In what almost seems a gleeful pronouncement, The New York Times trumpeted America's powerlessness over the recent capture by pirates of a captain of a U.S. run freighter on the high seas. With an April 9 headline that blares, "Standoff With Pirates Shows U.S. Power Has Limits," the Times almost seems to revel in that taking down of an arrogant America by mere pirates in power boats.
It's quite hard not to feel that the Times is celebrating the enfeebling of the "world's most powerful military," here.
The Indian Ocean standoff between an $800 million United States Navy destroyer and four pirates bobbing in a lifeboat showed the limits of the world’s most powerful military as it faces a booming pirate economy in a treacherous patch of international waters.
But, does it really show "limits"? or does it rather show an American administration that is acting with extreme caution, instead? Don't get me wrong, I am not sticking up for the Obama administration here, but just because something hasn't been done as of yet does not mean that the U.S. military is showing its "limits."
What we are seeing here is not a "limit" to the military but a limit to political will. Why the Times puts the onus on the military is anybody's guess... unless, of course, the Times is going out of its way to absolve Obama from any criticism here.
After going on about the story, though, there is one little paragraph at the tail of the story that reveals something that is far more to blame than military "limits" or even a lack of political will.
Shipping companies victimized by the bandits have been wary of a military confrontation that could disrupt the crucial shipping lanes that run from the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean. Experts said that companies would still rather pay large ransoms than arm merchant crews and pay hefty liability insurance premiums. In 2008 alone, experts estimate that merchant shipping companies paid some $40 million to the Somali pirates.
Instead of sensibly arming crewmen or hiring forces to protect ships, these companies have routinely paid ransoms, an action that merely encourages more piracy. And why is this the case? Insurance. And why is insurance keeping these companies from employing common sense? Lawsuits.
And now we are drawn to Will Shakespeare's famous prescription for what ails us:
" First... let's kill all the lawyers."
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
No, it shows the limits of socialism and Obama
April 10, 2009 - 05:22 ET by ArchConservativeThis is just like Carter and the hostages that were held for 444 days. The Somalis know that Obama is feeble and weak, not the US military. If the military was allowed to do what we do best, we would be blowing the hell out of those Islamoterrorists. There wouldn't be any more "pirates", just a lot of debris.
And does it surprise anyone that a paper like the NYT loves to celebrate and rejoice in America's failures? It should not. People wanted Carter, Part II, and they got him. We are so screwed.
You support the troops by supporting the mission! If you don't support the mission, have the guts to say you don't support the troops.
Obama: Not my President. Ever.
HOLY CRAP!
April 10, 2009 - 09:43 ET by Doc_NavyI was just in the middle of writing a reply to this comment, stating that I had agreed with the writers opinion that it is the Administration that is weak, not the US military. I was going to post a quote from MSNBC where, in their article, they quote some Somali pirates as saying they don't want to come and help their friends who have captured the US Capt. They said (according to the MSNBC story) that they felt it would "Be suicide".
BUT... not four minutes ago, the article was "Updated" and the section where the Somali's express their fear of going up against the US Navy has been replaced with this:
And of the fact that no other pirates want to come out and help thier friends?? This:
I couldn't believe it.. they changed their story RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES!
Doc
2008: The year that the great LIE died.
How we know that they know that they are Lying.
Friedrich Nietzsche summed up how I feel about the MSM in this quote:
"I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you."
Absolutely amazing. It
April 10, 2009 - 09:49 ET by JerryAbsolutely amazing. It won't be long until the story reads..
"Imperialistic Americans suffer consequences after occupying the waters of oceanic freedom fighters."
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Rush had
April 10, 2009 - 20:20 ET by UpNortha great sarcastic comment about this, calling the pirates "merchant marine organizers" similar to ACORN. Shaking down businesses as they thumb their nose at us.
Meanwhile, the administration does.....what's that I hear, crickets? Yeah, it's crickets. But TOTUS and Hillary did have a meeting in the White House play area, amidst the swings and rides. Holy crap, Batman, wtf?
Ha ha ha ha...!
April 10, 2009 - 20:22 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's perfect!
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Awesome UpNorth
April 10, 2009 - 20:24 ET by Cool ArrowMerchant Marine Organizers. One for the books.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
How to handle Pirates. The Correct Dialog Sheet.
