Don't Mess With the U.S. Navy

The calm demeanor of President Obama belies something fuming underneath. When a U.S.-flagged ship is taken by Somali pirates, he and the U.S. Navy didn't wring their hands and say "We must exhaust all diplomatic efforts before we even think of force". Instead, the President gave the Navy its head to solve the crisis as he ordered three U.S. warships to the area. It was clear that even while some talks might start the process, the Navy made sure that no one else would try to come to the rescue of those terrorist pirates in the meantime. A destroyer and helicopter ship were there to guarantee that.

Today, even while "negotiations" were happening onboard the U.S.S. Bainbridge, our elite Navy Seals made their move to rescue Captain Phillips. It may be too bad that three Somali pirates had to die....no, it is not too bad. They are putting so many others in jeopardy, they surely know they could lose their lives in an instant in the criminal field they chose. And they did today.

Although we can be happy that Captain Phillips is unharmed and this incident is over, these pirates must now get the message that this high piracy must end. All nations must stand up to them and not "negotiate with terrorists". It won't happen of course; the ransoms will continue to be paid, and the pirates, although slowed today, will get back in their little boats and continue to harass the ships that pass through that area. Maybe it will give them pause if they notice the "Star and Stripes" flying off the fantail.