Comment

Friday Afternoon Open

562
SixDegrees4/10/2009 4:25:35 pm PDT

re: #351 sattv4u2

re: #341 Gus 802

re: #313 Rancher

Why are we talking about bombing the pirate base and/ or the lifeboat with the US captain on it. Why is the MOTHER SHIP not at the bottom of the ocean,,,, NOW !

The “mother ship,” such as it was, was a very small skiff that was used to board the American ship. It was sunk by the pirates as soon as they came on board, presumably to prevent escape - or defections.

When the American crew fought back, four of the pirates took the captain hostage and held him in a lifeboat, which they then insisted by put in the water. Apparently, the crew either drained the lifeboat of fuel or neglected to tell the pirates that it was empty. Hence the current situation.

There’s no “mother ship” to sink. The pirates use very small boats, sometimes in groups, that are stolen from various sources and which they don’t mind losing.

There seems to be an awful lot of chatter circulating that indicates a large Naval buildup in the area. Despite the somewhat disturbing enthusiasm for wanton destruction, the first concern is the hostages. As long as they remain safe and unthreatened, it’s fine with me if the Navy just lets them float there. They aren’t going anywhere, and neither are we.

The French raided another ship this afternoon, and one of the hostages on board was killed. Not an outcome to be wished for, and an easy outcome to reach if care isn’t exercised.

There’s plenty of time for retribution later. Right now, the emphasis ought to be on getting the captain and any other hostages safely released.