April 10, 2009 - 11:13 ET by grumpyoldbHere's how you handle Pirates, and anyone else that takes hostages:
1. Place sharpshooters, snipers, and whatever heavy artillery you have at hand in strategic positions and point directly at the scumbag.
2. Contact the scumbag
3. Inform the scumbag of the following options:
If you injur the hostage we will KILL YOU.
If you kill the hostage we will KILL YOU.
If the hostage is not released within the next 10 seconds, we will KILL YOU.
If you impede any attempt at escape by the hostage we will KILL YOU.
If you try to escape we will KILL YOU.
If you piss us off in any way shape or form we will KILL YOU.
4. Collect the hostage.
5. As the scumbag if he realizes that he has made the biggest, and last mistake of his life.
6. Kill scumbag.
7. in the event of retaliation, use heavy ordinance to level a 10 mile radius around the source of the retaliation.
8. Ask if anyone has questions about what will happen the next time.
This sends a very clear message to the friends and family of the scumbag, and eliminates the scumbag ever becoming a repeat offender.
These people have one goal in life, and that is not to be Sister Mary Sunshine to the world. Treat them like you would a cockroach..
Ants
April 10, 2009 - 12:16 ET by aakaakaakNo matter how hard you stomp on an ant you're just killing an ant or two. The and hill will just send more ants looking for food/hostages and you'll have more ants in your pantry in a matter of minutes. You can chose to step on ants in you pantry for the rest of you life or you can kill the lil' bastards where they live and never stomp an ant again. We need to take out the ant hill, not just a few ants. We know where they live. We have the ability to destroy them.
http://www.americanw...
Blame Game
April 10, 2009 - 05:45 ET by DustBunny01The primary function of the NYT is to protect President Obama. Once that is accomplished, they they cast about for someone to be held responsible.
It is just fortunate for Rush that he doesn't broadcast on Short Wave Radio otherwise, he and the other cabal of Right Wing Talkers would be blamed for this along with everything else.
Blame Game
April 10, 2009 - 07:03 ET by mcherrI would suppose that Rush can be streamed over the Internet. Perhaps the left wing hasn't heard about the Internet yet. Oh!, that's right. The Father of Global Warming (Algore) invented the Internet too.
Sea Piracy vs Air Piracy
April 10, 2009 - 05:52 ET by GeneralAlWe are seeing the same results play out on the sea that already played out in the air. Airline pilots were told to cooperate with these goons and eventually. we got September 11, 2001 as a result. As long as these companies continue to pay these idiots, it will get worse until a simliar 911 occurs. The sad part is we will not see any drastic action from Emperor Teleprompter against these thugs, He did indicate that charges would be brought against the Americans if they were found to have been cruel to the pirates! Now this is change you can depend on!
gun control is hitting your target
April 10, 2009 - 06:01 ET by CatherwoodI think that a team of 10 snipers could kill all those pirates in the boat before they could harm the hostage. The shots would be tough but not impossible
I feel sorry for the Captain
April 10, 2009 - 06:08 ET by eaglewingz08I feel sorry for the Captain and his family. New uncofirmed reports from CBS that the Captain jumped off the lifeboat and tried to swim for the ships, but was recaptured.
Yep
April 10, 2009 - 06:33 ET by 10ksnookerNo need to do a 'Carter'.
I've been thinking the exact
April 10, 2009 - 09:17 ET by SickofLibsI've been thinking the exact same thing, after watching a documentary on the Army Sniper School.
You have a half-billion dollar boat carrying a half-billion dollars worth of cargo, crewed by only a dozen seamen. How much more could it cost to add a trained sniper/spotter team(s) to the crew? Half of the pirates could be surgically picked off way before they even got the opportunity to board. This all happens in international waters anyway, and who would lament the death of one of these criminals? (other than liberals, of course).
This whole 'we're unarmed' thing is beyond ridiculous. It may work for the British bobbies, but it's not working here. It shouldn't take a crew fatality to wake up.
Obama's "Blame America" international bow and grovel tour: Act I
April 10, 2009 - 11:20 ET by Ten7sIts against "International Law" for crew to be armed/use arms. Anyone else see the irony of this happening just as that liberal idiot Diane Sawyer plans to present her mendacious program about how wonderful it is to be helpless and at the mercy of brutal thugs?
