For Somali Pirates, Worst Enemy May Be on Shore

[islandgirl36542]

MOBILE, Ala. -- Mobile's International Shipholding Corp. confirmed this afternoon that it crews and manages the M/V Maersk Alabama, the container vessel involved in the pirate attack off the coast of Africa, for Maersk USA.
In this family photo released on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, Capt. Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt., is seen. Phillips is the captain of the U.S.-flagged cargo ship Maersk Alabama which was hijacked Wednesday by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa. The vessel is owned by Maersk USA and leased to International Shipholding, under what is known as a bareboat charter, a common arrangement for the hiring of a boat where crew or provisions are provided by the entity that rents the boat from the owner. The vessel then in turn is leased back to Maersk USA.


http://blog.al.com/live/2009/04/ship_taken_by_somali_pirates.html

Prayers & Good Thoughts.....Capt. Richard Phillips....:rose:

[shiloh2000]

"Obama responded: "Guys, we're talking about housing right now."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/09/obama-on-pirates-declines_n_185111.html

[MercedesV]

At this point in time there is still a hostage situation. Steps have been taken, proper authorities in place to resolve the situation. Now is not the time to say anything that could cause harm to the hostage, the captain of the ship.

[snookums1]

This is a hostage situation. An American's life is at stake. Would you rather he jeopardize that life? I wouldn't. I would rather he leave negotiations up to the experts that have been called in to handle the situation, the FBI, the CIA and the Navy, keep his mouth shut, and let them get on with their job unimpeded by political rhetoric.

[MercedesV]

That's true except for one thing. The teleprompter was on break, therefore he couldn't say much except what he was scripted to say on housing - lol

Do you believe Obama should have commented, and if so what should he have said?

[fiver]

Well, at least he is able to put together a full English sentence unlike Bush.

JMOIt may be "English" but it's still incoherent..

[shiloh2000]

Leave me alone so I can eat my waffle?

Actually I do believe it was 'pancakes'.

[fiver]

Do you believe Obama should have commented, and if so what should he have said?Certainly. Something to the effect that his admin was doing everything to ensure the safe return of the captain.

To dismiss the situation because they are talking about his house refinance "plan" sure shows a total lack of respect for those directly involved in the situtation. Like they aren't as important to discuss as the President's refinance plan. :thumbdown:

[A-hem_1]

Did he keep reading "My Pet Goat"????

was it face up or face down?

[fiver]

Yes, and is there a requirement somewhere that states that he is supposed to answer every questions that is asked of him? If so, I would sure like to see a link to that.......

JMOOf course if he COULD answer the question, he would. But as pointed out already, he didn't a script to follow so insteading of saying "no comment at this time" he whines that they are supposed to be talking about housing. You know, trying to control the media.

[MercedesV]

Certainly. Something to the effect that his admin was doing everything to ensure the safe return of the captain.

To dismiss the situation because they are talking about his house refinance "plan" sure shows a total lack of respect for those directly involved in the situtation. Like they aren't as important to discuss as the President's refinance plan. :thumbdown:

The White House had already told the press they were working on it, and Biden made a statement to that effect also. But no comments were going to be made at this time. Meaning while it was ongoing. It shows a complete respect for the welfare of the hostage Captain. As officials have been in direct contact with families I imagine a private message has been conveyed. I believe the family would rather the Captain safely returned, rather than a press conference on the subject. It's plain silly to think only a public comment can be made to the family. Any hostage situation the safety of the hostage is top priority. Had nothing to do with not being important.

[shiloh2000]

Certainly. Something to the effect that his admin was doing everything to ensure the safe return of the captain.

To dismiss the situation because they are talking about his house refinance "plan" sure shows a total lack of respect for those directly involved in the situtation. Like they aren't as important to discuss as the President's refinance plan. :thumbdown:

We don't want to be accused of putting words in his mouth. :rolleyes:

[fiver]

The White House had already told the press they were working on it, and Biden made a statement to that effect also. But no comments were going to be made at this time. Meaning while it was ongoing. It shows a complete respect for the welfare of the hostage Captain. As officials have been in direct contact with families I imagine a private message has been conveyed. I believe the family would rather the Captain safely returned, rather than a press conference on the subject. It's plain silly to think only a public comment can be made to the family. Any hostage situation the safety of the hostage is top priority. Had nothing to do with not being important.Oh well gee, why didn't he just say so? Oh that's right, he had no script on the pirates, just house refi's.

[MercedesV]

Oh well gee, why didn't he just say so? Oh that's right, he had no script on the pirates, just house refi's.

No, he wasn't going off subject and endangering an American citizen.

The whole teleprompter garbage is old by now, but I suspect it will be continued anyway. No matter if it makes sense or not. Perhaps you prefer the cheap shot, but I rather someone in the WH worrying about the welfare of Americans.

The current President doesn't do cowboy bully tactics. He won't stand up and scream bring it on, or we're going to get you dead or alive or some other inane comment. Sometimes you just have to keep quiet until the safety of others is ensured.

[fiver]

No, he wasn't going off subject and endangering an American citizen.

The whole teleprompter garbage is old by now, but I suspect it will be continued anyway. No matter if it makes sense or not. Perhaps you prefer the cheap shot, but I rather someone in the WH worrying about the welfare of Americans.

The current President doesn't do cowboy bully tactics. He won't stand up and scream bring it on, or we're going to get you dead or alive or some other inane comment. Sometimes you just have to keep quiet until the safety of others is ensured.

oh PLEASE! He wasn't going "off topic" because he had no script.

Period.

[snookums1]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090409/ts_nm/us_somalia_piracy

They have never met resistance like this before.

[snookums1]

Hostage captain fun-loving, courageous, family says

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/09/hostage.captain/?eref=rss_topstories

The captain seems to be very brave and dedicated to his crew to offer himself as a hostage. I pray that he will be saved soon.
I do too. In the meantime, more Navy ships are on the way and the pirates sound as though they are getting desparate because, as I said, they have never seen this kind of response before.

[bearwds]

I'd like to see what our Navy Seals could do to resolve this situation.


bearwds

[Brentwood]

If the pirates didn't have the captain as hostage this would be a much easier situation. I would love to hear that the Navy seals would resolve this and save the captain. I hope that happens and the captain is saved.

[Brentwood]

Does anyone know, what the penalty of law is for anyone to be convicted of being a pirate in those seas? Especially hostage taking? The pirates must realize that they will be caught. I hope they do not harm the captain if they feel that they will be caught, which seems obvious they will be, from what I understand.

[Adalena935]

This horn of africa has been such a vipers nest for so long. I pray for the captain's safe return. Maybe this incident will draw attention to this problem area. I'm surprised it took this long for it to get this bad. The world can't afford to let them get control of that strait.

Here's an article about the region. It says western officials are concerned it could become a haven of terrorist activity. When the 911 attack happened I was reading about this region quite a lot and it seemed very concerning then and for some time prior. Saudi ships oil thru there if I'm not mistaken. I believe I read Al Qaeda uses it as part of their opium routes also. Since even before the 9-11 era U.S., Australian, UK fast boats have been there slapping down the pirates or trying to hold them at bay. I'm not sure which other countries have been there with us to try to keep the route more user-friendly. Madeline Albright addressed the issue when she was UN Ambassador under Clinton.

http://www.cfr.org/publication/13389/

[Adalena935]

Does anyone know, what the penalty of law is for anyone to be convicted of being a pirate in those seas? Especially hostage taking? The pirates must realize that they will be caught. I hope they do not harm the captain if they feel that they will be caught, which seems obvious they will be, from what I understand.

I don't know in any court of law what the penalty is, but several country's military has killed quite a few of them over the years, even on land. U.S., UK, Australia and I don't know who else has been helping us try to keep the route passable. It's been festering for a long time. The pirates have become increasingly more vicious but I haven't read about it in awhile. I'm going to try to catch up though. Hopefully this incident will call attention to the need to clean up the area so the world can go on about it's business.

[Adalena935]

Hostage captain fun-loving, courageous, family says

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/09/hostage.captain/?eref=rss_topstories

The captain seems to be very brave and dedicated to his crew to offer himself as a hostage. I pray that he will be saved soon.

He's an honorable man. I pray for his safety and quick release.

[velvetbrown]

I don't know in any court of law what the penalty is, but several country's military has killed quite a few of them over the years, even on land. U.S., UK, Australia and I don't know who else has been helping us try to keep the route passable. It's been festering for a long time. The pirates have become increasingly more vicious but I haven't read about it in awhile. I'm going to try to catch up though. Hopefully this incident will call attention to the need to clean up the area so the world can go on about it's business.

As I recall, Piracy on the high seas called for death by hanging...I just love tradition...

[jewel6]

http://www.foxnews.com/

He tried to escape per fox news.

[snookums1]

US skipper fails in attempt to escape from pirates holding him captive
http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-skipper-fails-in-attempt-to-escape-from-pirates-holding-him-captive-20090410-a30w.html

Another boat full of pirates left Somalia with guns and ammo to try and rescue their fellow pirates.

[Amy S.]

What I don't get and maybe I am just missing it is, why don't these large vessels have security on board?

The news keeps saying that the ships are unarmed. Why is that?

All you would have to do is launch a grenade down on these idiots. Evidently, the pirates have little means of communication. I "think" they are still using the captain's radio.

If that is true, they will have no way to know the fate of the boat that is coming to rescue them. These people are not smart.

My prayers go out to the captain and his family.

Yes, I think the Seals could board the life raft (although it is enclosed, I see). Too bad they weren't there last night.

[Mimi428]

What I don't get and maybe I am just missing it is, why don't these large vessels have security on board?

The news keeps saying that the ships are unarmed. Why is that?

All you would have to do is launch a grenade down on these idiots. Evidently, the pirates have little means of communication. I "think" they are still using the captain's radio.

If that is true, they will have no way to know the fate of the boat that is coming to rescue them. These people are not smart.

My prayers go out to the captain and his family.

Yes, I think the Seals could board the life raft (although it is enclosed, I see). Too bad they weren't there last night.

I have read several reasons why the ships are unarmed. One of the most important (to me, anyway) reasons is that the ships will be in many more places than where it was attacked by the Somalian pirates.

Would we want armed cargo ships coming in to our ports? No! Other countries do not want armed cargo ships coming in to their ports, either. Think of the international troubles the crew could potentially face once they docked in any country - the ramifications could be far worse than what they are dealing with in Somalia.

Another reason is that many times the cargo or other things onboard the ships are flammable - getting into a firefight risks the whole ship catching fire or blowing up, etc.

There are other concerns as well, but those two seem to be the ones that are primary, from the little I have read so far.

JMO

[Adalena935]

As I recall, Piracy on the high seas called for death by hanging...I just love tradition...

LOL Good one velvet. Yes, I'm with you on that.

[Amy S.]

Thanks, Mimi.

Then, I think that our ships (at least) need to be escorted by the US Navy.

The other countries can pay these criminals all that they want, but the US doesn't normally negotiate.

[Mimi428]

Thanks, Mimi.

Then, I think that our ships (at least) need to be escorted by the US Navy.

The other countries can pay these criminals all that they want, but the US doesn't normally negotiate.

You are very welcome. I had read a couple of different things several years ago about Somalia & the unbelievably wretched conditions that exist there. It is truly a h#llhole. The entire government collapsed around 1991, the fishing waters have been decimated by other countries (leaving nothing for the Somali fisherman), the waters have become dumping grounds for other countries. Conditions for living are abysmal, utter lawlessness is everywhere. So if you are a young man living there, apparently the risk of being a pirate - & the potential for reward in doing it - has appeal - it is a better alternative than the absolute guarantee that you will live a short & suffering life & die a miserable death at a young age on land.

JMO

[watcher2005]

"Captain tried to escape pirates, U.S. official says"

From Barbara Starr
CNN

© 2009 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/10/somalia.u.s.ship/index.html


So, no one from our forces was there to help?

[LILMANMAX]

I still have nightmares from reading the book & watching the movie -'Black Hawk Down' about the Battle of Mogadishu. Not to mention the documentary on it.
I hate the thought of any of our beloved finest having to deal with those people. They are BAD NEWS to say the least.

I pray for the Captain's release and a reasonable outcome.

[RayStar]

After looking at the picture of the lifeboat, now I understand why the boat has not been attacked by us. I hope this captain is not harmed.

[snookums1]

$2,000,000: Pirates name their price for hostage Captain Richard Phillips

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/04/09/2009-04-09_pirates_navy_call_for_reinforcements.html

[Biscuit]

I don't know in any court of law what the penalty is, but several country's military has killed quite a few of them over the years, even on land. U.S., UK, Australia and I don't know who else has been helping us try to keep the route passable. It's been festering for a long time. The pirates have become increasingly more vicious but I haven't read about it in awhile. I'm going to try to catch up though. Hopefully this incident will call attention to the need to clean up the area so the world can go on about it's business.

