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Comments

1. #1
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:04 am, ThackerAgency said:

   international pirate stimulus package

2. #2
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:06 am, b-cat said:

   I don’t look for any tough action or leadership from our Islam-sympathetic anti-liberty empty suit president. I expect rhetoric, which is all he really has.

3. #3
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am, Sailor said:

   Obama should talk with the pirates and tell them we only want to get along with each other and it was America’s fault that our ship was in their
   waters. Also, to show our goodwill, Obama will them offer them $1 trillion dollars since we have so much money and they have none.

4. #4
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am, b-cat said:

   So far, the White House response has been weak. Brian Faughnan says Obama needs to take a page from the Russian playbook.

   The only pages he has of that book is the trampling of liberty and the state control of all aspects of life.

5. #5
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am, thejim said:

   Just one more confidence builder for “O” and staff. My usual question works quiet well here; What did we expect,again? “Paper Tiger” revisited.

6. #6
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am, tpitman said:

   Obama’s response: “Arrrgh! I’ll be stikin’ an accord with me hearties at the UN, says I.”

   All swash and no buckle.

7. #7
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:11 am, sonofdy said:

   capt obama screams to his crew:

   “RELEASE THE HARSH LETTERS AND READY THE MEANINGLESS OUTRAGE!!!

8. #8
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:11 am, jsr said:

   Aren’t these pirates just helping spread the wealth around? We should be cheering these brave modern day Robin Hoods.

   And pirates is much too negative and judgmental. Maybe sea kittens would project a more positive image.

9. #9
   On April 8th, 2009 at 11:12 am, DBNinKY said:

   Faughnan:
   

   And it’s hard to imagine the pirates failed to notice that their prey was flying an American flag. Have U.S. ships been spared until now because pirates feared the last president more than they fear this one, or is it merely coincidence? Time will tell, but the initial response from the White House is a weak one:

   When the world’s bullies and tyrants smell weakness, they act on it. This taking of a US ship proves VP Cheney was right – the Obama administration’s action, let alone his conciliatory speeches in Europe, are making this nation less safe!

10. #10
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:12 am, tpitman said:

    Oops, i meant strikin’.

    Damn pirate teleprompter is on the fritz today.

11. #11
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:13 am, kwyoung said:

    It’ll be a few days folks. He’ll have a stern script to read off TOTUS once the poll numbers come back and the weekly cocktail party at Axlerod’s condo is over.

    Send in the Navy Seals!

12. #12
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:13 am, DBNinKY said:

    edit: action = actions

13. #13
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:15 am, Sailor said:

    Maybe Obama should consult Jimmy Carter since Carter has had experience in hostage rescue efforts!!

14. #14
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:16 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Press secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday that the White House was monitoring the incident closely. Said Gibbs: “Our top priority is the personal safety of the crew members on board.”

    Okay … and?!?

15. #15
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:17 am, sonofdy said:

    Part of the problem is obama thinks seals are fur covered cute mammals.

16. #16
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:19 am, Jet Jaguar said:

    Can’t we all just get along?

17. #17
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:20 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    This is all just a simple misunderstanding.

18. #18
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:20 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    Ed Morrissey wonders what DHS secretary Janet Napolitano will rename the problem? “A stowaway problem? On-demand course correction?”

    No these guys are just ‘Unticketed passengers’.

    Since they managed to get on board an American flagged vessal, they now have full rights to healthcare, drivers licenses and in-state tuition.

19. #19
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:23 am, HomeoftheBrave said:

    Cause and effect: Cause: child with a very large caliber loaded weapon. Effect: lots of dead things including the child. We may well have to take things into our own hands in the near future. This loser won’t act now or ever on our behalf. Traitor.

20. #20
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:23 am, tpitman said:

    Is THIS the test Jawin’ Joe Biden warned us of? Or is it that runt in North Korea shootin’ off his bottle rockets? I’m confused. I can’t keep up with all the “events” the world is throwing at Li’l BO to test his mettle.

    “And he’s going to need help . . . to stand with him. Because it’s not going to be apparent initially; it’s not going to be apparent that we’re right.”

