caused me to think about the changing attitudes of our modern day society. There are endless debates on television and radio relating to equal rights including such topics as women in the military, sexual harassment, gay rights, racial tensions, affirmative action laws and many of the new politically correct ideas.

No one came forward with a specific solution to a Titanic-type of catastrophe for the ship's captain of today. It is really very simple and should leave little room for argument for a fair-minded group of passengers.

Let us assume that there are 1,000 persons aboard and for some unforeseen reason there are only enough lifeboats for 450 people. The first rule is that all children under the age of 12 get to board the lifeboats. Rising juvenile crime may soon require that we lower this age to perhaps 10.

All other persons on board must register as man or woman, indicate their race, indicate their religion and further indicate their sexual preference (gay or otherwise). Once the people are clearly identified, 50 percent of each of these groups will be allowed on the lifeboats. Let us assume that there were 200 white males, 100 African-American males, 100 white females, 50 African-American females, 80 Latino males, 40 Latino females, 70 Asian males, 60 Asian females, 35 gay males and 25 lesbians.

Out of these groups, each person after boarding is given a number on a colored ticket to match the group they are in. For example, the white males may get an orange ticket with numbers one through 200. The Asian females may get a green ticket with numbers from one through 60. When the captain announces that the ship is sinking, only the lucky ones with an odd number in their group may board the lifeboats. Assuming that the children occupy 65 lifeboat seats we should have about 385 adults who will be authorized to be saved.

I would hope that this would be seen by those drowning as equal rights for those lucky enough to have odd numbers. It should, however, be announced by the captain that when the next ship sinks that those with even numbers will be proportionately saved.

No one likes arguments during emergencies and this system should enable all of the passengers and crew members to ``get along.''