In all this, I am reminded that the first mission ever undertaken by the United States Navy (by this, I mean the Navy as composed under the Constitution of the United States, meaning post-1790) was to clean out the nest of Islamic pirates in the Mediterranian in 1798-1803. The battle cry then was "Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute", as the famed frigates, USS Constitution, USS United States, USS Philadelphia and USS Constellation were dispatched to FORCE the capitulation of the Barbary Pirates.

The then-two great maritime and naval powers, England and France, both were afraid to upset the Muslim potentates of the Sahara, most notably the rulers of Tunisia and Algeria, so they simply paid them off, letting them carry on their thieving trade. Enter the United States Navy and Marine Corps--they sank ships, busted heads, even took one of those warlords prisoner in his own palace (now you know where "The Shores of Tripoli" in the official hymn of the US Marine Corps comes from!). In doing so, that miniscule navy took down the worst government-sponsored piracy conspiracy known in the world until our current time.

I have to ask, why is it that our Navy is being withheld from enforcing "freedom of the seas" in all this? Isn't it past time to dispatch one lone aircraft carrier to the Indian Ocean, and simply blast those characters to Davy Jones' Locker? Who's going to really shed a tear anyway? England's Royal Navy, the French Navy, the Germans, the Dutch, the Danes, the Chinese (who may well be involved in all this) are too chicken to do more than cluck their tongues.

It seems to me that a week's campaign, give no quarter, ask none, and the Indian Ocean off Somalia would be once again safe for international shipping, not just US Flag ships such as Maersk Alabama, but all those who would carry commerce through those waters.

Come on, President Obama, isn't it well past time to show the world your cajones in this, or are you more worried about what Hilary Clinton would say?

Time was, pirates got caught, were summarily hanged, and their corpses hung at the mouth of harbors as a warning to any others who would ply that trade. True, we like to think that we are more civilized than that nowadays, but there comes a time......!!!

Blow the perps out of the water, shoot first, ask questions later, and see who complains! Wanna bet nobody will lift a finger?

Biscuit

[Biscuit]

I still have nightmares from reading the book & watching the movie -'Black Hawk Down' about the Battle of Mogadishu. Not to mention the documentary on it.
I hate the thought of any of our beloved finest having to deal with those people. They are BAD NEWS to say the least.

I pray for the Captain's release and a reasonable outcome.

It is well past time for OUR NAVY to search out the "mother ships" of this piracy, and simply sink them, along with the scum that crew them.

Sometimes, force is needed to summarily rid an area of those who understand only force. Let Allah sort them out, or let the sharks feast on their corpses.

Biscuit

[jewel6]

The u.s. is involved i know because my husband is there! They are not able to fire on them only navy if president gives ok ! They really have no say! Africom is the unit that was stood up in president bushes term! JMO

[Mathis]

Fear not! One of our most illustrious senators has the solution:

Kerry calls for pirate hearings as drama continues

By Bridget Johnson
Posted: 04/09/09 02:11 PM [ET]

"The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for hearings on the mounting piracy threat as the fate of an American cargo-ship captain remained in limbo Thursday. . . . "

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/kerry-calls-for-pirate-hearings-as-drama-continues-2009-04-09.html

[Pokey]

What! What! You got to be kidding me? Where are our sharpshooters? kill the pirates and save the Capt.

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGRaiGSPJqI

[Patriot]

What! What! You got to be kidding me? Where are our sharpshooters? kill the pirates and save the Capt.


My thoughts exactly. My heart aches for Captain Phillips - a true American hero - and his family. We have a warship there - why are we not sending in a team of Navy Seals and rescuing him??

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090410/ts_nm/us_somalia_piracy_54

[snookums1]

If our Captain were the only hostage being held by those pirates, it would probably be a different story. Have any of you seen a picture or the lifeboat they are on? It is completely covered. Pirates are holding 60 some other hostages as well in other locations. Should we endanger the lives of 60 innocent people in order to save one of ours? Is that the kind of nation we have sunk to? I certainly hope not.

[Mathis]

If our Captain were the only hostage being held by those pirates, it would probably be a different story. Have any of you seen a picture or the lifeboat they are on? It is completely covered. Pirates are holding 60 some other hostages as well in other locations. Should we endanger the lives of 60 innocent people in order to save one of ours? Is that the kind of nation we have sunk to? I certainly hope not.

Of course not. We should, of course, give the "pirates" whatever they wish. Nah, free commerce in international waters doesn't matter; if someone is pissed off and wants to illegally harass, attack, or commandeer a sea-going vessel, what the hell, go ahead.

Is that the kind of nation we have sunk to?

HA! You're quite the comedian!

[RayStar]

If our Captain were the only hostage being held by those pirates, it would probably be a different story. Have any of you seen a picture or the lifeboat they are on? It is completely covered. Pirates are holding 60 some other hostages as well in other locations. Should we endanger the lives of 60 innocent people in order to save one of ours? Is that the kind of nation we have sunk to? I certainly hope not.
Thank you for this post. Until one knows what is happening in that country we assume the USA would just blow them out of the water. Which I want to happen yesterday. Now they (the pirates) have killed a French person. I was surprised to learn they are holding so many hostages from other countries. Now is the time to BLAST them! imo

[GentleBreeze]

If our Captain were the only hostage being held by those pirates, it would probably be a different story. Have any of you seen a picture or the lifeboat they are on? It is completely covered. Pirates are holding 60 some other hostages as well in other locations. Should we endanger the lives of 60 innocent people in order to save one of ours? Is that the kind of nation we have sunk to? I certainly hope not.

I heard on the news today that there are 210 people being held by pirates.

This has become an epidemic because nothing hardly ever happens to the pirates.

imo

[Charms]

CNN) -- A former crew member on the American ship attacked by pirates off Africa said the ship's captain is exactly the kind of person who would offer himself in exchange for the crew's safety.

Capt. Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama is being held by pirates on a lifeboat off Somalia.

1 of 2 "I was amazed when I heard that he offered himself up to the pirates, but he's definitely the kind of person to make that sacrifice," the former crew member of the Maersk Alabama, who asked not to be identified, said of Capt. Richard Phillips.

The man woke early Wednesday, checked the news online and saw that an American ship had been hijacked.

"I immediately got a pit in my stomach," he said. "There are not too many American vessels out there, so I was worried I knew who it was. Sure enough, I did.

"I was very upset that morning, because those are great guys, and it wasn't that long ago that I was out on the waters with them."

All of the Alabama's crew except the captain was aboard the container ship Friday en route to Mombasa, Kenya.

Phillips was being held in one of the Alabama's lifeboats Friday by the four pirates who attacked the container ship Wednesday. The crew tried to obtain Phillips' release Wednesday in exchange for a pirate they held, but the pirates did not come through on their end of the deal.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/world/africa/04/10/somalia.ship.crew.member/index.html

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii_c3B5AasI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt7hz8tR2eo

[Lady_Jean_La]

SS Mayaguez

http://www.usmm.org/mayaguez.html

Three Presidents and a Hijacking at Sea

http://spectator.org/archives/2009/04/09/three-presidents-and-a-hijacki/

In went the Marines. The Navy. The Air Force. There were air strikes. There was a battle, a battle costing the lives of 14 Marines, two Navy corpsmen, two Air Force crewmen. Estimates put Khmer Rouge casualties at 360. Every single member of the Mayaguez was rescued, as was the ship.

[Mimi428]

News update - The pirates holding Capt Phillips hostage fired upon sailors from the USS Bainbridge, who were approaching the lifeboat in a smaller craft.

Also - the hijacked/pirated German ship Hansa Stavanger turned around & came back into port at Somalia. This ship was trying to find & help the pirates holding Capt Phillips. Apparently the presence of the US Navy ships deterred the pirates on the Hansa Stavanger.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/11/somalia.u.s.ship/index.html

[snookums1]

Negotiations Break Down in Standoff With Pirates

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/world/africa/12somalia.html?_r=2

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfP5JJqmPJg

[Carol25]

I wish the Navy could conduct some sort of rescue and have underwater divers approach the lifeboat with an additional underwater breathing apparatus for the captain. They could take knives and slit the boat unseen and in the panic of the boat deflating, grab the the captain. They could take him to the Navy ship hopefullly unharmed swimming under water.

I know, it sounds easy.

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=hillary+clinton&www_google_domain=www.google.com&hl=en&emb=0&aq=1&oq=hillary#hl=en&emb=0&st=day&q=somali+pirates&src=4

[Carol25]

I really think the seamen should have weapons to defend themselves.

[Lady_Jean_La]

:hammer: 378 dead and people wonder why negotiation is often the better path.Or they know why action sends an enduring message.

:patriot:

[Lady_Jean_La]

:glare: Yeah, an enduring message .. that sure explains the current hijackings; not.

VP Biden warned of a test in the first 100 days. All Presidents are tested.


jmo

[Carol25]

Its time for electricuting handrails that can be turned on from 16 locations on the ship by anyone; AK-47's available to everyone aboard; immediate firing on those boarding and on the mother ship with shoulder launchers if there is such a thing. :tonguewag:

(I really know my stuff, don't I?)

No more playing around with these goons!

[Carol25]

Be patient! I'm sure when he finishes his pizza, he will reach out to the pirate community.
None of that BS! Look at that captain and he's going to negotiate?

[Lady_Jean_La]

Wrong. Seajacks have been an ongoing problem and increasing; way before Pres Obama was elected.

Please NOTE the date ... 2005

Danger Adrift: Modern-Day Pirates Threaten More Than the High Seas http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=1300344

I hope President Obama puts an end to it.

[Baroness]

This is a hostage situation-------not unlike hostage situations that occur here in the states. Note that they are following the same procedures that have the best chance of success.

1) send in our best negotiators
2) attempt to enlist the cooperations of people who have influence over the hostage takers
3) Nobody makes public statements that might spook the hostage takers (including the President)
4) Tighten the noose around the area
5) Do not allow them to move the hostage

Now lets see, if our first priority is getting the Capt. out alive, then it seems to me that our actions are right on.

Lets see what the punitive action might be--------after we've our guy out alive.

Kate

[Lady_Jean_La]

When was the last time an American ship was taken over by pirates?

When President Ford was in office, see links above.

[Lady_Jean_La]

I have tremendous respect for Pres Obama; however, this IS an international crisis. No more cowboy expediencies that never last; finally we have a president that plays nice with others. Amazing what diplomacy can do, when it is both sincere and cognizant of the fact that it requires the cooperation of many nations to solve an international crisis.In many ways it is similar to Afganistan and we know what President Obama's policy is there.

jmo

[Lady_Jean_La]

The answer is 200 years ago.

Having said that...anyone who thinks it's great that our President is "playing nice" w/ terrorists is too far gone for me to enjoy posting to.

All the best to ya!More like 30 years.

jmo

[Lady_Jean_La]

This is a hostage situation-------not unlike hostage situations that occur here in the states. Note that they are following the same procedures that have the best chance of success.

1) send in our best negotiators
2) attempt to enlist the cooperations of people who have influence over the hostage takers
3) Nobody makes public statements that might spook the hostage takers (including the President)
4) Tighten the noose around the area
5) Do not allow them to move the hostage

Now lets see, if our first priority is getting the Capt. out alive, then it seems to me that our actions are right on.

Lets see what the punitive action might be--------after we've our guy out alive.

Kate

It's not just one guy, there are many hostages.

jmo

[Lady_Jean_La]

No, No, No. History is essential. See my link above yours. Or posted below.

Achille Lauro Hijacking

Mediterranean Sea, October 1985

Background: Four heavily armed Palestinian terrorists in October hijack the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro, carrying more than 400 passengers and crew, off Egypt. The terrorists kill a disabled American tourist, 69-year-old Leon Klinghoffer, and throw his body overboard with his wheelchair.

Counter- terrorist units from the U.S responded, including elements of Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, however the situation was resolved before an assault became necessary.

http://www.specialoperations.com/Ima...2/achille.html

Don't bother saying it doesn't count because an American citizen was killed in that one. A disabled American Jewish man. Selective memories at work.

Was that an American ship? I was replying to a question about the last American ship. I'm not saying it doesn't count, just that wasn't the question.

[Lady_Jean_La]

Would you please take inventory of your apples, before you add the oranges? Do you refer to the many taken hostage by pirates in recent years; or, would you care to discuss the incident involving the captain who sacrificed for his crew and is now "adrift" off the coast of Somalia with the pirates?What I am saying is that there is much to consider. Rescuing the captain can not be done without consideration of other hostages. You are aware that there are other hostages and ships have been taken, aren't you?

[Lady_Jean_La]

Would you please take inventory of your apples, before you add the oranges? Do you refer to the many taken hostage by pirates in recent years; or, would you care to discuss the incident involving the captain who sacrificed for his crew and is now "adrift" off the coast of Somalia with the pirates?