    Are we to the point where it’ll look like we’re doing the wrong thing in response yet? Hell, this is harder to figure out than trying to determine the end of the world (unless it’s all one and the same).

21. #21
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:24 am, J S Ragman said:

    Not only should the prez allow his Navy to take this ship back, he should also allow it to strike the port where these lawless punks hold their captives for ransom. Can you say “deterrent”?

    Somalia has not had a functioning government for years. Who’s going to complain? And more importantly, who’s going to listen?

    Teddy Roosevelt must be spinning in his grave.

22. #22
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am, Sailor said:

    No these guys are just ‘Unticketed passengers’.

    Since they managed to get on board an American flagged vessal, they now have full rights to healthcare, drivers licenses and in-state tuition

    Don’t forget foodstamps, extended unemployment benefits, and a 72″ wide screen TV!

23. #23
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am, hitcharide said:

    I don’t know…gotta admire the pirates in a way. They seem to have enough get up and go to actually do something, looks like they picked a big target, and I have no doubt they took a long look at the consequences (i.e. no holiday gift card from acorn or the white house) and then went for it. I suspect a lot of this will be happening during the next few years of Obummers reign..and for those who sarcastically suggest obummer will pay them off, I’d say that’s probably what will happen. The pirates may be islamists, and obummer doesn’t dare offend them.

24. #24
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am, Flyoverman said:

    After a flurry of phone calls from the White House and the State Department, you will all be pleased to know that we have forced a UN debate on this hijacking for the afternoon of May 21.

    /sarc

25. #25
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:27 am, corkie said:

    Empathy is the solution.

26. #26
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:27 am, b-cat said:

    Maybe it’s time for a “Global Test” to see what response we are allowed to take.

27. #27
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:28 am, Paul said:

    I predict another Mayagüez incident coming.

    The Mayagüez incident involving the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia on May 12-15, 1975, marked the last official battle of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

    The names of the Americans killed are the last names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as those of three Marines who were left behind on the island of Koh Tang after the battle and who were believed to have been subsequently executed by the Khmer Rouge while in captivity.

    The merchant ship’s crew, whose seizure at sea had prompted the U.S. attack, had been released in good health, unknown to the U.S. Marines or the U.S. command of the operation, before the Marines attacked.

28. #28
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:28 am, Southpaw said:

    I doubt NeroBama and his minions know the history of Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates.

    From this Christoper Hitchens article:

    “My quest sent me to some less obvious secondary sources, in particular to Linda Colley’s excellent book Captives, which shows the reaction of the English and American publics to a slave trade of which they were victims rather than perpetrators. How many know that perhaps 1.5 million Europeans and Americans were enslaved in Islamic North Africa between 1530 and 1780?”

    “We never pay any one Dane-geld,
    No matter how trifling the cost,
    For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
    And the nation that plays it is lost!”
    Rudyard Kipling

29. #29
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:29 am, corkie said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:15 am, Sailor said:

    Maybe Obama should consult Jimmy Carter since Carter has had experience in hostage rescue efforts!!

    Are we looking at 400+ days?

30. #30
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am, DJM said:

    WTF? I thought electing Obama would solve all the world grievances?!

    /s

31. #31
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am, kwyoung said:

    Why aren’t these ships packing heat? With such valuable cargo, why don’t they have armed guards shooting to kill once these guys are detected coming over the horizon?

32. #32
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:31 am, Rogue Cheddar said:

    I don’t want to hear that the Whitehouse is monitoring the situation! I want to hear that a flock of A10 Warthogs are on their way to lay down some smack! Beaver Cleaver needs to act now!

33. #33
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:31 am, b-cat said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:30 am, DJM said:
    WTF? I thought electing Obama would solve all the world grievances?!

    Think how bad it would be if we hadn’t elected him!

34. #34
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:33 am, Jim M. said:

    Under Admirality law, an attack on a US flagged ship is an attack on the US. The US has every right to bring its full military resources to bear.

    This is going to be one hell of a test for Obama. If he does nothing or fails to treat the problem as an attack on the US proper, no US flagged ship will be safe. And no US citizen abroad will be safe either.