It wouldn't even take trained snipers, just a proficient crew armed w/ rifles and shotguns.
They would have never DARED do this w/ President Bush in office. Hey, Obama voters, thanks again!
And now we are drawn to
April 10, 2009 - 06:04 ET by Massage_Master07And now we are drawn to Will Shakespeare's famous prescription for what ails us:
" First... let's kill all the lawyers."
Amen!!! Let's add the NY Times and all the other America hating, liberal press and media to that list. What's the first thing that an invading army does to another country after taking it over? Kill all the lawyers.
Lawyers are over half of the problem(s) in this country. Without lawyers, just the cost of medical care alone in this country would plummet. IF we can get rid of frivolous and wasteful lawsuits in this country, i.e. That McDonalds ruling for that goofy broad when she spilled hot coffee in her lap, then that alone would lower insurance costs across the table for everyone.
Congress is a PERFECT EXAMPLE of lawyers run amok. The vast majority of congress are lawyers. We see how they treat people every day of the year. Over the past century in this country, lawyers have done more harm than good to the people of this country, and now we see their fingerprints on EVERYTHING.
Does the NY Times actually THINK that the battleship COULDN'T take out, basically, a lifeboat? Have they EVER heard of something called "restraint"? The navy doesn't want to kill a good and competant captain of an American ship needlessly and for nothing.
Also, IF America's power was so "limited", then WHY haven't the other pirates attacked the battleship to get their comades in arms to safety instead of letting them die of exposure, thirst and hunger? Why haven't they TRIED to take over the battleship in an all out attack?
It's only a matter of time before they either release the captain or kill him. I hope they DO release him. However either way, either once he's released or once the pirates try or do kill him, they ought to blow the boat out of the water, and then Obama should order an immediate air strike from either a drone or from the battleship. I'd say about, oh I don't know, 5 or 6 Tomahawk missles would send a nice little message not to F**K with the U.S.A. again.
Of course, all of this could be avoided, again, if LAWYERS weren't part of the problem. Let the shipping companies arm themselves without sending insurance rates through the roof. These pirates are cowards. If you see a small boat like that, in waters that are KNOWN to have pirates, fire a couple of shots at them and they turn tail and run away. There is NOTHING wrong with people that are trained in the responsible use of fire arms defending themselves and their cargo. However, you DO have to worry about ports of call where you have to declare all weapons and such. So it's a catch 22. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. Go figure.
message_master,
April 10, 2009 - 07:21 ET by TheConservativeChemistmessage_master, bravo...couldn't agree more...
And leave it to the "patriotic" left to spin any incident into an indictment on America, her power, interests, influence, etc...gosh, what strong and passionate lovers of this country they are, huh?
Tail of the tale
April 10, 2009 - 07:04 ET by mcherrI do believe that you are referring to the tail end of the story. But then again, "tail" sort of fits too. ;)
That's what I get for typing
April 10, 2009 - 07:51 ET by Warner Todd HustonThat's what I get for typing half asleep.
So, the Pirates Sunk the Battleship?
April 10, 2009 - 07:25 ET by rightwingidiotIt seems like the NYT is telling us that the Pirates sunk the battleship. I mean, that's the only way the Pirates could have showed the "limits" of our powerful military.
Oh, you mean they didn't sink it? Then, oh, okay, I get it now, the NYT is rooting for our Military to fail. They want the Pirates to win.
Okay, fine, then I want Obeyme to fail. That seems like a fair trade.
Warner put it best...
April 10, 2009 - 07:44 ET by Massage_Master07What we are seeing here is not a "limit" to the military but a limit to
political will. Why the Times puts the onus on the military is
anybody's guess... unless, of course, the Times is going out of its way
to absolve Obama from any criticism here.
I guess that next, President Teleprompter is going to appologize to the pirates for "Our mistake of providing Aid" to the people of the destination of the ship, (not sure where it was headed in the first place off of the top of my head.) Of course, he'd rather stick his head in the sand rather than look them dead in the eye and see who blinks first.
I also assume that the TOTUS doesn't realize that what the pirates did was an ACT OF WAR. But the NY Times and all the other liberal "media" won't tell you that or put it in print or broadcast that on the news. That FACT is "conveniantly forgotten". They are truly PATHETIC!!!