Phillips is just one of about 270 hostages from around the world being held by pirates preying on the busy sea-lanes of the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Maersk Alabama incident has captured world attention because Phillips is the first U.S. citizen seized and his crew regained control of the ship.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090412/ts_nm/us_somalia_piracy_74

[TBIBeg]

HLN: BREAKING NEWS

cAPTAIN RESCUED FROM PRATES

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html#cnnSTCText

:thumbup:


.

[Patriot]

I am so, so happy to hear the news!

HAPPY EASTER, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS!

[snookums1]

HLN: BREAKING NEWS

cAPTAIN RESCUED FROM PRATES

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html#cnnSTCText Wonderful news and a joyous Easter for his family and crew. :thumbsup:

[Lady_Jean_La]

RESCUED:thumbsup:

[Lady_Jean_La]

:patriot:SEALS!:patriot:

[Brentwood]

This is such wonderful news. Capt. Phillips is now on board US Navy ship.

:thumbsup:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ny-uspirates0413,0,4504930.story?track=rss

[VC2]

:patriot:SEALS!:patriot:

Captain Philips jumped overboard again, this time the navy managed to shoot the pirates before they got him.

[LILMANMAX]

Great news.

What a wonderful Easter Blessing. :smile:

[tootie]

US Navy 1, Pirates 0!!! Great job Navy.

[Susan43]

WoooooHoooo!!! Wonderful news!

I saw an interview on CNN (with who I don't know) that said that they expected the Capt. to try and get away again. I'm sure that as soon as they saw him jump overboard that lifeboat was a goner.

In all the years I was shipping I only had one Capt that was in idiot. The rest were strong, alpha males and almost always well liked. It came as no surprise that he attempted escape again. I saw the article said the crew was jubilant. I'll just bet they are.

This is just great news! :thumbsup:

[AlohaRainbow]

HLN: BREAKING NEWS

cAPTAIN RESCUED FROM PRATES

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html#cnnSTCText

Yay! what great news!!

[aproudmom]

HLN: BREAKING NEWS

cAPTAIN RESCUED FROM PRATES

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html#cnnSTCText

Just heard the good news:thumbup:

[aproudmom]

GOD BLESS AMERICA:patriot:

Proud to be a AMERICAN..:thumbup:

[AlohaRainbow]

today's wonderful news makes me think of the everyday american heroes, people who are "just doing their job" when they exhibit bravery and heroism...

scully, the pilot who landed the plane in the hudson without any loss of life.

capt richard phillips, who offered himself as a hostage to save his crew, and then acted bravely to escape (jumping into the water twice!)

and the navy personnel who rescured him

just ordinary americans going about their lives, doing their jobs... yet displaying bravery and heroic actions
:patriot:

[snookums1]

Patience pays off. Hopefully the pirates in that area learned something from all this. STAY AWAY FROM AMERICAN SHIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't take kindly to being messed with.

[LisaM22]

good news, was a sad situation, you can not deal with them or they will do it again and again, but they had one of our citizens.... glad to hear the captain is ok

[bagerroness]

Personally, I am not sad that 3 pirates were killed.. hopefully this will send a message to future pirates NOT to mess with the US Navy ! Pirates have been violating ships for years and have been doing quite nicely with ransom money. I'm glad someone finally had the ba!!s to stand up and say "enough is enough" ...IMO

[DesertWalker]

THANK GOD.

Let this be a lesson.

DON'T MESS WITH AMERICAN CITIZENS, THE UNITED STATES, AND THE UNITED STATES NAVY.:thumbup::patriot::patriot:I'm so pleased to be able to quote you. Thanks so much for letting us know.

[SavannahStar]

I'm so pleased to be able to quote you. Thanks so much for letting us know.


Ditto to that! I hadn't heard the news! Thank God, and on Easter day, too! :thumbsup:

[AlohaRainbow]

bringing my post over from the other thread on this topic :)
-----------------------
today's wonderful news makes me think of the everyday american heroes, people who are "just doing their job" when they exhibit bravery and heroism...

scully, the pilot who landed the plane in the hudson without any loss of life.

capt richard phillips, who offered himself as a hostage to save his crew, and then acted bravely to escape (jumping into the water twice!)

and the navy personnel who rescured him

just ordinary americans going about their lives, doing their jobs... yet displaying bravery and heroic actions

:patriot:

[BobbysGirl]

HURRAH! God Bless the Navy, and the USA. I prayed for him to be returned home today.

BG

Happy Easter to ALL who celebrate.

[Barbara2]

I can't help but think of all those other innocents who are still being held by pirates while they blackmail the companies to pay ransom for them. I wish they could all go home as well.

[RayStar]

I am so overjoyed with this good news.

[Jim]

God Bless America

God Bless Captain Phillips


:patriot:

[watcher2005]

Good news. :patriot:

[RayStar]

Now I hope the media does not report the details of the rescue. It is past time to stop these pirates and others held need to be rescued NOW!

[kitty1182]

Wonderful news!!!!!!!

:thumbsup:

[Annie143]

woo hoo !! I am so happy !

[Annie143]

I think I may have goofed up. Wasnt there something said, at one time, from Coldwater about posting in large letters ? As soon as I hit "sumbit" I thought of that......I hope I didnt mess up.:unsure:

I am happy about the captain though and proud of America.

Judgment at Nuremburg is on the TV. A really good movie. I am at work so I can only half way listen to it but I have seen it before.

[islandgirl36542]

woo hoo !! I am so happy !

God Bless America


:patriot:

[Susan43]

Now I hope the media does not report the details of the rescue. It is past time to stop these pirates and others held need to be rescued NOW!

Heck! It's easy to know what happened. The Capt. jumped overboard and the lifeboat went boom! From something I read earlier they expected the Capt. to try to escape again and were just waiting for that.

[snookums1]

On authority of the Commander in Chief of the USA

Standing orders of the President, Barack Obama !

Just remember who is the Commander of the military, and how he does not back down.

He is our President, he is in command. Who had the wisdom to not answer questions from the nosy media that would have alerted the pirates to any plans.
:patriot:

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Now I hope the media does not report the details of the rescue. It is past time to stop these pirates and others held need to be rescued NOW!

Hey Raystar...LTNS..anyway,

I am so grateful for this great ending to such a horrendous ordeal!..Like you, I do think these "Pirates' on the coast of Somalia will think twice about attempting to take over another ship bearing an American Flag!!..Good lesson, and great first test to Obama's Presidency...All the naysayers, really should hold their criticism of action or lack of action until the outcome is resolved (good or bad)..

LMS:blushing:

I have a feeling that if Obama has anything to do with this problem of Pirating, that it is just possible that other Country's just might assist in assisting in the nutralization of this nasty form of extortion..not to be confused with the "Robin Hood" formula!

[For Gabriel]

The u.s. is involved i know because my husband is there! They are not able to fire on them only navy if president gives ok ! They really have no say! Africom is the unit that was stood up in president bushes term! JMO

Why isn't the president giving the okay, is what I am wondering.

[For Gabriel]

Just read that the Capt. is safe! Way to go US Navy!!

[Barbara2]

I hope repubs that were coming on news programs saying this going on proved Obama was weak on terrorists will just shut up..I am tired of those jokers trying to politicize everything for partisan advantage....

The Captain is a brave man and I know he will come back home to a hero's welcome..which he richly deserves...

:thumbsup:

I agree. Politics has nothing to do with this. Obama didn't have anything to do with the situation positive or negative. This was a military unit doing what they were so well trained to do. Congratulations to all involved! :thumbsup:

[RayStar]

Why isn't the president giving the okay, is what I am wondering.
Read up and you will get your answer.

Lynda Good to see you also. I got up at 1 am est to see if this captain was free. I had a very big toast to myself because I am just beaming in glee. These pirates are off the hook. These crimes need all countries involved to put a stop to this piracy. I think that 16 year old pirate was getting tired and scared.
The presser was a good one with the Navy General being very cautious in releasing details of the rescue which I am so pleased about.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Read up and you will get your answer.

Lynda Good to see you also. I got up at 1 am est to see if this captain was free. I had a very big toast to myself because I am just beaming in glee. These pirates are off the hook. These crimes need all countries involved to put a stop to this piracy. I think that 16 year old pirate was getting tired and scared.
The presser was a good one with the Navy General being very cautious in releasing details of the rescue which I am so pleased about.

I just heard the CNN coverage...and agree it was very enlightening. Kudo's to the Navy Seals involved, and the ability for them to adhere to their orders. Thank God they didnt rush in and create any reason/excuse for the killing of Capt. Phillips!! Kudos for their efforts and execution of orders!! SALUT!!

LMS:w00t:

[For Gabriel]

Read up and you will get your answer.

Lynda Good to see you also. I got up at 1 am est to see if this captain was free. I had a very big toast to myself because I am just beaming in glee. These pirates are off the hook. These crimes need all countries involved to put a stop to this piracy. I think that 16 year old pirate was getting tired and scared.
The presser was a good one with the Navy General being very cautious in releasing details of the rescue which I am so pleased about.

Read up, thank you.

[RayStar]

Heck! It's easy to know what happened. The Capt. jumped overboard and the lifeboat went boom! From something I read earlier they expected the Capt. to try to escape again and were just waiting for that.
Susan43 there is a man/sailor on the captured ship who said the Navy was upset that info had gotten out about the Navy being aboard the ship. This was recorded video shown earlier. He is wearing a dark colored shirt. It is not just about the rescue. CNN is reporting the same info now about releasing too much info. Barbara Starr-reporter.
I'm sure the load noise reported must have been some code that sailors understand. The captain got the message to be prepared because the rescuers were in position. I think. It is truly a wonderful day.:thumbsup:

[Lyndawitha"Y]

I do have a gut sense that the captured Pirate along with the debriefing of Capt. Phillips will give loads of information about "Mechanisms" of this "Piracy Business" operating in the region!!

All the Pirates seem to understand they hit, pillage, get their rewards and return to the homeland where they are only enabled, and not held accountable..of course I am sure the "Warlords' of that Country get their cut of the TAKE!!...Me thinks their type of economy will be reducing ( depression..LOL) significantly in the near future!!

LMS:laugh:

[Barbara2]

Our President has the best sources of information, has the ability and courage to work for the freedom of our hero that ship captain. The captain and Obama will get along well, since Obama had the wisdom to let the experts in naval warfare, the US Navy, to do their job with the President's standing orders and blessings.

This is the moment when we realize that President Obama is our Commander in Chief, and can well and wisely manage our military.

WO to those who cannot deal with B H O as our commander in chief, but when the majority votes for him, and when the majority of Americans support him, let's stop posting foolish stuff here about Obama..he is our President. Let's agree to THAT, at least.

O.K. The military that was trained so efficiently under the Bush administration so I guess Bush gets credit for this rescue. Do you see how ridiculous it is to make this about politics??????? IMO

[ortiga]

I'm tired of them being called "pirates" instead of the terrorists they are. Like this is just a jolly good game.
.................................................. .....................................
Also, at the news conference, the vice admiral reported that the "pirate" on board the navy ship was about 16 years old, and was the one that a crewmember had stabbed in the hand.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

O.K. The military that was trained so efficiently under the Bush administration so I guess Bush gets credit for this rescue. Do you see how ridiculous it is to make this about politics??????? IMO

It's just my observation as an outsider but many good, trained troops, experts and crewmen follow orders of their superiors, and it seems many directives in the past 8 years have not been exactly coming from the "Good" point of view...course Bush advocates ( Cheney cheerleaders) will try to say whatever calls fault in another party leadership. So sad really when a few narrow Political Doctrines negate the
hopes and prayers for a safe and prosperous lifesyle in that same Country. It really boggles my mind watching and reading all the rhetoric going on!

LMS:sad:

[ortiga]

I agree. Politics has nothing to do with this. Obama didn't have anything to do with the situation positive or negative. This was a military unit doing what they were so well trained to do. Congratulations to all involved! :thumbsup:

As a matter of fact he did. He gave orders twice to use appropriate force to save the life of the captain if he was in imminent danger.

[Barbara2]

I give up. We have YET ANOTHER LET'S BLAST EACH OTHER political thread. The good will get buried under the garbage.

[ortiga]

O.K. The military that was trained so efficiently under the Bush administration so I guess Bush gets credit for this rescue. Do you see how ridiculous it is to make this about politics??????? IMO


I know these boards well enough, and I know the blogosphere well enough to realize that many were hoping this would go badly, thus reflect badly on Obama. I heard several THs yesterday proclaiming that the "pirates" were just testing Obama, that's why they waited until Bush was gone to attack an American ship. Do you see how ridiculous it is to make this about politics?????

[Barbara2]

I know these boards well enough, and I know the blogosphere well enough to realize that many were hoping this would go badly, thus reflect badly on Obama. I heard several THs yesterday proclaiming that the "pirates" were just testing Obama, that's why they waited until Bush was gone to attack an American ship. Do you see how ridiculous it is to make this about politics?????