    Given the expense associated with flying a US flag, it will also probably usher in the death of the US civil maritime industry.

35. #35
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:34 am, Lindsay said:

    Send in the Marines as Thomas Jefferson did! That should take care of the little problem.

36. #36
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:35 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    This is a very simple mission. Obama will get to look soft on crime but we solve the immediate issue.

    Give the pirates new speedboats. Give the pirates all the money they want. Have the SEALs stationed just over the horizon. Let the terrorists get away. Turn the cameras off.

    You have already paid for the SEALs training and toys, you might as well get your moneys worth.

    If you have some extra time read this, I may have posted this before. Whenever you think the government is stealing/wasting your money just remember you got your moneys worth here.

37. #37
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am, Dandapani said:

    Don’t these ships carry their own weapons? Fight back!

38. #38
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am, cheapseat said:

    sailor you are right on in both comments. barry needs to immediately bring jimma back to the white house to render sage advice on this hostage drama. then, between jimma and barry, we can offer these terrorists u.s. citizenship or at least green cards, and all the perks we offer poor lawbreakers in this wonderful, but bankrupt country.

39. #39
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:39 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:35 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    Roger that.

40. #40
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:40 am, The Master said:

    Irony can be pretty ironic sometimes. While Obama is sashaying around Europe saying “They love me! They love me!” and the media is fawning “They love him! They love him!” the pirates are showing far less love by targeting a US-flagged ship. How come only our enemies recognize what a weak ineffectual twit our commander-in-chief is??

41. #41
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:40 am, MagicalPat said:

    Perhaps he could hire Johnny Depp to deal with the situation. After all, if Harold and Kumar actor Kal Penn can be hired to do public liaison, then surely Captain Jack Sparrow can fix this pesky pirate problem.

42. #42
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am, rotarymunkey said:

    I sense a sternly-worded speech from TOTUS on the way shortly!

43. #43
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am, MarcoPolo said:

    The constitution has the answer. It’s a no brainer.

    Obama knows the constitution and he knows the clause exists for just this very reason.

    But I suspect we’re going to occupy Somolia as a result.

44. #44
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am, GladzKravtz said:

    He’ll pay a ransom and the press will spin it as BHO being humanitarian to pirates and captives and to the people who would supposedly receive the aid in the ship’s cargo.
    Poof, event over and all the world is happy again because the discomfort of a confrontation didn’t happen (e.g. Europe’s modus operandi) What did Steinbeck say?.. something like, “and the world goes on spinning along on greased grooves“….

    And Counting:
    N.Korea
    Hijacked freighter

45. #45
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:45 am, englishqueen01 said:

    After all, if Harold and Kumar actor Kal Penn can be hired to do public liaison, then surely Captain Jack Sparrow can fix this pesky pirate problem.

    At least Kal Penn knows how to deliver a line.

    He’s more qualified for that post than Obama is for POTUS. (Although I did like him on “House” and was sorry to hear…didn’t watch it because my darned DVR didn’t record it Monday…of his character’s demise).

46. #46
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:45 am, no2pcbs1 said:

    this just in, zero is sending the slithery one to meet with the pirates. the state dept recommended that watching pirates of the carribean may help the slithery one undetstand pirate mentality, before helping them put together an escape plan. with a pay off of course.

47. #47
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:45 am, rotarymunkey said:

    BTW-maritime shipping doesn’t carry the sort of long-range weapons needed to deter pirates with .50 cal heavy machine guns and RPG launchers on faster boats. The pirates know this…

48. #48
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am, Dandapani said:

    Don’t these ships carry their own weapons? Fight back!

    No. Firehoses and speed are the recommended deterrent – Captains and companies do not want armed crewmen. You all have no idea what type of people most of the worlds shipcrews are composed of…

    (Or how many people die/disappear on the oceans every day)

49. #49
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am, Jim M. said:

    Forgive me, but I just remembered that the War on Terror is over. Under the new policy covering matters such as this, the “undocumented passengers” will be given tickets for trespassing and for disturbing the peace. They are really going to get it when they appear before a US magistrate!!! Perhaps a sentence of picking up trash on the shoreline will make them think twice next time!!!

