Why we fail at fighting piracy

[werepossum]

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, my gut instinct is to simply adopt a policy of not accepting pirates' surrender once gunfire begins. On the other, I don't like the idea of training our military to not accept surrender, and I can foresee situations where the prospect of prison rather than death might restrain some pirates from killing hostages before they can be taken. On the one hand, I support summary judgment at sea. On the other hand, what if we execute someone who then turns out to be an American or a citizen of a friendly nation? The only things here about which I'm certain are that I'm glad that he has been convicted, even more glad that the others are dead, and that I appear to have too many hands. Oh yeah, and that Craig once again managed to ride the winds of leftism to new heights of stupidity.

 

[ichy]

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, my gut instinct is to simply adopt a policy of not accepting pirates' surrender once gunfire begins. On the other, I don't like the idea of training our military to not accept surrender, and I can foresee situations where the prospect of prison rather than death might restrain some pirates from killing hostages before they can be taken. On the one hand, I support summary judgment at sea. On the other hand, what if we execute someone who then turns out to be an American or a citizen of a friendly nation? The only things here about which I'm certain are that I'm glad that he has been convicted, even more glad that the others are dead, and that I appear to have too many hands. Oh yeah, and that Craig once again managed to ride the winds of leftism to new heights of stupidity.

We don't need to summarily execute them, do what we did with Germans who were captured in fake American uniforms during World War 2. A quick trial in the field followed by a firing squad.

As for the pirates gaining extra motivation from the fact that we're not taking prisoners, don't count on it. These guys are from the most screwed up country on the planet. They already have absolutely nothing to lose.

 

[Moonbeam]

To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,
Or the death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave;
Let our deck clear for action, our guns be prepared;
Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the scimetar bared:
Set the canisters ready, and then bring to me,
For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.

It shall never be lowered, the black flag we bear;
If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.
Unshared have we left our last victory's prey;
It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey:
There are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck.

There are flasks which, unseal them, the air will disclose
Diametta's fair summers, the home of the rose.
I claim not a portion: I ask but as mine
'Tis to drink to our victory - one cup of red wine.
Some fight, 'tis for riches - some fight, 'tis for fame:
The first I despise, and the last is a name.

I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love to see flow,
At the stroke of my sabre, the life of my foe.
I strike for the memory of long-vanished years;
I only shed blood where another shed tears,
I come, as the lightning comes red from above,
O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love.

 

[werepossum]

We don't need to summarily execute them, do what we did with Germans who were captured in fake American uniforms during World War 2. A quick trial in the field followed by a firing squad.

As for the pirates gaining extra motivation from the fact that we're not taking prisoners, don't count on it. These guys are from the most screwed up country on the planet. They already have absolutely nothing to lose.

Works for me.