Exactly! We agree on something. It's not about republicans, democrats, independents, or any other political party. It is about a United States of America. :patriot:

[summer4meplz]

:thumbsup:WTG NAVY SEALS!! politics aside...religion aside....thank God this ended well for this brave Captain.....

[Barbara2]

:thumbsup:WTG NAVY SEALS!! politics aside...religion aside....thank God this ended well for this brave Captain.....

Bravo! My feelings exactly. Thanks for bringing this back on topic.

[Clearintent]

A great day for the United States of America. We needed this.

[rubberneckin]

I'm tired of them being called "pirates" instead of the terrorists they are. Like this is just a jolly good game.
.................................................. .....................................
Also, at the news conference, the vice admiral reported that the "pirate" on board the navy ship was about 16 years old, and was the one that a crewmember had stabbed in the hand.

An interesting article about how and why piracy has become rampant in Somalia.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/you-are-being-lied-to-abo_b_155147.html

[Barbara2]

If I understand the terminology right these were pirates. Pirates are after monetary gain while terrorists are idealogical.

I read something yesterday that it started as fishermen who were losing their livelihood from these ships dumping waste, polluting the waters and destroying the fishing business. The fishermen started out trying to deal with the offenders to no avail. Then they tried to get them to stay out of their fishing waters. They started pirating and found out that it paid better than fishing. I'm sorry that I don't have a link. It was an article on msnbc yesterday and I just skimmed but that was the gist of it.

This doesn't excuse the pirates but it does point out a bigger problem that someone or someones should be looking at fixing.

[ortiga]

If I understand the terminology right these were pirates. Pirates are after monetary gain while terrorists are idealogical.


I hadn't heard that distinction that terrorism is idealogical. Not sure if I agree with that. Besides, there was a long report on CNN last night detailing al-Qaeda presence in south-eastern Somalia. Thus, possibly participating in piracy to fund their idealogical war.

[Susan43]

An interesting article about how and why piracy has become rampant in Somalia.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/you-are-being-lied-to-abo_b_155147.html

I should not have read this article. Now the situation seems much more complicated then I originally thought and now I just feel heartsick.

Thanks for posting it though Rubberneckin. I guess nothing is at is seems.

[Susan43]

Susan43 there is a man/sailor on the captured ship who said the Navy was upset that info had gotten out about the Navy being aboard the ship. This was recorded video shown earlier. He is wearing a dark colored shirt. It is not just about the rescue. CNN is reporting the same info now about releasing too much info. Barbara Starr-reporter.
I'm sure the load noise reported must have been some code that sailors understand. The captain got the message to be prepared because the rescuers were in position. I think. It is truly a wonderful day.:thumbsup:

LOL you misunderstood my post. That was just my imagination about the big boom. I have no idea how they killed the pirates, but was speculating that once they saw that the Capt. was away from the lifeboat they reacted immediately.

I read the other day that they have been giving classes about what to do if taken by pirates, so you may be right there was a pre-arranged signal. And it sure is a wonderful day!!!

[rubberneckin]

I should not have read this article. Now the situation seems much more complicated then I originally thought and now I just feel heartsick.

Thanks for posting it though Rubberneckin. I guess nothing is at is seems.

I know. It is complicated. While the article does state greed has come into play, it seems when it started they had honorable intentions.

[Tokyo Rose]

What a wonderful Easter. The Captain is safe and our Military did an excellent job. Our President did not back down either.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[ortiga]

An interesting article about how and why piracy has become rampant in Somalia.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/you-are-being-lied-to-abo_b_155147.html

Yes, that's interesting. I wonder if the so called warlords are sharing all that money with the rest of the country, trying to create an infrastructure for the citizens, replace the missing fish products with other food, etc. And how they justify holding up aid ships. Also, I wonder why England and whichever other western countries he was refering to would go all the way to Somalia to dump nuclear waste. Normally I would share the leanings of that author, but the article seemed a little short on documentation.

But like Susan43 says, everything is more complicated than it first seems.

But any of those "pirates" with half a brain would know that the escalating piracy wouldn't pay off forever.

I heard on CNN that the same ship, Maersk Alabama, had reported piracy attempts the day before, and the navy was steaming that way, although it was 300 nautical miles away, and goes only 22 per hour.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

A great day for the United States of America. We needed this.

I have to head out for evening, and just wanted to give all the kudo's with the whole processes that enabled Capt. Phillips to be rescued and the safety of the ship and and crew of the Original Ship carrying "Humanitarian Aid"!! Good for all..except the money grubbing "Extortionists" that is!!

Happy Easter to all, hope everyone had a great Easter Weekend!!

LMS:wub:

[Susan43]

I know. It is complicated. While the article does state greed has come into play, the whole reason piracy started was for an honorable reason it seems.

I guess when/if you see your family going hungry and you're a fisherman without fish, there's more then one way to see that they eat.

If this is the case, it's going to be much more difficult to solve the problem. (sigh)

[kitty1182]

What a wonderful Easter. The Captain is safe and our Military did an excellent job. Our President did not back down either.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

No he didn't!!!!! :patriot:

[ortiga]

LOL you misunderstood my post. That was just my imagination about the big boom. I have no idea how they killed the pirates, but was speculating that once they saw that the Capt. was away from the lifeboat they reacted immediately.

I read the other day that they have been giving classes about what to do if taken by pirates, so you may be right there was a pre-arranged signal. And it sure is a wonderful day!!!


Susan, all that I've heard during and since the vice-admiral's presser is that the capt never left the lifeboat, except for the escape attempt he made yesterday. Not twice, just once. The life boat was being towed at only 30 meters in back of the big navy ship. The SEALS were on the back of the ship, and they apparently saw the captain (tied up), with his back to the kidnappers, and the kidnapper had an AK 47 pointed at the captains back. In the PR, the V admiral said that the capt was not in the water, and that he couldn't have been any farther away from the kidnappers than the length of the boat, about 30' IIRC.

He also said that the "negotiations" with the other kidnapper/terrorist (sorry I don't buy the pirate thing) had gone sour.

There is obviously something missing here.

I tend to think that they had standing orders to take out the kidnappers if they could get a good shot without hurting the capt. (IMO)

[Barbara2]

No, tell me one thing in less than the last 8 years where Bush was dealing with these pirates. Obama did it, time for you to stop celebrating Bush......or even imagining he had anything to do with the world wanting to get on board with Somalia, and how he succeeded.

Waiting for your links to how Bush had anything to do with this.

Obama is our Commander in Chief...get used to it.

I'm not celebrating any administration. It has NOTHING to do with Bush. It has NOTHING to do with Obama. It is all about the military doing the job for which they were trained.

What do you think our silly POLITICS have to do with all of those other innocent citizens from other countries who are STILL being held captive by the pirates?

You do realize that there are plenty of other threads for you to toot horns, pound backs and blast those who have a different opinion from you, right? This isn't one of them, or at least it wasn't when it was started.

[ortiga]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/12/captain-richard-phillips_n_185983.html

which part of the ship is the fantail? The SEALS were helicoptered to the fantail, out of sight of the towed lifeboat.

Shot each of them in the head.

They must be exceptional shots, moving sea, towed boat, etc.

ETA: The fantail is an overhang at the extreme rear of the ship, aft of the poop deck and closer to level with the main deck.[1][2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poop_deck

[Barbara2]

So why don't you ask those questions to the 4200 +/- families who suffered death of their child/sister/brother in Iraq for a war that never had to take place? You think politics and the military are separate? Ask any of those families.

I'm not getting sucked in. This is about a heroic rescue operation performed by a dedicated military unit for an American man who thought of his crew first ahead of his own safety. If you want to talk politics, you have numerous choices on this forum.

[Susan43]

I'm not celebrating any administration. It has NOTHING to do with Bush. It has NOTHING to do with Obama. It is all about the military doing the job for which they were trained.

What do you think our silly POLITICS have to do with all of those other innocent citizens from other countries who are STILL being held captive by the pirates?

You do realize that there are plenty of other threads for you to toot horns, pound backs and blast those who have a different opinion from you, right? This isn't one of them, or at least it wasn't when it was started.

Actually Barbara you really are right. But what you don't understand is the right has already politicized it. Here are just 4 out of heaven only knows how many posts from the right politicizing the situation.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123940383654409651.html
http://alltherightthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/04/hey-obamapirates-that-took-ship-hostage.html
http://www.newmajority.com/ShowScroll.aspx?ID=b9727215-6153-429f-9035-595c25d56de9
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/11/somali-pirates-hand-obama-foreign-policy-emergency-easy-solution/

Now, maybe you don't think we should answer back, but we see carp like this every darn day. Has pizza? He doesn't care about starving children (of yes, someone said that) Obama says the the country has sometimes acted arrogantly? He's calling all Americans arrogant.

We see carp like this everyday, over and over again. It's no wonder that we get a little defensive. So, while you might be right it was the military that solved the problem, it was President Obama that is CIC.

[Barbara2]

Actually Barbara you really are right. But what you don't understand is the right has already politicized it. Here are just 4 out of heaven only knows how many posts from the right politicizing the situation.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123940383654409651.html
http://alltherightthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/04/hey-obamapirates-that-took-ship-hostage.html
http://www.newmajority.com/ShowScroll.aspx?ID=b9727215-6153-429f-9035-595c25d56de9
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/11/somali-pirates-hand-obama-foreign-policy-emergency-easy-solution/

Now, maybe you don't think we should answer back, but we see carp like this every darn day. Has pizza? He doesn't care about starving children (of yes, someone said that) Obama says the the country has sometimes acted arrogantly? He's calling all Americans arrogant.

We see carp like this everyday, over and over again. It's no wonder that we get a little defensive. So, while you might be right it was the military that solved the problem, it was President Obama that is CIC.

So answer them. Why pollute this thread? That makes you as bad as those you criticize, IMO.

[ortiga]

So answer them. Why pollute this thread? That makes you as bad as those you criticize, IMO.

Why don't you drop it? Read back through the thread, you are the one saying that Obama had nothing to do with it, all you have to do is read the news this afternoon, he was consulted twice about guidelines, at what point to take appropriate action.

If it had gone wrong it would have been dumped on his lap, since it went well (IMO), then he gets credit because he is commander in chief. That's just the way the ball bounces.

[Barbara2]

I am SO proud of our Navy and of the Captain of the ship who put his crew before himself and has come out of the ordeal alive. Blessings to him, and his family and to the brave sailors and the Navy Seals who made it happen. :patriot:

[Susan43]

Why don't you drop it? Read back through the thread, you are the one saying that Obama had nothing to do with it, all you have to do is read the news this afternoon, he was consulted twice about guidelines, at what point to take appropriate action.

If it had gone wrong it would have been dumped on his lap, since it went well (IMO), then he gets credit because he is commander in chief. That's just the way the ball bounces.

Can't you just imagine what the articles would be saying if it had gone wrong? OMG! It would have been all his fault and we would have heard ad nauseam about the kind of CIC he was/is. And of course there would be multiple threads about it saying he was in over his head, blah, blah, blah.

IMO we have every right to speak up about what a good job they did and to give the president a pat on the back for a job well done, because the buck stops there.

[kitty1182]

Can't you just imagine what the articles would be saying if it had gone wrong? OMG! It would have been all his fault and we would have heard ad nauseam about the kind of CIC he was/is. And of course there would be multiple threads about it saying he was in over his head, blah, blah, blah.

IMO we have every right to speak up about what a good job they did and to give the president a pat on the back for a job well done, because the buck stops there.



I agree.......:smile:

[ortiga]

Can't you just imagine what the articles would be saying if it had gone wrong? OMG! It would have been all his fault and we would have heard ad nauseam about the kind of CIC he was/is. And of course there would be multiple threads about it saying he was in over his head, blah, blah, blah.

IMO we have every right to speak up about what a good job they did and to give the president a pat on the back for a job well done, because the buck stops there.

Oh sure. I bet cheney and Rove are spitting out nails right about now, thinking up criticisms of Obama.

[ortiga]

Obama Twice Approved Plan to Rescue U.S. Sea Captain

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/12/official-sea-captain-faced-imminent-danger/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30181879#30181879

[Themis]

Can we not just set aside the politics once and for all and simply rejoice in the fact that the Captain was rescued, his crew is safe, the Navy and its Seals did one fantastic job.

[YoYo]

I am SO proud of our Navy and of the Captain of the ship who put his crew before himself and has come out of the ordeal alive. Blessings to him, and his family and to the brave sailors and the Navy Seals who made it happen. :patriot:

Class acts always come through. Salute!

[RainyNiteNTx]

Can we not just set aside the politics once and for all and simply rejoice in the fact that the Captain was rescued, his crew is safe, the Navy and its Seals did one fantastic job.