50. #50
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:48 am, tarpon said:

    Didn’t slo Joe say there would be tests daily?

51. #51
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.

    Love our Yanks!

52. #52
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:50 am, Flyoverman said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.

    Love our Yanks!

    If true, as soon as they are clear, let the Aplpha Strike take care of the rest.

53. #53
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:52 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Not now, but if this has a happy (righteous) resolution, will one of you men/ladies of the sea go off subject and tell me if there are many ‘ghost’ ships out there..?

54. #54
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:53 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am, GladzKravtz said:
    Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.

    Love our Yanks!

    Talk about pulling someone’s can out of the fire…

55. #55
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:53 am, ErinF said:

    I’d like to know what the trolls think about the hope and change? Seems as though the US’s problems are getting exponentially worse by the day.

    The left can’t keep blaming Bush.

56. #56
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:53 am, corona said:

    Something fishy here … I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out there were never any “pirates” on board …

57. #57
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:54 am, fighterDC said:

    Best response so far: #18 by Rapid Squirrel….

    No these guys are just ‘Unticketed passengers’.

    Since they managed to get on board an American flagged vessal, they now have full rights to healthcare, drivers licenses and in-state tuition.

    It doesn’t get more true than that.

58. #58
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:55 am, rotarymunkey said:

    Sounds like a good thing liberals haven’t outlawed guns on boats yet!

59. #59
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:55 am, tpitman said:

    They could send our SOS Hillary! in by helicopter wearing a bathing suit, and the pirates would abandon ship tout de suite. Unfortunately, the ship’s whole crew would probably be fighting the pirates for a seat on the speedboat to escape the freighter, too.

60. #60
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Talk about pulling someone’s can out of the fire…

    Oh good thinking…if they voted for BHO, it would be their responsibility!
    If they didn’t, not too strategic, eh? :

    (Again, upon confirmation of FNC report…)

61. #61
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am, sonofdy said:

    It would be kick ass if they did retake the ship!!!

62. #62
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:57 am, sonofdy said:

    Sounds like a good thing liberals haven’t outlawed guns on boats yet!

    actualy, they have.

63. #63
    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:58 am, publiuswarmac9999 said:

    Another test of international competence and another failure. The world is watching quite closely here and they are concluding that obama and his administration are all talk and no show. This, of course, is dangerous because it will lead to over-reaching much as it did when Saddam Hussein took Kuwait in Gulf War 1.

    We are in for a slow and painful ride over the next few years — and it isn’t just economic.

64. #64
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:01 pm, Tazed and Confused said:

    Hostage exchange anyone?

    Yes… our DIMWIT president for working Americans!

65. #65
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:02 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:36 am, Dandapani said:

    Don’t these ships carry their own weapons? Fight back!

    No. Firehoses and speed are the recommended deterrent – Captains and companies do not want armed crewmen.

    I should qualify my statement to be in general for international maritime.

    I completely overlooked that we may send our crewmen to a ‘special’ ship defense class. Shooting bullets back and forth and exploding things in an enclosed steel hallway is a whole other world.

66. #66
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:02 pm, DesertLover said:

    Go back up and check Michelle’s Update link regarding the crew taking the ship back … also hearing reports on radio that there defense dept and others in DC are saying the crew has regained control of the ship as well …

67. #67
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:03 pm, FruNobulux said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.

    Love our Yanks!

    Of course the DOJ will help prosecute any American crewmen who may have harmed a pirate in the process.

    I’m still toying with the idea of an NRA cruise to those same waters. Charter a cruise liner, sell tickets to gun owners who want to bring their guns. Have “ammo buffets”, vendor (Smith & Wesson, Barrett, GE et al) displays, and prizes for the most pirates bagged, the biggest pirate, smallest pirate, sinking a boat, etc.

68. #68
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:04 pm, WestCoastCoconut said:

    “Quick Treasury Dept create a stimulus package for Somali pirates and run it through Disney they are the experts in this field and get me Johnny Depp or John Russell on the phone pronto!”

