"Oh, it's a pirate's life for me, a pir...."
It seems like forever since we've been able to feel so good. Too many indignities, too many humiliations, too many instances of the rest of the world spitting in our faces. Today, our US Navy did us proud, once again underscoring why our military is the most-respected institution in American society. Three snipers took out three pirates as the 4th was taken into custody-and Capt. Phillips was rescued unharmed.
Virtually everyone performed brilliantly, from the heroic actions of Capt. Phillips himself in offering himself up as a hostage for the sake of his crew, to the Navy and FBI hostage rescue team. Praise must also go to President Obama for allowing the Navy to do its job as they were trained to do.
It is now up to the civilized world to set to the task of rescuing the 250 some odd hostages who remain in the hands of this scum on Somalia's shores and ending this scourge once and for all. One way or another, these pirates' existence has to be terminated.
It will be interesting to see who second-guesses our actions or remains mute. Surely, there must be some hand-wringers in the UN who will suggest there might have been another way to rescue Capt. Phillips without killing the three pirates. What will Code Pink or Cindy Sheehan have to say?
This week's test of President Obama's will has been resolved positively. Further tests lie ahead, and hopefully, this event will set the pattern for his foreign policy vis-a-vis piracy and terrorism.
Further evidence that the blunders in Iraq had little to do with the military itself and much more to do with the higher-ups (Bush, Rumsfeld, etc.) When they're allowed to do their jobs, they're pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Cindy Sheehan and Code Pink, you're being silly. As lame as I think that Code Pink is (they're the ones who protested the Marines recruiters in Berkeley, right?) they were protesting a completely different type of military action. If you disagree with people Sheehan, that's one thing. But to imply that she would be against this is crazy. After all, I was against our invasion of Iraq. Does that mean that I'm against going after these pirates too?
Personally ,Gary, I think Teleprompter Jesus had very little to do with this. The Navy Commander had the cojones to do what needed to be done. I am sure he basically called Obama and said "I took care of it". Obama would have waited this out till either the UN or Johnny Depp made an appearance..... I think you give him too much credit. Credit goes to the SEALS, who would have had this all wrapped up days ago if they had been given the go ahead. Just IMHO.
ReplyDeleteLinnea
Lance,
ReplyDeleteI held my fire on Sheehan a long time out of respect for the loss of her son. However, the statements that she has made against not only Bush, but our country and the military went way overboard.
Linnea,
ReplyDeleteTo be consistent and maintain my VAUNTED credibility, I have to give credit when Obama does something right-even if it's just letting someone do their job and staying out of the way.
What does IMHO mean?
Why do I have this feeling that there are going to be some on the left who give Obama far too much credit on this one and others on the right who aren't willing to give him ANY credit?
ReplyDeleteI think your assessment is right. He did exactly what he should have done - authorized the military to do its job the way it needed to be done. No more, no less.
You are correct, Lance.
ReplyDeleteHowever, as a critic of Obama, I think it is important for our credibility to acknowledge that this was a well-done job. Give credit where credit is due.