Parenting...right or wrong?

Interesting news story going on currently about a 16 year old, Abby Sutherland, who wanted to be the youngest person to sail around the world alone (link to the story: http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/17970/sailor+abby+sunderland+awaits+rescue+as+questions+arise+about+journey/).

She ran into a bit of trouble and wasn't going to make her goal, but she still wanted to complete her trip, so she kept on. She ended up running into a storm and lost communication with her family. She, herself, set off her emergency beacons. A day later she was found, completely fine, and they are arranging to pick her up tonight.

There are many that are saying they would never let their 16 year old child do such a thing, the parents are idiots, the parents should go to prison for child abuse/neglect, the parents should have to pay for every penny of her rescue, etc. etc.

My thoughts on the matter? Her parents are AWESOME and she is an amazing woman! First of all, I believe a "child" is someone who acts like a child, regardless of their age. I see lots of 25 year old children! An ADULT is someone who acts like an adult, including being logical and responsible. If she acted like a child instead of an adult, her parents probably wouldn't have let her go.

Second, how many people do you know that either a) never achieve their dreams or b) don't have any dreams? Most people go through their lives just trying to get by, doing drugs, playing video games, working at McDonalds, etc. I ENVY Abby, to actually be able to go out there and try to achieve her dreams! My parents are just like hers, willing to do anything possible to help me achieve my dreams (of course that's taking into account that becoming a hit man or a prostitute isn't one of my dreams). I never grew up playing video games, never did drugs, and I will still be achieving my dreams and goals.

So to all those out there who are saying she's stupid and her parents should be shot, etc., stop working at McDonalds, get off the drugs, stop watching TV and playing video games all night, and go out and achieve your goals!