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Somali Pirates, Barbary Pirates, Pirates Of The Caribbean, What A Life

Read more articles on Foreign Affairs and Celebrity News and Politics and Careers.

May 27, 2009

Posted by neillevine

About This Editor: I am a writer. Have been writing for other sites, but expect to do most of my future work HERE! My expertise extends from the esoteric such as burning hydrogen to the unpredictability of the stock market and my writing makes me a jack of all trades and exasperated master of none. I have had some influence over national wildfire and water policy and there are hints of a change in energy policy, BUT as Samuel Goldwyn once said, "A verbal promise is not worth the paper it is written on."

         

Two hundred or so years ago, when this country was young and the world was a more primitive place, this country had problems with what were called Barbary pirates operating off the North African coast sailing into the Mediterranean Sea, hijacking ships and holding them until they were paid to release their ill gotten gains.  Seeking to sell cotton, grains and other goods and wanting to protect freedom of the seas, America built a fleet of armed vessels and by responding in kind eventually solved the problem.

Nowadays, there is a phenomenon called Somali pirates operating off the horn of Africa in the Red Sea, Sea of Aden and Indian Ocean, commandeering commercial vessels and holding them for ransom, at times sailing hundreds of miles out to sea to capture their prey.  Now you would think that sailors capable of navigating the high seas for such distances would have no problem earning a living catching fish.  After all, fish are nutritious and delicious so you can eat well and even make money selling extra catch you don’t consume.  But this does not seem to be what drives these daring buccaneers.  They seem to consider mere fishing an unappealing profession.  In addition, in order to improve their chances of succeeding at their daring schemes. they have resorted to using rocket-propelled grenades, a dangerous escalation in this game of I can steal an entire ship, what are you going to do, chump?  Clearly, these are neither warm, wonderful fishermen nor god fearing, peace loving humanitarians, if you get my drift.

Thus far, in response to reported continuing attacks, sometimes at a rate of two or three attempted boardings a day, adding up to a virtual war on free trade on the high seas, there has been an organized effort to patrol the danger zone with armed military vessels, now even posting guards on some civilian vessels. The pirates, as matters stand, have not retreated and if continued attempted hijackings are any indication, they have no intention of ceasing their criminal endeavors.  In plain terms, this means that a careful web search will pull up repeated reports of continuing attacks.

The Philippines with 300,000 or so sailors are incensed at this state of lawlessness.  The Egyptians, who depend on the Suez Canal for major revenues, are upset.  The Russians are not happy nor are the Chinese as are other countries dependent on ocean going commerce.

As I am sure you can figure out, this is a dangerous situation that is not getting any better and seems likely to deteriorate as time elapses.  Neglecting this problem with the observation that Somalia does not have much of a government doesn’t mean it will go away.  In fact, I would bet a lack of respect for the laws of man or god will continue to fuel this desperate situation.  Why be poor when thousands can be made for the kidnapping?  It’s comparatively easy money just like the drug trade.  Talk about criminal minds.

What can be done?  you ask.  Well, that is up to the powers that be in Washington.  But the lack of a substantial plan to rectify this dangerous situation does not speak well of current policy.  There appears to be a rhetorical segment in the Obama Administration that seems to sympathize with criminal minds.  Why work when you have been empowered for benefits.  Reeling in kidnappers and thieves is too much work, while providing armed escorts sounds so enchanting.

Obviously, real pirates are much more dangerous than the romanticized movie daredevils portrayed by Johnny Depp and his cohorts, which makes the situation that more worrisome.

In order to get my point accord, I have undertaken a three pronged approach.  The essays I write here, of course.  Directly Petitioning each Member of Congress by email.  And contacting many legal professionals about what can be done to correct the situation legally.

So I want to make it blatant I am not relaxing on this issue or flood control or using water power to provide cheap electricity and hydrogen gas to make America energy independent and provide an important element in solving the worsening problem of global warming.

Last 5 Entries by neillevine

• There Is A Yawning Chasm Between Financial Regulation And Patronage And A Risky Crock - December 28th, 2009
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• Terrorist Trials, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, Osama, Virtual Armies, Robot Armies, Bomb Sniffing Dogs - December 9th, 2009
• Hearts And Minds In Afghanistan. Further Thoughts On Pacification. - November 25th, 2009
• Why Not Ask Bernie Madoff To Testify About The Wall Street Meltdown On Capitol Hill - November 24th, 2009

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