Obama Drama
April 10, 2009 - 07:53 ET by allanfAs this little Obama drama plays out to its invetible conclusion (hostage released, pirates go free or face "prosecution" in Somalia), I am left to wonder. I thougth the US Navy had specially trained people who could end this in seconds. What am I missing?
What am I missing?
April 10, 2009 - 09:20 ET by SickofLibsDear Leader has no balls.
Obama Drama US Navy Stands Down as Captain Attempts to Escape
April 10, 2009 - 10:04 ET by allanfWe have all seen this before. The "pirates" will be allowed to return home for "prosecution" clearing the way for more attacks on American shipping.
CNN has already reported that the Captain of the Alabama jumped off the lifeboat and attempted to swim to the Bainbridge The crew of the Bainbridge did not intevene and he was recaptured.
US Naval Gunnery has deteriorted in the past few years, or the Navy Vessels are under orders not to fire.
I agree
April 10, 2009 - 11:11 ET by Solrac7I agree, this was an excellent time to send a shot into the lifeboat. Where were the Navy Seals? Seems to me they should be hovering below the lifeboat just waiting for an opportunity like this to take place. What about snipers? It looks to me like this is going to escalate out of control as the CEO of the Pirates, Inc. gives interviews to the press and directs other pirated ships into the region. Sometimes sacrifices must be made to demonstrate "Don't Tread on Me". This is going from SNAFU to FUBAR. Get the FBI out of there and demonstrate to the world that we are the most powerful Navy in the world!! FTP!
This was an attack on a vessel flying a U.S flag.
April 10, 2009 - 08:31 ET by JWFWe have not had an attack by pirates on a U.S flagged ship in 200 years.
This is why we have Presidents. Put out the order to put a hole in them. No, not the boats, the pirates.
He is claiming it is a distraction. This is his job. Protect our citizens. Protect our ships. Protect us. No running around planning on how to spend massive amounts of money.
It is not his job to spend money. It, with all due respect, is the job of Congress. They make money. They set the budget. The President only has an up or down vote on it.
They are pirates. They are operating outside of any government. Put a hole in them. If a sovereign nation won't stop them inside it's borders. Put a big hole in that sovereign nation.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Just another nation
April 10, 2009 - 10:49 ET by allanfDon't you understand. The US is just another nation to Obama. There is nothing exceptional about it. It just bullies other nations. We need to take our lumps like everyone else.
→ Worse than that allanf
April 10, 2009 - 11:17 ET by Cool ArrowSomalia doesn't even have a government.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Somalia has no Government ... . and the United States
April 10, 2009 - 13:40 ET by allanfmay a President with the basic skills needed to protect its citizens. We will know in a couple of days.
" We have not had an
April 10, 2009 - 13:37 ET by NL207" We have not had an attack by pirates on a U.S flagged ship in 200 years."
We obviously need a history lesson here.
First, a pirate is one who commits piracy. Congress defines what piracy is in the US Code. Anyone who commits any of the acts proscribed in this code is a pirate.
In 1975, the Khmer Rouge siezed the SS Mayaguez in international waters. This is viewed by many as an act of Piracy.
We tend to recall that Jefferson launched a punitive mission against the Barbary Pirates, but forget that Andrew Jackson dealt wih the Malayan pirates in 1831. Sumatran pirates attacked the US flag vessel, Eclipse, in 1840.
The USS Pueblo was siezed by the North Koreans in International waters.
The SS Achille Lauro was siezed in the Mediterranean. While the ship per se was of Italian registry, an American couple aboard was siezed and the husband was murdered.
In 1904, a moslem bandit, Raisuli, siezed a naturalized American citizen named Ionnis Pedicaris and his heir, Cromwell Varley, from Tangiers for ransom. While not categorically an act of piracy, the victims were siezed during a stop on a sea voyage.
As you can see, we have had planty of attacks on US flag vessels, passengers and cargo in the last 200 years. Most of the difference between then and now is that feckless fool in the White House. In every single one of these prior incidents, the President responded forcefully. We don't hear a peep out of Mr. Hope and Change. He is worthless as a CinC.
Most of the difference
April 11, 2009 - 02:18 ET by JerMost of the difference between then and now is that feckless fool in the White House. In every single one of these prior incidents, the President responded forcefully. We don't hear a peep out of Mr. Hope and Change. He is worthless as a CinC.