Absolutely!! ITA with your post. I came here thinking it would be a place to rejoice and toast the efforts - had no idea it was a political thread. Anyway, skipped and scrolled to the good feeling posts like yours! Thank God and our Military - job well done. IMO

[Not Telling]

I'm not celebrating any administration. It has NOTHING to do with Bush. It has NOTHING to do with Obama. It is all about the military doing the job for which they were trained.

What do you think our silly POLITICS have to do with all of those other innocent citizens from other countries who are STILL being held captive by the pirates?

You do realize that there are plenty of other threads for you to toot horns, pound backs and blast those who have a different opinion from you, right? This isn't one of them, or at least it wasn't when it was started.

Why don't you tell this to these posters on this thread?



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dion Belmont
reminds me of weak president Jimmy Carter..

Iran must be laughing its butt off..

notice..no American hostage taking under Ronald Reagan or George Bush..



When is Obama going to apologize to the Somali pirates?


Be patient! I'm sure when he finishes his pizza, he will reach out to the pirate community.



The Mishandling of the Pirate SituationObama getting plenty of criticism from the military on his.
http://www.captainsjournal.com/category/piracy/

Lt Col Ralph Peters just compared Obama to a comibination of Jimmy Carter and BIll Clinton, and saidthat he has no world policy experience. This was just on the O'Reilly. No link available.


The answer is 200 years ago.

Having said that...anyone who thinks it's great that our President is "playing nice" w/ terrorists is too far gone for me to enjoy posting to.

All the best to ya!





Fear not! One of our most illustrious senators has the solution:

Kerry calls for pirate hearings as drama continues

[StickyBeak]

Woo Hoo, God Bless the USA..... Don't care how or when, One of our own is alive to come home to his family and friends. The Navy should not have to explain to us how this was accomplished, the mission is complete. What comes after is another story. Right Now I feel pride and relief for a job well done by Capt. Phillips and our US Navy.

God Bless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQcJ9tPvy-4&feature=related

[Patriot]

Are you trying to justify the pirates actions, would the same apply to crack dealers who feed their families with their drug profits?


I know, I had to check this twice to believe what I was seeing. I didn't read the link because it's still Easter and I prefer to keep my blood pressue down. I've had enough "poor, innocent victims" to last a lifetime. Don't tell me - somehow it's the fault of the big, bad US and our "oppressive policies" and our nasty capitalism and nerve to work hard and succeed? If it's not, it will be. Aren't these the same people who dragged our dead soldiers through the streets, celebrating, in 1993 - what the movie "Black Hawk Down" is based on? Correct me on that one if I'm wrong. I'll leave it at that - if I said what I really thought about sympathy for these kidnappers/terrorists, I'd be banned.

[theal3]

Good news, good job by our military, under the command of their new CIC. A good day for America.

[Details]

Are you trying to justify the pirates actions, would the same apply to crack dealers who feed their families with their drug profits?Understanding the situation is never a bad thing. We cannot solve the pirate problem without understanding that these are people whose families and entire villiages are starving - not the amusing little kid "Mom, I'm starving" when lunch is half an hour late - but the real, decide who eats and who survives, starving, of an already poor country that is in turmoil.

It doesn't justify the pirate's actions - their quest for money or revenge is causing them to go after people who have done nothing wrong - this captain is not one of those who have dumped nuclear wastes on their shores, not one of those who have overfished the area to the point the fishermen need a new way to feed their families. The pirates are not justified in their actions - but they do have a just grievance, and it's one we need to solve, if we are to fix the problem.

And I would apply the same logic to a crack dealer trying to feed his family - WERE there no other way to feed their family. However, here in America, there is always another choice - welfare and other programs will ensure you and your family do not starve. Begging on the street still works, and most people can indeed find work if they work hard enough at it. Over in Somali - there is no safety net. If you cannot find food or money, you will sit and watch your children starve to death, die of easily preventable diseases, etc.

[Details]

I know, I had to check this twice to believe what I was seeing. I didn't read the link because it's still Easter and I prefer to keep my blood pressue down. I've had enough "poor, innocent victims" to last a lifetime. Don't tell me - somehow it's the fault of the big, bad US and our "oppressive policies" and our nasty capitalism and nerve to work hard and succeed? If it's not, it will be. Aren't these the same people who dragged our dead soldiers through the streets, celebrating, in 1993 - what the movie "Black Hawk Down" is based on? Correct me on that one if I'm wrong. I'll leave it at that - if I said what I really thought about sympathy for these kidnappers/terrorists, I'd be banned.You should read the link then - maybe after Easter.

Nope, it's not the fault of the US, nor oppressive policies, nor capitalism. In fact, the people working hard and succeeding are those being turned into pirates, when nearby countries - Europe and other areas, have fishing boats overfishing the Somalian waters (with Somalia in so much chaos, their navy cannot stop them), dumping nuclear and toxic wastes on their coasts, killing fish and the environment.

When you are a fisherman, one who has used our nasty capitalism and your own urge to work hard and succeed, to feed your family and make a profit by fishing, and suddenly people from neighboring countries invade your fishing waters illegally, make them unfishable with either waste or by overfishing them - what do you recommend our hard working capitalist fisherman should do?


Obviously - piracy is not the right answer - but the right answer is not simple to find, and in the meanwhile, he's starving. While it's wrong, it's also a natural thing to blame all of those similar to those who have wronged you. Much like many people blame all Muslims for the actions of some Muslim terrorists, consider them all complicit - the Somalis blame all the western boats coming through their waters as being part of their problem.

[RayStar]

LOL you misunderstood my post. That was just my imagination about the big boom. I have no idea how they killed the pirates, but was speculating that once they saw that the Capt. was away from the lifeboat they reacted immediately.

I read the other day that they have been giving classes about what to do if taken by pirates, so you may be right there was a pre-arranged signal. And it sure is a wonderful day!!!NOPE I understood. I still say the USA should not devulve the details.

[Susan43]

Why don't you tell this to these posters on this thread?



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dion Belmont
reminds me of weak president Jimmy Carter..

Iran must be laughing its butt off..

notice..no American hostage taking under Ronald Reagan or George Bush..

Thank you NT, I think it was pretty rude for people to chastise us when most of the politics was coming from the right.

They made it political from the very beginning, and believe me, if it had failed they would be jumping all over the president. It's disgusting.

[Susan43]

Are you trying to justify the pirates actions, would the same apply to crack dealers who feed their families with their drug profits?


Excuse me but I was answering another poster who had posted an excellent article which I can tell you didn't bother to read. Please go harrass someone else.

[Details]

According to the most recent news reports I've seen - they saw a pirate aiming at the captain's back, gave the order to fire, took out 3 pirates with clean head shots - excellent work by our Seals! No secret signal - a predetermined order from President Obama that whenever it looked like the Captain might be killed, take them out immediately.

The pirate with the gun might have just been posturing - but he sure found out you don't bluff with the Navy!

[ann10]

Can't you just imagine what the articles would be saying if it had gone wrong? OMG! It would have been all his fault and we would have heard ad nauseam about the kind of CIC he was/is. And of course there would be multiple threads about it saying he was in over his head, blah, blah, blah.

IMO we have every right to speak up about what a good job they did and to give the president a pat on the back for a job well done, because the buck stops there.


I'm still amazed that the illusive Bin Laden has managed to evade capture this long. A story like this one really makes one wonder how he hasn't been killed.

[Susan43]

According to the most recent news reports I've seen - they saw a pirate aiming at the captain's back, gave the order to fire, took out 3 pirates with clean head shots - excellent work by our Seals! No secret signal - a predetermined order from President Obama that whenever it looked like the Captain might be killed, take them out immediately.

The pirate with the gun might have just been posturing - but he sure found out you don't bluff with the Navy!

Thanks Details, I haven't seen the news since much earlier. Seals are really awesome, I knew a couple when I lived in HI and they can be a tad scary. I'm not surprised they got the job done.

:thumbup:

[Barbara2]

I'm still amazed that the illusive Bin Laden has managed to evade capture this long. A story like this one really makes one wonder how he hasn't been killed.

Because he's not some 16 year old kid just trying to survive? :shrug:

[Details]

The situation is more difficult than merely criminals out for money to get rich - those are much easier to dissuade than criminals out for money because otherwise their family will die.

I'm thinking in some ways the solution is simple - but the implementation is complex. If we want to tell the Somalis they have to obey the law, no more piracy, no more hostages - then we have to enforce that rule equally on the people invading their waters, dumping toxic wastes, fishing in their waters.

Simple solution - but how does it happen? Normally it'd be the Somali navy - but the government is weak and poor and unstable - they can't stop the advanced fishing boats from other countries, the faster boats from dumping the waste. So - do we set a UN fleet to help them out? Or a US one?

[Details]

Thanks Details, I haven't seen the news since much earlier. Seals are really awesome, I knew a couple when I lived in HI and they can be a tad scary. I'm not surprised they got the job done.

:thumbup:These guys had some serious skills - to manage those shots from a boat to another boat (both boats will be moving a little bit with the waves, current, etc.) - pretty incredible!


I really don't like the title of this thread though. They aren't terrorists. Terrorists are trying to use terror to stop you from doing something - they'd be trying to chase people away. These are pirates - they are looking to get money from ships - the last thing they'd want is for the ships to stop coming. Terrorists want to change your behavior. Pirates just want money.

[dref99]

Understanding the situation is never a bad thing. We cannot solve the pirate problem without understanding that these are people whose families and entire villiages are starving - not the amusing little kid "Mom, I'm starving" when lunch is half an hour late - but the real, decide who eats and who survives, starving, of an already poor country that is in turmoil.

It doesn't justify the pirate's actions - their quest for money or revenge is causing them to go after people who have done nothing wrong - this captain is not one of those who have dumped nuclear wastes on their shores, not one of those who have overfished the area to the point the fishermen need a new way to feed their families. The pirates are not justified in their actions - but they do have a just grievance, and it's one we need to solve, if we are to fix the problem.

And I would apply the same logic to a crack dealer trying to feed his family - WERE there no other way to feed their family. However, here in America, there is always another choice - welfare and other programs will ensure you and your family do not starve. Begging on the street still works, and most people can indeed find work if they work hard enough at it. Over in Somali - there is no safety net. If you cannot find food or money, you will sit and watch your children starve to death, die of easily preventable diseases, etc.

ITA

The long term solution is not the navy, the arming of civilian vessels or flattening a country with bombs - the answer is finding a solution to the abject poverty and misery in Somali. It might just start to happen.

[Susan43]

These guys had some serious skills - to manage those shots from a boat to another boat (both boats will be moving a little bit with the waves, current, etc.) - pretty incredible!


I really don't like the title of this thread though. They aren't terrorists. Terrorists are trying to use terror to stop you from doing something - they'd be trying to chase people away. These are pirates - they are looking to get money from ships - the last thing they'd want is for the ships to stop coming. Terrorists want to change your behavior. Pirates just want money.

Yes they do have serious skills, no doubt about it.

I agree with you about labeling them terrorists. I agree with whoever said earlier that terrorists have an ideology while pirates are really just thieves. They may have a reason for the theft, but the bottom line is they are not trying to create terror...but money. And after reading that article about Somalia, I think the UN should be stepping in to try and resolve the problems.

[theal3]

Yes they do have serious skills, no doubt about it.

I agree with you about labeling them terrorists. I agree with whoever said earlier that terrorists have an ideology while pirates are really just thieves. They may have a reason for the theft, but the bottom line is they are not trying to create terror...but money. And after reading that article about Somalia, I think the UN should be stepping in to try and resolve the problems.

Yes, if they can be helped to fish and grow food again.....and have a stabilized govt. of some type, that would be a good thing.

[Susan43]

Yes, if they can be helped to fish and grow food again.....and have a stabilized govt. of some type, that would be a good thing.

The politics I mostly focus on are the internal ones. Elections, bills, that kind of thing. So when I read that article about Somalia it was a serious wake-up call for me since I wasn't aware of any of it. I really had no idea and IMO the media has seriously (once again) fallen down on it's job to supply us with info. Maybe if the world had been taking this more seriously the piracy could be stopped.

I'm very glad that they got our Capt back safely though and can only hope that it doesn't happen again. For everyone's sake.

[J.D.]

Thanks Details, I haven't seen the news since much earlier. Seals are really awesome, I knew a couple when I lived in HI and they can be a tad scary. I'm not surprised they got the job done.

:thumbup:

Susan...just curious, what do you mean by "a tad scary?"

[DiaRich]

Thank You for the information. We have been so busy all day I hadn't even had time for the news.
Such good news to finish the day with.

[Susan43]

Susan...just curious, what do you mean by "a tad scary?"

LOL you're probably going to think I'm being silly, but I met a Seal years ago that I don't think would have thought twice if he'd gotten an order to take someone out. And while I realize that could very well be part of their job, it just felt a little scary to me. I can't say it's part of their training because I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit.

