Mutiny On the Bounty

Yo ho ho and a bottle of appeasement!

Here comes the obligatory news article from the AP questioning our harsh response to the pirates……..

“The two operations may have been a setback for the pirates, but they are unlikely to quell the brigands, who have vowed to avenge the deaths of their comrades.” –Associated Press

I’m not sure what type of data they are extrapolating from in order to deduce the above theory? How do we know the killing of pirates is “unlikely to quell the brigades”? I am guessing the actions by the United States will at least deter hostile activity against our vessels. As for what will now happen to the ships belonging to other countries….who knows….

"Those released are lucky, but what about those who remain captive?" said Vilma de Guzman, the wife of Filipino seafarer Ruel de Guzman. He has been held by pirates since Nov. 10 along with the 22 other Filipino crew of the chemical tanker MT Stolt Strength.

The U.S. rescue operation "might be dangerous for the remaining hostages because the pirates might vent their anger on them," she said.

Apparently, the pirates are currently holding 228 foreign nationals hostage aboard 13 different ships. Obviously the hostages’ native countries lack the resolve or military strength to rescue their citizens. No, they would prefer to pay the pirates through a system of intermediaries and negotiators. Apparently, the idea of lowering the incentives for piracy has not yet been discussed.

As much as it pains me to say, I must applaud Obama’s decision to allow swift and decisive action against Phillips’ captors. After hearing the reports of the pirates’ ineptitude, though, this seemed to be a fairly easy choice!