Well, no, not quite. And even when force was the option employed, its precipitous use did not always produce optimal results. Furthermore, about the only similarity in the cited incidents is the vast dissimilarities in the surrounding circumstances associated with each.
Of course, you have already prejudged Obama as a "feckless fool". Perhaps you're right. But, I prefer to wait and see how the crisis plays out before assessing the efficacy or fecklessness of his actions.
Jer
I stand corrected.
April 11, 2009 - 05:04 ET by JWFI meant to say by pirates. And by U.S flagged ship, I meant merchant ship.
Obviously we have had a lot of attacks on our Naval ships and merchant ships during War by non pirate warships.
I was not aware of the 1831 incidents. So make that 178 years.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
an Eternal Champion after many exhausting trials and tribulations in the endless war between Law and Chaos
I want to see this
April 10, 2009 - 08:35 ET by seaniepI want to see this headline
Standoff With Advertisers Shows NY Times Has Limits
→ "Old Shoe" Memorial
April 10, 2009 - 13:50 ET by Cool ArrowIn the tradition of "Wag The Dog" and that memorable tribute to Sen. Paul Wellstone . . .
I can wait to finish this post.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
The continuing pirate saga is not due to American weakness
April 10, 2009 - 09:36 ET by R D Helm...it is due to a spineless CIC.
That entire booming Muslim pirate operation could be blown straight to Mars in a matter of five minutes.
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
If by "power limits" the
April 10, 2009 - 09:40 ET by 89CanesIf by "power limits" the NYT means we are asking questions first and shooting later...
Then yes, the most powerful military in the world has power limits. Just like every other civilized society in the world. Thank God, eh?
The NYT shouldn't be too naive here. If and when the military decides it wants to take our captain back, they will most certainly use force.
Cut and dried. Put a hole in 'em. Now.
April 10, 2009 - 10:10 ET by JWFThere are thousands of unarmed merchant ships plying the world's oceans at any given time. Their ONLY protection - the flag at the top of that mast. That flag says mess with me and you will have the full might and weight of Liberia coming down on top of you.
Are you giggling? Hey, Liberia will kick your butt mister! Now stop laughing.
Some ships are willing to tolerate a little more in taxes to have that U.S. Flag flying up there. It says mess with me and you will have the full might and weight of the mightiest military coming down on your head.
And there is a REASON merchant ships are not armed. Imagine how Hong Kong or Manila or Singapore will feel if the U.S. Merchant Ship Bambi's Rage pulls into their port, armed to the teeth, just to deliver a cargo of Beanie Babies. Or how would Los Angeles feel if the Chinese Merchant Ship The Dragon's Tail, armed to the gunwale, pulls in to deliver a cargo of silk pillow cases.
We elect a President to protect us. By the time it takes the 535 members of Congress to decide if we should take the USS New Jersey out of mothballs to take care of the problem, the crew will be dead, the cargo sold off and the ship cut up for scrap metal.
This is cut & dried. Put a hole in 'em. Somebody ring up the Failure in Chief and remind them of his job.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
an Eternal Champion after many exhausting trials and tribulations in the endless war between Law and Chaos
NY Times
April 10, 2009 - 10:02 ET by VinncyGWhy does anyone read or listen to this anti-American sleaze bucket of a alleged newspaper.
never would have guessed it
April 10, 2009 - 10:16 ET by CatherwoodIs it any wonder that these left of left journalists soon will be looking for work. The Times never seems to stop making people so angry that they refuse to buy the paper and advertisers are reluctant to even be seen associating with the Times. Yet, on the Times goes insulting America, insulting the men and women in uniform, promoting amnesty for illegals, advocating abortion and electing Obama san. Do they think that they can pee on everybody's shoes and then expect us to come back for more? They just don't care as long as they promote their liberal agenda.
Dave's Fantasy 'o the Day involving the NYT
April 10, 2009 - 10:17 ET by R D HelmTake all the NYT employees, frog march them down to the dock and load them on an old cruise ship that is slated for retirement.
Sail the ship to within sight of the Somali coast, dump the remaining fuel, scuttle the lifeboats, destroy the radios, then leave.