But I'm sure glad he was on our side. :wink:

[Not Telling]

Its time for electricuting handrails that can be turned on from 16 locations on the ship by anyone; AK-47's available to everyone aboard; immediate firing on those boarding and on the mother ship with shoulder launchers if there is such a thing. :tonguewag:

(I really know my stuff, don't I?)

No more playing around with these goons!


Oh! Yes! You sure do!

Like thinking the navy seals coud take knives and slit the boat unseen and in the panic of the boat deflating, grab the the captain....

Too bad the life boat was a hard-shelled completely enclosed vessel..

[ortiga]

ITA

The long term solution is not the navy, the arming of civilian vessels or flattening a country with bombs - the answer is finding a solution to the abject poverty and misery in Somali. It might just start to happen.


How many tens of millions of dollars has been funneled into private hands in Somalia since the hijackings began years ago? I'd say that there was a lot of enabling going on, giving out payments of multiple millions of dollars...and then who ultimately pays that price? Consumers of course. And their own citizens and those of Kenya and other African countries awaiting aid shipments.

Not to say that I don't have sympathy for 16 year olds that are (voluntarily?) sent out by warlords to do the dirty work. Just that, if all of this is true about illegal fishing, dumping of nuclear waste and so forth (still waiting for documentation on that), then why aren't these "pirates" helping their own citizens? 30-50-100 million could have fed a lot of people. Which international banks are guarding all this dough?

America had lots of illegal fishing going on just offshore until it much of the world imposed 200 mile limits and observer programs. Even now, third world countries in Latin America can see the big factory freezer ships working offshore, vacuuming up the fish, especially the anchovies that are the base of the food chain, but they don't have the muscle to stop it.

At the risk of repeating myself, anyone with half a brain could have seen that this freeloading off the international shipping companies (and us, ultimately) was going to come to a bloody end. Or, beginning of the end. It would make more sense for all those nations who are enabling the "pirates" (re kidnappers, hostage takers, and yes, terrorists IMO) to just ante up through the UN and help rebuild the government there instead of paying, thus becoming part of the problem.

Off soapbox, I know it's easy to armchair this.......

[snookums1]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090412/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_pirates_analysis

[daniel green]

No Drama Obama gets the job done, as always.

Confident, calm and determined.

[snookums1]

Obama Twice Approved Plan to Rescue U.S. Sea Captain

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/12/official-sea-captain-faced-imminent-danger/

And to think. Posters were trashing him for not answering media questions on this subject, as though he should have announced any plans ahead of time.

[crocdog1]

No fuss. No fanfare. "No Mission Accomplished." "No Bring them on."

Just one of the many tasks a President must face. Everyday, I am more and more proud of him.

[snookums1]

How SEALs Carried Out Their Mission

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/12/AR2009041202645.html?hpid=topnews

WOW. They were going to kill the Captain and the Seals took them out before they could.

[snookums1]

"To achieve that goal, we must continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks, be prepared to interdict acts of piracy and ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes," Obama added.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=91264&sectionid=351020501

[theal3]

Job well done Mr. President. No drama Obama is right. No fanfare, no boasting and bragging. Just get the job done through a clear chain of command. And the media TH's blasted him for 3 or 4 days cause he didn't get on a microphone and give them "sound bites," and tell them what he was going to do. They snickered that he was "weak," even "scared," and in experienced: the job is too much for him etc. etal..... he should blast them out of the sea; drop bombs, use helicopters etc. It was a joke to watch all the couch potato TV pundits pretend to know what they were talking about. IMHO

He too far ahead and above all that "stuff." He takes his job seriously, and is doing well.

[snookums1]

Some during bush's watch some after but all after dem takeover of house and senate. Obama can't keep using Bush as a scapegoat he needs to stand on his own 2 feet. Was this off topic? :w00t: Dems still don't have control of the Senate so what they heck are you talking about?

[snookums1]

"Obama beats first national security test"

I hardly think that four pirates created a threat to our national security. The big question to me is, why should the actions taken be required to be OK'ed by the POTUS? Because he is CIC of the military and it was the US Navy that took the action. It had to be cleared by the President. Same as Norad shooting down a plane. That too needs to be cleared by the president.

[snookums1]

PR disaster for the GOP: Republicans bet against the United States and lose


"Republican spokesman Brad Blakeman was on MSNBC this morning predicting that the U.S. Navy would fail in its mission to rescue Captain Phillips. Over at This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Newt Gingrich went on the attack against the Obama administration, betting against the U.S. Navy. Knowing as we do how this story ends, it's hard not to conclude that Gingrich is a little reckless. Clearly Gingrich has no idea what he's talking about. Gingrich wasn't privy to the Obama administration's deliberations and planning. While Gingrich was loudly condemning the Obama administration as a "do-nothing," halfway around the world the U.S. Navy's SEALs were executing a plan signed off on by Barack Obama, and successfully rescuing Captain Richard Phillips. Newt Gingrich bet against the U.S. Navy SEALs and lost."


http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/12/719369/-PR-disaster-for-the-GOP:-Republicans-bet-against-the-United-States-and-lose

More at the link. Interesting take on how Republicans, like Rush and Newt and others are betting on failure and why.There is nothing more patriotic or American than cutting off your own legs in the hopes that your country will fail. It goes beyond being sore losers. IMO

[theal3]

Hey, our President did very well as CIC, for a guy that the GOP has screamed for weeks and months that Obama (and their Conservative talkers, too) is weak, hangs out with terrorists, would never order anyone to shoot a gun; is unpatriotic; is too intellectual to make hard choices; has no experience etc. etal. Has no military experience and therefore should not be elected; is too young, too book smart; never earned a pay check.

This Pres. stealthly took out the terrorists: didn't pay the ransom. This Pres. has guts. He used the Navy Seals. OMG a "liberal" took out a terrorists. He gave the order! God Bless America and our military.

Good for our new President. Watch out evil doers of the World, America has a new smart sheriff in town. Wow, I can't wait for the movie to come out on this. Our Pres. was tested, and he proved himself. He played it calm, cool and collected. Didn't reveal his cards. Street smarts! I love it.

What did the righties want: the mission to fail, so they could harp on that? It didn't fail, so where is all the rightie praise? Job well done Mr. President.

[snookums1]

Dick Cheney finds himself, once more, on the wrong side of polling data. CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll asked respondents whether they agreed with the former vice president's remarks that Barack Obama's policies were making the country more vulnerable to attack. The response: a resounding "no."

Only one-quarter (26 percent) of respondents said that the "actions Barack Obama has taken as president have increased the chances of a terrorist attack against the U.S." Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) said they had not.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/13/cheney-vs-america-public_n_186295.html IMO when a country's policies cause them to be either hated or distrusted by over half the world, they are asking to be attacked. If their policies are respected and trusted they are less likely to be attacked. So, like his policies,IMO Cheney is wrong.

[snookums1]

Meanwhile, back in Looneytoonville:

Profiles in Cowardice: Obama Rolls Over Again

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/10103

Should we supply catsup so she does not choke while eating her own words?

[theal3]

IMO when a country's policies cause them to be either hated or distrusted by over half the world, they are asking to be attacked. If their policies are respected and trusted they are less likely to be attacked. So, like his policies,IMO Cheney is wrong.

Ya, know, you got me thinking. The Bin Laden Family for years were tight with the Bush family do to oil and business connects, Carlye Group and all that; GW and BinLaden were actually "playmates" back in the day, then GW get elected (and we know early on he had plans for Iraq, from Clark's and other books now out) an the secret energy/Cheney meetings in March/April of 2001); and those bases that George One got put in Arabia..... and IMHO BinLaden and his Alqueda group were privy to knowledge about GOP plans for the middle east, because of PNAC published plans (which Clinton rejected) but which Bush accepted: and so America under Bush was hit on 9/11 in that same year. Seems like to me, BinLaden was trying to humiliate Bush One and Two.....knowing what the plans for oil was in the ME. I think the entire war became too "personal" for GW.

[MaybytheBay]

I didn't really distinguish it as a National Security Military Victory/test.
Certainly the President was charged with signing the order for rules of engagement for which the highly skilled Seals, FBI,military, navy ships used their extreme skill, expertise and professionalism to command and rectify a hostage situation. And to mention the Captain for his heroic and self-preserving actions.
Credit to the President for doing what any other President would do in this situation, but exceptional thanks to the proficiency and skill of the Special Forces and the Captain.

[daniel green]

Dick Cheney finds himself, once more, on the wrong side of polling data. CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll asked respondents whether they agreed with the former vice president's remarks that Barack Obama's policies were making the country more vulnerable to attack. The response: a resounding "no."

Only one-quarter (26 percent) of respondents said that the "actions Barack Obama has taken as president have increased the chances of a terrorist attack against the U.S." Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) said they had not.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/13/cheney-vs-america-public_n_186295.html

Bless his heart, he must be used by now to having Americans disagree vehemently with him and with being so disliked. :tongueside:

[Susan43]

Dick Cheney finds himself, once more, on the wrong side of polling data. CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll asked respondents whether they agreed with the former vice president's remarks that Barack Obama's policies were making the country more vulnerable to attack. The response: a resounding "no."

Only one-quarter (26 percent) of respondents said that the "actions Barack Obama has taken as president have increased the chances of a terrorist attack against the U.S." Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) said they had not.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/13/cheney-vs-america-public_n_186295.html

Wow! 72%! That's a huge number. This is just terrific!

I'm so glad that the rescue of the Capt. went well, it validates those of us that believe in this administration.

:thumbsup:

[theal3]

Considering all the agencies that had to be "on board" the NSA, the Military, particularly the Navy, the FBI, and probably a dozen more we don't know about, maybe the CIA, and some commerce department.

I think Obama is definitely showing that he is in command.

Yes, reminds me of Bush's eary presidency when the Chinese captured one of our high tech planes in their air space and held the crew captive, and Bush said he'd never aplogize and to release them and the plane. Chinese released the crew and kept the plan and it's technology, then Bush apologized. So every Pres. gets tested. Give Barack credit when creditit due.

[daniel green]

President Obama vowed on Monday to “halt the rise of piracy” off the coast of Africa, foreshadowing a longer and potentially more treacherous struggle to come, a day after Navy snipers rescued an American merchant-ship captain held hostage on the Indian Ocean. Mr. Obama, making his first live comments since the rescue Sunday, told an audience at the Transportation Department that he was “very proud” of the United States military and other agencies that responded to the hostage-taking. And he hailed the captain, Richard Phillips, for his “courage and leadership and selfless concern for his crew.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/world/africa/14pirates.html?_r=1&nl=pol&emc=pola1

[watcher2005]

This is what retired Colonel Jack Jacobs said this morning:

...

Good grief!

[ortiga]

This is what retired Colonel Jack Jacobs said this morning:

"I'll tell you exactly what's required here and what we can get done, we have to have exclusion zones along all shipping lanes, have major shipping countries, maritime countries agree on a compact such that any boat that has not filed the maritime equivalent of a flight plan inside these lanes, will be sunk. We're not going to ask any questions. We just sink you."


http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mike-sargent/2009/04/13/msnbcs-brzezinski-sympathizes-somali-pirates
Copyright © 2005-2009 Media Research Center, t/a NewsBusters

I'm curious about which countries do control those waters. If they have 200 mile limits there, they would be able to control "fishing" in those waters. Just as we do within our 200 mile limit. It sounds like a good idea to me, " a maritime equivalent of a flight plan inside these lanes". That way the pirates would stick out like a sore thumb.

[Susan43]

There is a video at this link that just shows how far the conservatives and FNC went to politicize this issue.

http://www.americablog.com/2009/04/gop-leaders-were-hoping-and-convinced.html

Frankly, it really tee's me off.

[Lady_Jean_La]

While the credit for action rightfully goes to the Navy, it is inaccurate to state Obama didn't have anything to do with the situation, IMO.
As commander-in-chief, he did, IMO.
Reportedly, Obama received briefings/met with advisors and authorized action to save the captain's life. ( paraphrased)
http://news.aol.com/article/military-crackdown-hasnt-deterred/419434?flv=1

:thumbsup:Good job!

[Details]

Susan...just curious, what do you mean by "a tad scary?"While I'm not Susan - I think I know what she means. They're INTENSE! They have to be - no other type makes it through SEAL training. You can tell - you sure wouldn't want to get on their bad side! Smooth, professional, rock hard, they don't stop, they don't give up - SEALs.

It's a good thing - they're supposed to be that way. And they're good people - but seriously strong in every respect.


I just love this story - everything went right. Presidential advisors gave him the facts, President Obama set the policies, the Navy and the SEALs perfectly executed it - and we have a live captain and dead pirates. Just what should happen. Capturing all of the pirates for trial would have been a bit better - but the pirates weren't willing to make that possible.

[LisaM22]

"Obama beats first national security test"

I hardly think that four pirates created a threat to our national security. The big question to me is, why should the actions taken be required to be OK'ed by the POTUS?

how many did it take to hijack a plane back in 2001?

had we given in to the demand of these pirates or overreacted, we would of seen many more such pirates

[Doc Holliday]

I recommend Dick Couch's books on SEALs and SEAL training. Very interesting. When asked what it is that helps a recruit get through the harsh training, an instructor said "a spiritual sense of self". I have no idea what that means though (possibly because I'm not correctly remembering what the instructor said).

[LisaM22]

There is a video at this link that just shows how far the conservatives and FNC went to politicize this issue.

http://www.americablog.com/2009/04/gop-leaders-were-hoping-and-convinced.html

Frankly, it really tee's me off.

thanks for that video, that was just crazy, fox news at it's greatest? :(

[Details]

A just grievance, and that would be poverty? Why is it a problem "we need to solve", let's learn our lesson about solving the problems of others/imposing our will, let them solve their own problems and if a few chose piracy they should be blown out of the water by all that sail those waters.Don't know why I reply, when you didn't read my first post.

this captain is not one of those who have dumped nuclear wastes on their shores, not one of those who have overfished the area to the point the fishermen need a new way to feed their families. The pirates are not justified in their actions - but they do have a just grievance,

The problem isn't their own self-inflicted poverty. It's when barrels of toxic waste are dumped on their shores, contaminating the water, making them sick and killing many, when professional fishing boats invade their soverign waters and overfish all the fish away. That is a legitimate grievance. They have people invading their home, stealing their food source (fish), and dumping toxic waste. That's a just grievance.

Piracy, of course, is not happening against those who did it - but just like so many would choose to blame all Muslims for the actions of a few, it's no surprise that these people when starving due to the actions of foreign ships, end up blaming all foreign ships. It's wrong - but there is something there that needs to be addressed.

And it's a problem that we do need to solve. Because when you have a bunch of people starving to death, and a means to feed their starving children is passing by, it should be no shock that a father will do whatever it takes to feed his kids. If this were mere greed - we could stop it with simple force. But this is desperation - force will not stop it. We have to solve the root of the problem if we wish to stop the piracy.

[Susan43]

While I'm not Susan - I think I know what she means. They're INTENSE! They have to be - no other type makes it through SEAL training. You can tell - you sure wouldn't want to get on their bad side! Smooth, professional, rock hard, they don't stop, they don't give up - SEALs.

It's a good thing - they're supposed to be that way. And they're good people - but seriously strong in every respect.


I just love this story - everything went right. Presidential advisors gave him the facts, President Obama set the policies, the Navy and the SEALs perfectly executed it - and we have a live captain and dead pirates. Just what should happen. Capturing all of the pirates for trial would have been a bit better - but the pirates weren't willing to make that possible.

I see you've known some Seals too. They are good people and I'm sure glad they're on our side, but intense is almost too soft a word for the one's I've known. LOL

And yes, it's a blessing it went so well. We should all be very happy at the outcome. And I don't feel a bit sorry for the pirates. They put themselves in that situation.

[Susan43]

I recommend Dick Couch's books on SEALs and SEAL training. Very interesting. When asked what it is that helps a recruit get through the harsh training, an instructor said "a spiritual sense of self". I have no idea what that means though (possibly because I'm not correctly remembering what the instructor said).

That's interesting. I think it very well could be a stong sense of self confidence. Because to take action the way they did yesterday I think they would have to really believe they were doing the right thing.

[daniel green]

For President Obama, last week's confrontation with Somali pirates posed similar political risks to a young commander in chief who had yet to prove himself to his generals or his public. But the result -- a dramatic and successful rescue operation by U.S. Special Operations forces -- left Obama with an early victory that could help build confidence in his ability to direct military actions abroad.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/12/AR2009041203002.html

[Baroness]

I appreciated that Obama was willing to hold his cards close to his chest despite the media and the RW bashing him for not making a statement.

No public statement, no grandstanding, no threats, no chest thumping.

Just a private simple clear direction, sent down the chain of command, "If it looks like they're going to kill the Capt.--kill them.

I appreciate that he trusted our military to get it done and I'm so proud of them as well.

No drama Obama. :thumbup:

Kate

[daniel green]

No public statement, no grandstanding, no threats, no chest thumping.

snipped

Yep. Presidential.

[daniel green]

BO did not make a decision affecting national security, however much it may be touted as such.

snipped

I gather you do not agree with the AP, who gave the story the title about beating his first national security test.

OK, then.

[Mathis]

Get over your envy, get over your disdain, try to catch up, 9/11/2001 was almost 7 years ago. You really need to try to be more relevant, and more capable of understanding the nuances of international relations. Of course, George W Bush never understood it, and attacked the wrong nation in 2003, about 6 years ago now... he was never held accountable for that stupidity. It's about time we put him on trial for sending so many American men and women to their deaths in Iraq, and adding so many hundreds of billions of our national debt. George W Bush, the worst President America ever had, and you criticize Obama for his well coordinated efforts to free a marine Captain?

Give us all a break.

Let's make sure you hold Bush accountable for mistakes he made, like Iraq.....oh wait.......you don't want Bush to be held accountable, let's make sure you go on record as being a total ..........well...........we can all fill in the word, ........you only want to hold the current President responsible....for what a mess Bush left us.

Yeah, you make a lot of sense with your posts...<<sarcasm>>

Normally, I'd snip such a long post as yours for the sake of bandwidth, but your post is far too priceless.

So, 9/11/2001 was almost 7 years ago? Are you sure? With all due respect . . . oh, never mind. I was never a fan of shooting fish in a barrel. WRT to the rest of your post, try reading tirante's post in context.

Oh, and by the way, please give us a break!

[Baroness]

He had two options: lethal force, or no. BO did not make a decision affecting national security, however much it may be touted as such.

I was wondering----did he he tell the Seals to shoot
"south Chicago gangsta style"? With the rifles side-wise?

Nome ah sayin?

Are you implying our precision military forces are on a par with 'gangsta's'?

Or are you once more tediously trying to muddy up the topic with off hand insults about the President?

I understand your attempt to blow off the impact of this incident on the public psyche. It only further serves to cement the majority's trust in Obama.

How the RW blogs howled when Obama was pressed for comment, he was "weak", "empowering the pirates", "emboldening our enemies", Obama was "putting national security at risk" by not speaking out with force.

I expected the tone would change to --- it was no big deal after all. :shrug:

Kate

[Susan43]

I appreciated that Obama was willing to hold his cards close to his chest despite the media and the RW bashing him for not making a statement.

No public statement, no grandstanding, no threats, no chest thumping.

Just a private simple clear direction, sent down the chain of command, "If it looks like they're going to kill the Capt.--kill them.

I appreciate that he trusted our military to get it done and I'm so proud of them as well.

No drama Obama. :thumbup:

Kate

And you have to read this article! It turns out that Obama gave the orders about the pirates to the military back in Feb!!!

Right-wingers who hit 'President Pantywaist' have egg on their faces after U.S. forces killed pirates

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/right-wingers-who-hit-president-pant

This is truely unbelievable.

[daniel green]

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2009/04/13/obama-and-the-pirates/

[Baroness]

And you have to read this article! It turns out that Obama gave the orders about the pirates to the military back in Feb!!!

Right-wingers who hit 'President Pantywaist' have egg on their faces after U.S. forces killed pirates

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/right-wingers-who-hit-president-pant

This is truely unbelievable.

Oh my Stars! Bush freakin' dithered. :scared:

from your link:

"You see, back last November, George W. Bush punted on the matter:

U.S. President George W. Bush has been briefed about increasing attacks by Somali pirates off east Africa,
and the United States is consulting with other U.N. Security Council members on ways to combat the threat, the White House said on Wednesday.

Calling it a "a very complicated issue," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino gave no hint of what, if any, action the United States might take
following the hijacking earlier this week of a Saudi supertanker with a $100 million oil cargo.

Obama signed the order giving the Navy the go-ahead to take these people out when they had the opportunity in February". (ed-bolding added)

Kate

[AlohaRainbow]

like susan, i didn't know much about the history of toxic dumping off the coast of somalia. sadly, it seems like greed and corruption (on the parts of certain european environmental waste companies and local warlords in somalia) played a large part. this article is dated 2005 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article418665.ece
-----------------------------
Toxic waste was first dumped in Somalia in the late 1980s, but accelerated sharply during the civil war which followed the 1991 overthrow of the late dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

Local warlords, many of them former ministers in Siad Barre’s last government, received large payments from Swiss and Italian firms for access to their respective fiefdoms.
[ ... ]
The European Green Party followed up the revelations by presenting to the press and the European Parliament in Strasbourg copies of contracts signed by the two companies and representatives of the then “President” — Ali Mahdi Mohamed — to accept 10 million tonnes of toxic waste in exchange for $80 million (then about £60 million).

[LisaM22]

This event, and the acts of earlier piracy against many ships, under many flags, were the acts of pirates! Get it? Pirates! Not acts against the US, per se.

The 9/11 attacks were against the US! No monetary gain, just terrorism. No parallel, whatsoever.

you just don't get it, have we had any addl hijackings sense 911?

[AlohaRainbow]

"From the evidence so far, these primarily appear to be fighters looking for predatory opportunities," says Mr. Jhazbhay. They operated "roadblocks in the past, which were fleecing people as a form of taxation. Now they've seen the opportunities on the high seas."

article from Nov. 2008: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1120/p25s22-woaf.html

[LisaM22]

And you have to read this article! It turns out that Obama gave the orders about the pirates to the military back in Feb!!!

Right-wingers who hit 'President Pantywaist' have egg on their faces after U.S. forces killed pirates

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/right-wingers-who-hit-president-pant

This is truely unbelievable.

wow, thanks for the link, nice to have a real president in charge again

[theal3]

Well, the Right, I mean Fox news i.e. the Fox Party, or Fox Nation Party or whatever they call it are now saying: just one gun boat of rag tag pirates, no big deal: but was he ready to use the FULL FORCE of America to protect "Us," considering his inexperience. Yeah it was good, but no real test."

These losers, just make me LOL.:cursing:

[LisaM22]

Well, the Right, I mean Fox news i.e. the Fox Party, or Fox Nation Party or whatever they call it are now saying: just one gun boat of rag tag pirates, no big deal: but was he ready to use the FULL FORCE of America to protect "Us," considering his inexperience. Yeah it was good, but no real test."

These losers, just make me LOL.:cursing:

yeah, I think Susan43's link pointed out the agenda of the right very well in that before successful resolution video, we need someone to make a before and after video - jmho

http://www.americablog.com/2009/04/gop-leaders-were-hoping-and-convinced.html

just goes to show, if the usa faces a crisis, it will be the right that is on the sidelines trying to make it worse, to them failure makes Obama look bad, even if it was them that caused the failure, that is all they see, they do not see the consequences of their actions in a time of crisis imo

[theal3]

yeah, I think Susan43's link pointed out the agenda of the right very well in that before successful resolution video, we need someone to make a before and after video - jmho

http://www.americablog.com/2009/04/gop-leaders-were-hoping-and-convinced.html

just goes to show, if the usa faces a crisis, it will be the right that is on the sidelines trying to make it worse, to them failure makes Obama look bad, even if it was them that caused the failure, that is all they see, they do not see the consequences of their actions in a time of crisis imo

Despite what they "say." It's power, money, party above God and country. It's so obvious. Above even family, from what I've observed.

Obama tapped into something that caught on with the majority of Americans, a populist, middle of the ground message, historic message, a generational almost historic message and it was genuine: and now the right wants "in" on that, and is trying to use it. LOL now they are for YOU the WORKING people, the MIDDLE class and against WALL ST. and Big Business. LOL. And then there's the "cultural war" they keep harping on. Which, almost in tears, I guess he's retiring, Dobson said: "we lost to the world of evil."

[Baroness]

Good question.

Apparently, sucess didn't come until BO got out of the way.



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/world/africa/13pirates.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&hp

Presidential approval was needed because it was an offensive not a defensive action.

I guess you didn't see the prior post. Pres Obama approved the use of these tactical strategies against piracy in February long before the Capt. was taken.

Once the situation actually arose he was quietly decisive and acted as an effective and successful CIC.

It almost smells as if the GOP would have preferred that the president had failed and the captain was still being held. IMO

Kate

[flareon]

That doesn't jive w/ what senior defense officials told the NYT.

It is always the same with Obama. It seems like it takes 4 or 5 stories before they can settle on the "true" story.

[crocdog1]

I didn't really distinguish it as a National Security Military Victory/test.
Certainly the President was charged with signing the order for rules of engagement for which the highly skilled Seals, FBI,military, navy ships used their extreme skill, expertise and professionalism to command and rectify a hostage situation. And to mention the Captain for his heroic and self-preserving actions.
Credit to the President for doing what any other President would do in this situation, but exceptional thanks to the proficiency and skill of the Special Forces and the Captain.

re [I didn't really distinguish it as a National Security Military Victory/test.]

Well, I think it was but, this is JMO, which in the grand scheme of things does not amount to much.

But Newt Gingrich's opinion is another matter. His opinions are second only to Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Pallin in the hierarchy of the Republican Party.

Newt Gingrich sure acted like this was a major test--and, he talked like Obama was a failure before the Captian was rescued.

Just My Humble Opinion.

[Baroness]

And how is that any different than what Pres. Obama did? He also "gave no hint" as to what he would do. He kept very quiet on the situation throughout. Which is what any decent leader would do, be it Bush or Obama or anyone else. You don't advertise your strategy where the enemy can hear it.

But Bush didn't sign the order giving the Navy the go-ahead---he punted it to the next administration.

So much for being the Decider.

Kate

[Baroness]

Why should the president get the credit?

I think it's called "calling the shots".




(besides, he'd have surely been given the blame."

Kate

[shiloh2000]

Good question.

Apparently, sucess didn't come until BO got out of the way.



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/world/africa/13pirates.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&hp

My question is: What took so long? It's a no brainer IMO.

Also read [somewhere] that this is the first attack on a US ship by any pirate in more than 100 years. Wonder why?

[shiloh2000]

The go-ahead on what? Were any U.S. shipped held hostage under Bush?

Nope, this was the first in more than 100 years.

[crocdog1]

That's what I thought... So this isn't even comparing apples to oranges, it comparing apples to puppies.

I will, again repeat, that Newt Gingrich, second only to Rush Limbaugh and Sara Pallin, as spokespeople for the Republican Party, did think this was a major test for Obama.

Gingrich, like the Party of NO (PON), thought Obama had failed his first major test. [JMHO]

[Susan43]

Oh my Stars! Bush freakin' dithered. :scared:

from your link:

"You see, back last November, George W. Bush punted on the matter:

U.S. President George W. Bush has been briefed about increasing attacks by Somali pirates off east Africa,
and the United States is consulting with other U.N. Security Council members on ways to combat the threat, the White House said on Wednesday.

Calling it a "a very complicated issue," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino gave no hint of what, if any, action the United States might take
following the hijacking earlier this week of a Saudi supertanker with a $100 million oil cargo.

Obama signed the order giving the Navy the go-ahead to take these people out when they had the opportunity in February". (ed-bolding added)

Kate

Yeppers! I thought you would enjoy reading that. LOL In case someone else would like to read it here's the link again.

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/right-wingers-who-hit-president-pant

This shows that Obama really does think ahead.

[Susan43]

I will, again repeat, that Newt Gingrich, second only to Rush Limbaugh and Sara Pallin, as spokespeople for the Republican Party, did think this was a major test for Obama.

Gingrich, like the Party of NO (PON), thought Obama had failed his first major test. [JMHO]

It almost seems like Gingrich went out on a limb about the pirate issue.

Newt had been ham*mering away at Obama’s handling of the crisis all weekend on Twitter. At one point he said that it was making us “look weak.” At another, he railed that “the correct answer to piracy is to destroy it” and not to “negotiate with it.”

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/president-obama/newt-gives-high-praise-to-obama-on-pirate-standoff-not/

From the beginning I think that the right politicized it. I have this odd feeling that they were (once again) believing their own stories about the president and liberals.

I have even heard (read) the anti-war meme about him when we've all known he is not anti-war, he just against dumb wars like he said in his 2002 anti-Iraq speech.

I had to edit this up post to get rid of that ugly little figure.

[theal3]

It almost seems like Gingrich went out on a limb about the pirate issue.



http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/president-obama/newt-gives-high-praise-to-obama-on-pirate-standoff-not/

From the beginning I think that the right politicized it. I have this odd feeling that they were (once again) believing their own stories about the president and liberals.

I have even heard (read) the anti-war meme about him when we've all known he is not anti-war, he just against dumb wars like he said in his 2002 anti-Iraq speech.

I had to edit this up post to get rid of that ugly little figure.

Well the silly thing is the way Newt and other "talkers" pontificate, as they've got 24/7 air time to fill, so they say things like the "Pres. hasn't said anything, therefore he must be undecided," or "weak," or overthinking it," etc. etal. or they say, what ever he does it should be "big and desicive" and bomb the towns along that coast...." Yikes, they want more war and bombings. They are a strange crowed. Then when it all done, and he speaks, they claim, "he's grandstanding." With that crowed he is wrong on every issue, on everything, all the time.

They are become cartoon characterish. IMHO.

[wavecurve]

Republicans have gone from laughing stock to National Security threat. Sad.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/borger.republicans/index.html

[theal3]

Yes, their credibility is lame. Against everything that Barack does, every move, decision -- it CAN"t be ALL wrong. Won't give credit when credit is due. It's like crying wolf, never know when it's credible opposition. Newt has gone bonkers. And, IMHO he'll never run for Pres.

[Banditta]

Yes, their credibility is lame. Against everything that Barack does, every move, decision -- it CAN"t be ALL wrong. Won't give credit when credit is due. It's like crying wolf, never know when it's credible opposition. Newt has gone bonkers. And, IMHO he'll never run for Pres.

Next thing you know they'll be issuing some sort of "color alerts", the republicans I mean. :w00t: Newtie's comeback is over.

[crocdog1]

I gather you do not agree with the AP, who gave the story the title about beating his first national security test.
OK, then.

This was in reply to:

Originally Posted by tirante
BO did not make a decision affecting national security, however much it may be touted as such.
================================================== ===

It appears that tirante was not aware that Newt Gingrich (second in line in the GOP hierarchy--behind only Rush Limbaugh and Sara Pallin) considered this to be a national security issue.

Newt Gingrich was very adamant and vocal regards Obama's first security test, which he vehemently declared a failure before the incident was resolved.

JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION.

[bagerroness]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090412/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_pirates_analysis frankly I was glad that Obama didn't sympathize with the pirates and chose to think like George Bush instead.. it was a good choice on Obama's part. IMO.. it hardly makes up for Obama's failed Economic and Unemployment policies though.. he's still struggling in that area.. IMO

[crocdog1]

frankly I was glad that Obama didn't sympathize with the pirates and chose to think like George Bush instead.. it was a good choice on Obama's part. IMO.. it hardly makes up for Obama's failed Economic and Unemployment policies though.. he's still struggling in that area.. IMO

I have yet to see/hear any "Mission Accomplished" banners. Or, such bellicose and bully rhetoric as "Bring Them On."

Just My Humble Opinion

[daniel green]

Republicans have gone from laughing stock to National Security threat. Sad.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/borger.republicans/index.html

Wow, great, great piece!!!!

And finally, the pirates of Somalia -- threatening an American crew -- hold an American captain hostage. A high-stakes, visible, compelling story, with inevitable winners and losers. That's when you learn about a president. The president played it cool -- in fact, pitch-perfect -- as it turns out. We now know that while he was saying little in public, he was completely engaged. He sent his secretary of state to warn the pirates publicly -- while the president privately held more than 17 briefings on the matter and made sure the bureaucrats at all agencies were working together (no small task). And finally, he gave an unambiguous order -- to shoot if the captain's life was in peril. And when it was all over, as a top administration official told me, Obama "didn't wrap himself around the bravery of those military seals." Indeed, he commended the captain, the SEALs, called for multilateral efforts to stop piracy -- and went on the next day to give an economic speech. Indeed, this aide adds, "He's not about to put on a flight suit on an aircraft carrier and declare mission accomplished."

Not his style, they say.

[snookums1]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/14/somalia.pirates/index.html

The US Navy is now escorting them to their destination.

[snookums1]

French warship captures pirates

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8000447.stm

An International effort saying "Enough is enough". Plus a Greek cargo ship and it's crew that was captured in March has been released and is enroute home.

[snookums1]

Encouraging news! I am happy to hear all this! Looks like Obama's showing some leadership on this issue brought other nations, (France, indeed), to the place were they could stand up to these thugs.

I know the problem isn't solved yet, but these are good steps forward, and a coordinated international effort will bring a resolution to this problem, a problem Bush ignored for years.
ITA. I also think that all nations that ship in that area need to send security ships to escort cargo ships through that area and any pirates that are caught need to be tried and given life sentences. I also think that the practice of paying ransoms has got to stop because all it does is encourage more piracy.

[Lady_Jean_La]

Yeah, and I bet the boat the pirates are on won't make it back to shore.

Just a guess on my part.That would be a good policy. jmo

[Amy Thist]

President obama took control.:thumbup:

The opening comment though it's true when the reublicans keep exagerrating or sometimes lying over and over again like that pizza thing well who can believe them anymore. They aren't doing themselves or our great country any favors by their antics. I think some of this stuff will bite them back in the end. I mean if I was a moderate republican or indepedent I wouldn't want to associate myself with them. Some of my friends fall into that category and tell me how embarassed they are. Who can blame them.

[snookums1]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/18/pirates.foiled/index.html

Unfortunately a Belgian ship did not fare as well.

[Carol25]

YEAH!!!!! I wonder how they did it? I see by the picture, there must have been a helicopter there to take the pic. If only they were allowed to discharge a grenade launcher to that little pirate boat next to the ship! Things would be so much easier!

Why would these pirates capture ordinary fishermen?

To bad about the Belgian ship.

Are the sailors allowed to have tasers?

[snookums1]

YEAH!!!!! I wonder how they did it? I see by the picture, there must have been a helicopter there to take the pic. If only they were allowed to discharge a grenade launcher to that little pirate boat next to the ship! Things would be so much easier!

Why would these pirates capture ordinary fishermen?

To bad about the Belgian ship.

Are the sailors allowed to have tasers? The only thing I know is they are not allowed to be armed because foreign countries do not like them coming into ports with guns. That is why I think more ships should be escorted by the different Navies. The Navy ships could escort the cargo ships up to the port but not go in themselves. I was wondering about the local fishermen they were holding too.

[Carol25]

The only thing I know is they are not allowed to be armed because foreign countries do not like them coming into ports with guns. That is why I think more ships should be escorted by the different Navies. The Navy ships could escort the cargo ships up to the port but not go in themselves. I was wondering about the local fishermen they were holding too.
How about the soldiers could be armed while seafaring and then be escorted in by the port watchers of the incoming city, or the weapons seized by the city their coming into and given back upon leaving? JMO

Of course if there is malicious intent, that probably wouldn't work.

But there's not probably not enough ships to accompany all of the freighters going across the seas. And what's the point if they can't fire upon the pirates?

Someone is just going to have to make the decision that ships can be armed and can blast these criminals out of their boats before they come into firing range. All they have to have is binoculars to see they are carrying AK-47's and say good-bye.

[Carol25]

What's your opinion?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090421/ap_on_re_us/piracy_suspect

[alpha_fruit]

JMO..............
Let him get his own attorney from Somolia. I'm sure there are several who would love to come here and then ask for political asylum (sp).









These opinions are formed by me, for me and to me and are only my opinion.

[Celebration]

I have a great deal of respect for Ron Kuby, and will follow this with much interest.

It was my impression that this pirate had tried to help the Americans negotiate with the other pirates. I may be incorrect.

[penguin01]

I have a great deal of respect for Ron Kuby, and will follow this with much interest.

It was my impression that this pirate had tried to help the Americans negotiate with the other pirates. I may be incorrect. My thought exactly. Its odd that he was captured under a truce flag. I've been concerned because clearly this kid is NOT the leader of the group.
I like Ron Kuby and I'm glad this kid will have someone to protect his rights. I'll look forward to following this too.

I think that so far the kid has been having a great time before he got here..... staying in a hotel, (bet the bathrooom blew his mind), riding in nice cars, flying in a jet plane. Clearly someone bought him some new clothes for the trip. Its not your average Somali villager experience. He asked crew members if they could help him get to the US - and here he is. I wonder if we will ever know exactly how old he is: we've heard everything from 15 to 19 so far.

[penguin01]

The court has decided that he is 19 and old enough to be tried as an adult. The young man looked very upset and frightened.

[Celebration]

I'd feel differently if he hadn't tried to help the Americans negotiate with the pirates.

And, if he didn't live in a country in which it's such a struggle to provide enough food to keep ones family from starving.

Does he need to spend some time incarcerated? Yes, probably. But I'd like to help find volunteers to educate him during his incarceration and make sure he is safe.

Then we'd have to inform pirates we will not act in such a kindly manner in the future.

I do not expect anyone to agree with me.

[Celebration]

I'd feel differently if he hadn't tried to help the Americans negotiate with the pirates.

And, if he didn't live in a country in which it's such a struggle to provide enough food to keep ones family from starving.

Does he need to spend some time incarcerated? Yes, probably. But I'd like to help find volunteers to educate him during his incarceration and make sure he is safe.

Then we'd have to inform pirates we will not act in such a kindly manner in the future.

I do not expect anyone to agree with me.

Adding to my quoted post above, I can't remember when I've ever defended a defendant before. I'm almost always strongly prosecution minded.