69. #69
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:08 pm, FruNobulux said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:02 pm, RabbidSquirrel

    Why don’t they just have a few rail-mounted miniguns or M2′s? It’s not like the pirates use a destroyer or anything, is it?

70. #70
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:10 pm, madshark said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am, sonofdy said:
    It would be kick ass if they did retake the ship!!!

    It’s probably the only way this situation is going to get resolved; otherwise, we’re going to have the Iranian Hostage Crisis – The Sequel, with nightly updates from Ted Koppel.

71. #71
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:11 pm, corona said:

    one “pirate” in custody – looks like this was much ado about nothing. The guy wanted Bozo the VP to declare him an “undocumented American”

72. #72
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:11 pm, southsideironworks said:

    Obama will invite the Aquatic Parrot Trainers to the White House to chat and get in tough with their feelings.

73. #73
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.

    If true, they need to rename that vessel the Todd Beamer.

74. #74
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:14 pm, GladzKravtz said:

    Maersk representative was just on TV being questioned by reporters. Couldn’t hear the question but by the way it was answered, it sounded like the press was trying to open the idea that the freighter had cargo other than aid. You know, one of those questions that make something ‘so’ just by asking it? Sorry, can’t help it…just don’t trust the press anymore.

75. #75
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:15 pm, southsideironworks said:

    tough=touch

76. #76
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:15 pm, PhredE said:

    “Just on FNC but not confirmed, American crewmen have gained control.”

    If true, they need to rename that vessel the Todd Beamer.

    I had just caught that tidbit from the FNC Pentagon source that apparently is saying that one pirate is in custody on ship, and that the others are ‘in the water’ (hehehehehe – let ‘em swim the 350 miles back to shore! LOL)

    Hey, I like the renaming idea too

77. #77
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:16 pm, right4life said:

    these american who took the ship back should be TRIED FOR WAR CRIMES!!

    bet they tortured those poor somali victims…they’re just trying to make a living…

    its just another case of american imperialism/racism that obama needs to bow and apologize for!!

78. #78
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:17 pm, tpro1 said:

    I bet the ship’s crew watches Chuck Norris movies.

79. #79
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:18 pm, ajmontana said:

    uh er um, sorry Janet Operation Tailhook has already been used.

80. #80
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:18 pm, rocketman said:

    ***
    Why did ships carry so many cannons on board in the old days? Did they expect pirate problems?
    ***
    The U.S. Army Avenger Humvee mounted servo system can carry 4 boxlike cannisters–a 20 mm. cannon, anti-tank missiles, Stinger heat seeking missiles, etc. can be loaded.
    ***
    The old WW2 Quad .50 caliber machine gun system with the APIT (armor piercing incendiary tracer) ammunition is also a good choice.
    ***
    Open up at 2000 yards when the pirate speedboats show up–remote control from the bridge with TV / Infra-red / thermal gun sights. Install a system on the bow and another one on the stern of all ships.
    ***
    See how long a bleeding pirate can swim 400 miles back to land in shark infested seas.
    ***
    Or maybe we could blame these problems on the evil BOOOSH’s failure to fix this problem before the “Messiah” came on the scene. Or the “One” could wave his magic wand and say, “Begone!” Or possibly 15 or 20 strongly crafted U.N. resolutions would work.
    ***
    Maybe some President O’Bummer sincere apologies to the pirates would do.
    ***
    Or as a last resort–5 trustworthy crewman armed with M-14 rifles and .45 caliber semi-auto pistols.
    ***
    John Bibb
    ***

81. #81
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    If true, they need to rename that vessel the Todd Beamer.

    Bravo Zulu

82. #82
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    (that means congratulations or approval)

83. #83
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm, FruNobulux said:

    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:18 pm, rocketman said:

    That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

84. #84
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm, ajmontana said:

    What will BO do?

    Are you kidding Michelle? this is right in Odopeys wheelhouse, he’ll spend money. aka ransome. I’m sure some of it will funnel it’s way back into his campaign.

85. #85
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:23 pm, jsr said:

    American crewmen have gained control.

    Isn’t this typical American arrogant, shoot-from-the hip, risk taking that liberals hate so much? They have selfishly denied the Obamunists the opportunity to negotiate their release and demonstrate to the world it is best to leave everything important to the government. Worse, they could have hurt themselves or the pirates. Better to just wait next time for negotiators.

86. #86
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:24 pm, USN RET said:

    Crewmen were not armed.

    In close quarters on a ship all you need is wrench or a piece of pipe and its nighty-night time. Did a couple of repel boarders drills down in the Rx Room. The opposing force had a bad time, turned off the lights pulled up deckplates at the bottom of the ladder, halfway down the ump told them they were dead.

87. #87
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:24 pm, Send_Me said:

    I’m beginning to recognize which kids these folks were on the playground when I was a kid. They were the ones who ran to the teacher after getting punched in the mouth rather than defending themselves. They’d get punched (whether for no reason or for being a smartass) then would yell, “you’re mean. I’m telling!” Small problem: when you get older, there is no teacher to whom to run.

88. #88
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:26 pm, no2pcbs1 said:

    the pirates may sue for being kept from their inalienable right to make money. some hack federal judge will find they have a right to do so.

89. #89
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:26 pm, cicerokid said:

    I agree with post #44. odumbee will pay ransom. This way he can support his fellow Muslim without appearing to do so.

90. #90
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm, right4life said:

    Small problem: when you get older, there is no teacher to whom to run.

    the UN.

    they care.

    and they’re not racistsexistbigoted homophobes like you imperialist amerikkkan dogs..

91. #91
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    LOL, why am I thinking this was a SEAL op after all… but the crewmen get to take credit for it?

    And there I was. Watching a Chuck Norris movie, eating geedunk, when all of a sudden….. WHAAAAACHAAAA!!!!!!!

92. #92
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pm, sonofdy said:

    Off topic but the whitehouse just became one of those bad sci fi movies of the week.

93. #93
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:32 pm, GladzKravtz said:

    why am I thinking this was a SEAL op after all… but the crewmen get to take credit for it?

    Either way, a great deterrent!

94. #94
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm, GladzKravtz said:

    Just wondering now, I bet a lot of crewmen from countries that paid ransoms in the past have egg on their faces now.

    Just another reason to hate Americans.
    We show them how they ought to be.

95. #95
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:37 pm, cheapseat said:

    congratulations crew and captain. great news for the u.s. and those who support law and order, and bad news for pirates in all waters. fight back! carry weapons! blow them out of the water before they get too close.

96. #96
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:39 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Tom McGovern tweets: “The Maersk Alabama crew probably saw Gibbs briefing and figured they’d never get home waiting for WH.”

    Heh.

97. #97
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:41 pm, Room 237 said:

    I hope the news reports are correct.

    As for the larger problem, the President needs to ask WWJD

    (The “J” here being Jefferson — the answer being “send Preble and his boys”)

98. #98
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:41 pm, JonR said:

    Q-ships, also known as Q-boats, Decoy Vessels, Special Service Ships or Mystery Ships, were heavily armed merchant ships with concealed weaponry, designed to lure submarines into making surface attacks. This gave Q-ships the chance to open fire and sink them. The basic ethos of every Q-ship was to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

    They were used by the British Royal Navy (RN) during World War I and by both the RN and the United States Navy during the Second World War (1939–1945), as a countermeasure against German U-boats and Japanese submarines.

    This same kind of a response to this Somali scum would eliminated piracy virtually overnight! However people and administrations 60 years ago were made of sterner stuff. We do not have the political resolve/will to even protect our own property or lives anymore.

    Peace and love y’all!

99. #99
    On April 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm, ErinF said:

    God, I love the American spirit, especially when we’re being tested and we stand strong. Though I don’t know all the details of this story, this is reminiscent of the courage of United 93.

    Unfortunately, now we have a president that, in critical situations, can not make an executive decision without consulting his 300 advisors AND public opinion polls.

    Can’t vote “present”, mister obama!

100. #100
     On April 8th, 2009 at 12:44 pm, corkie said:

     Update: Press conference w/shipping company official in Norfolk. The crew is safe. Spokesman will NOT confirm that control has been regained.

     Was the crew bitterly clinging to their guns?