:-)
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
WTH is correct. The US has
April 10, 2009 - 10:26 ET by Jack BauerWTH is correct. The US has all the power in the world -- for the moment. It's just a failure to use that power correctly.
However maybe if the President could just think of the Somali Pirates as CEOs and Executives, then he can bring himeslf to whip up the mob to lynch them from the yardarm.
Jack... I'm with you and
April 10, 2009 - 13:59 ET by bigtimerJack...
I'm with you and your thinking all the way here.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
NY Times : truly brainless
April 10, 2009 - 11:25 ET by theBike45Does the NY Times REALLY believe that a US warship would have any trouble taking care of this situation? The proper response is to inform these pirates that if they don't release the Captain and give themselves up, they will all be blown to bits. Does anyone really believe these pirates want to become martyrs (without a coause)? That would not only stop this incident, but would plant a firm message on the world's bulletin boards. Perhaps Obama plans to apologize to Somali for inciting their people into criminality by business sailing American ships within 400 miles of their shores. The whole business makes me sick. What a wimp this country
has become.
I can't even read all of
April 10, 2009 - 13:57 ET by bigtimerI can't even read all of this..it angers me so.
I hope to God I live to see the day the treasonous NYTs falls...is destroyed.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Bt, as you suggest, the NYT article is infuriorating and...
April 10, 2009 - 15:08 ET by ThalpyBt, as you suggest, the NYT article is infuriorating and has absolutely nothing to do with the limits of America's power. It does, however, have a great deal to do with chicken.... leadership and the lack of intelligence among our decision makers. Besides, how much more can they hate us anyway?
How about a mandatory death
April 10, 2009 - 14:18 ET by mostlymoderateHow about a mandatory death sentence for pirates (like in the good ol' days) and make it illegal for companies to "barter" with the pirates. :)
Limit of Power
April 10, 2009 - 19:12 ET by nadadhimmiAny nation has a limit to it's power, Rome included. But the limit of US power sure as hell AIN'T 5 guys in a dingy. Of course, The Old York Times is owned and published by a traitor, little Pinchy Sulzberger. You can just feel the perverted satisfaction oozing from the left at the embarassment of our country. Even the damn FRENCH killed some terrorists today.
It sucks when the POTUS
April 10, 2009 - 19:15 ET by nadadhimmiIt sucks when the POTUS needs to take lessons in manliness from the French. My God people!
→ Tru dat, nada
April 10, 2009 - 19:25 ET by Cool ArrowI commented in another thread that this column doesn't mention Obama at all.
Guess they didn't want to imply Obama is impotent in the face of a threat from four pirates.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
When will this anti-America
April 10, 2009 - 20:55 ET by RogerCfromSDWhen will this anti-America rag die? What the headline on theNYT should say is: "Why Is Obama Such a Pussy?"
It is ridiculous that a destroyer is not allowed to b-slap a raft occupied by a handful of terrorists and get an AMERICAN out of there.
A nation cannot be free without a free, unbiased media. We are not free.
Change you can believe in
April 10, 2009 - 21:06 ET by Sergeant ROCKSecretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
called the pirates “nothing more than criminals” and noted that they
were not a new problem for the United States — though this was the
first time in 200 years that pirates had captured an American vessel.
I know, I know.. it's Bush's fault.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Restraint
April 10, 2009 - 22:07 ET by nkviking75Our navy could easily blow the Somali pirates to kingdom come, but most likely at the expense of American civilian lives and property. For now, I choose to believe we are showing restraint. But I hope Obama doesn't let this drag on and on while tying our military's hands.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Restraint?
April 10, 2009 - 22:20 ET by Sergeant ROCKI don't think anyone is assuming that the Navy will go in blasting. In fact, I'm willing to bet that the Obama administration will go out of it's way to appease the fierce Somali pirates.
If military force is used, it will amount to the use of 'silly string' or at worse, tasers.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Let's hope it's just restraint, not a weak CinC
April 10, 2009 - 22:26 ET by nkviking75I share your concern, Sarge. Under Obama's command our military could be rendered as ineffective as it was under previous Dems. I hope that's not the case, but with our wussy president, it could very well be.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Weekend at Barry's
April 10, 2009 - 22:41 ET by Sergeant ROCKIt's still early, but what happens here will be a good indicator as to how he'll handle Iran.
Not to worry though, Israel has a real leader that will handle it.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason