What's with the "Rah-Rah! USA! USA!" sentiment on here regarding the maritime hostage situation?

[arcadian]

It's a little disconcerting. I find myself comparing it to the gladiatorial bread and circuses of the former Roman empire. There is a certain amount of blood lust that shows itself in situations like this and I find it rather disgusting.

[Faygo Kid]

1. You don't think it a good thing the captain was rescued unharmed?

"bread and circuses of the former Roman empire??"

Geez, chill out.

[arcadian]

12. It's an apt description.

Only now the arena is a television screen.

[Faygo Kid]

It's absurd.

Save your venom for the big issues.

Such hyperventilating hyperbole limits your being taken seriously about things other than the rescue of someone kidnapped and threatened with death.

[arcadian]

60. I love it how people will change an argument to conform to their world views.

Like you have done. I was merely pointing out the bloodlust that has been prevalent in the past few days while this all played out. That is the real venom.

[Faygo Kid]

122. World views? Yours is patently obvious.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday.

[OKNancy]

2. Human nature. It is natural to cheer for the life of an innocent

and to wish harm to criminals who would kill that innocent person

[Threedifferentones]

135. Yet, if people propose to execute GWB, DUers will say

"I do not support the death penalty in any case, even pure evil." Where is that crowd now? Surely making an example of a war criminal like GWB could save more lives than making an example of pirates....

[rox63]

3. How would you have preferred it turn out?

The Navy did what it was trained for, and the hostage was released. I have no sympathy for the pirates who were killed in the process.

[DavidDvorkin]

4. It pops up frequently on DU

This isn't the only time I've seen it.

[MineralMan]

5. What's with your not recognizing that our military did

an excellent job of freeing one of our countrymen who was taken by pirates? Sometimes, we cheer our own country. What do you find wrong with rescuing an American ship captain?

[LynnTheDem]

6. A "little" disconcerting???

I thought I was on the wrong board for a minute, reading some of the so-called "liberal" and "progressive" crap. The blood-lust by far too many supposed "liberals" on here is sickening.

[Iktomiwicasa]

43. *liberal*

does not mean *pacifist*

[LynnTheDem]

54. "Liberal" sure as fuck doesn't mean "kill me all and let God sort em out", either.

This black-white-no-shades-of-gray bullshit is as far from "progressive" and "liberal" as it gets. And that's nothing whatsofuckingever to do with "pacifist".

[Pavulon]

64. It means killing the right people. Which we did.

sometimes please does not work. They had a hostage, they did not give him up. Killing them is as black and white as they come.

[arcadian]

67. Nice bloodlust there, Keyboard Commander.

You should get a medal. :eyes:

[Pavulon]

75. I have several, thanks.

stepping up and stopping genocide and a potential European war was inconvenient at the time. But worth it.

Would you rather see the guy dead? They held him hostage at gunpoint, did you expect a nerf gun fight.

Self righteous string of posts you have running today.

[LynnTheDem]

71. Then we'll have to agree to disagree.

You see black & white; I see a million shades of gray.

I also see miles between "please" and "killing".

Happy Easter to you & yours.

[Pavulon]

76. You too..

not happy these guys got shot kidnapping a man for money, Threatening to kill him, then shooting at him when he tried to escape, but not letting it ruin my day either.

[LynnTheDem]

79. NOW we're in agreement.

:hug:

[mitchtv]

85. How can it be ? sorry Lynn I agree with Pavulon

This has got to be a first

[LynnTheDem]

89. I am glad the captain is safe. I am proud of the US navy & their rescue.

I am sad the pirates chose to die rather than surrender.

But none of the above is what the OP is about.

Remarks such as this are what the OP is talking about:

``A small craft comes anywhere near a larger vessel and you blow them the fuck out of the water and ask questions later.``

Have you noticed the strawman responses to the OP in this post; he must have bewen ``rooting for the pirates``, he must be ``Somalian``.


This shit on another board would be understandable. On this board, it`s imo a hell of a lot more than ``a little disconcerting``.

And it sure as hell isn`t progressive.

Hope that helps explain my stance.

[mitchtv]

93. Yup

and I'm just happy to be proud of our guys. The pirates had a chance to be reasonable, when the navy showed up , it became suicide by cop

[Pavulon]

115. Rare, but to be clear

I am not grave dancing here. I am glad the outcome did not include a guy with a family just doing his job getting killed. Sure, I wish they surrendered and everyone lived.

But it is not a math problem. I would rather 4 of them die (3 or whatever) than 1 guy who did not put himself in that position.

We can talk about hugo chavez or something if we want to disagree a bit. :)

[Iktomiwicasa]

82. Right

We didn't play patty-cake with the miscreants long enough :eyes: The pirates cose to play a very dangerous game, and lost badly. Good for the rescued Capt. and the troops that got him out.

[LynnTheDem]

83. Good for the rescue of the captain. Good job by the US Navy. Glad they`re all safe.

I never cheer anyone`s deaths, so am sad the pirates chose to not give themselves up to custody and were instead killed.

HOWEVER, seeing bullshit on DU, from supposed PROGRESSIVES along the lines of ``A small craft comes anywhere near a larger vessel and you blow them the fuck out of the water and ask questions later.`` is very disconcerting, very sad, and and as far from progressive as one can get.

What`s also sad & disconcerting are the bullshit strawman posts.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

94. This is a Democratic Board

Not a progressive board. Well, there are true progressives on this board, and I respect them, but the democratic party is a big tent party. People join for different reasons. I am pro labor rights, pro social and economic justice, but I am also strong on defense and pro gun rights. If some one attacks me or my family you better believe that I will have no problem taking their life before they take mine. Accordingly, if a foreign body attacks my country or my countrymen, I fully support the government making our enemies life a short and painful one.

[LynnTheDem]

100. Another strawman.

What makes you think I'd respond any differently were my family at risk?

That's nothing to do with the OP, nor my post.

Have a nice day.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

106. Progressive

My point was, one needs not be a progressive to post on this board. As long as you abide by the rules and generally agree with democratic principles, you are welcomed.

[anonymous171]

7. I dunno.

What's with the "GREEDY IMPERIALIST CAPTAIN DESERVED TO DIE" sentiment here regarding the maritime hostage situation?

[doctor jazz]

8. You're right...the pirates are just boys being boys.

:eyes:

[cali]

9. I'm simply happy that Captain Phillips is safe.

but some of the blood lust has certainly been bizarre to see here.

[angstlessk]

10. are you Somalian??? should we rah rah Somalia???

or are you some romantic who thinks pirates are a good thing?

[stray cat]

46. I question that warlords holding people hostage is good for Somalia as well

I agree with you I don't like people who threaten to kill innocents if they don't pay off their resepective warlord.

[Captain Hilts]

11. It's wrong to kidnap and hold people at gunpoint. Especially a ship delivering AID. nt

[arcadian]

17. I'm not talking about the behavior of the so called pirates.

I'm talking about the behavior of some people on here calling for blood.

[Beaverhausen]

23. could you show us an example?

All I have seen is people happy the captain is safe and unharmed.

[arcadian]

88. Here:

When it first began.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3821269&mesg_id=3821474

[Beaverhausen]

91. oh jesus christ - one post by a newbie with responses that disagree with him/her?

this is what this whole thread is about????

[arcadian]

92. Gee, how did I know you wouldn't be satisfied with anything I produced?

You are too predictable.

[Beaverhausen]

95. Well, since you said there were "dozens" of posts wanting blood I thought you could come up with...

...something better than that. How silly of me.

[LynnTheDem]

13. And notice the responses to your post, the strawman crap is amazing!

You don't like the bloodlust so you hate the US Navy, you hate the US captain, you love pirates...!


Holy fuck, there is no fucking difference.

[MrPerson]

14. I would have preferred the pirates were captured alive

and then been tried, convicted and jailed.

But that was not to be.

They brought this on themselves.

[Speck Tater]

15. I've noticed that to many people,

including some here on DU, watching the news is like watching a football game. It's not really felt as real, but more like a spectacle where you pick your team a celebrate a winning play. Politics is like that for many people too.

I first really noticed it while watching the people at work while they watched live coverage of the pulling down of the Saddam statue in Baghdad. There really was a football game atmosphere about the whole crowd of eager spectators. People cheered on their team, and praised their coach (Bush) whenever their team pulled off another touch down. The reality of the death and destruction seemed to have no real effect on them. It was no more than just another spectator sport.

That's pretty scary.

[Fleshdancer]

16. pride in the fact that our Navy did a great job today?

I'm not sure how a successful rescue mission would remind you of the former Roman empire. I see nothing wrong with being happy and feeling a little pride over this. :shrug:

[arcadian]

22. This was before the captain was even rescued.

People calling for blood. So I guess, now we can stop spending 5 billion dollars on Tomahawk cruise missiles, since we only deal with militant "pirates" now.

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ecstatic]

59. LOL~!!! nt

[Name removed]

63. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Raineyb]

108. Gee way to live up to the stereo type of Americans who don't give a damn about anything until

it happens to one of "us."

Brooklyn's finest eh? Gee I hope you're not a cop in our fair city. I'd hate to see your attitude on the streets.

[joshcryer]

19. What's wrong with acknowledging and celebrating the defeat of authoritarian thugs on the seas?

I don't understand what you're on about.

[CJCRANE]

28. Anarcho-capitalist thugs.

Pirates aren't exactly authoritarian.

[joshcryer]

130. There's nothing anarchist about them, they run their own warlord states.

They are as authoritarian as they come.

[emilyg]

20. What's your problem? This is

a happy day.

[cottonseed]

21. It's ok to be happy sometimes.

If you get your rocks off by being miserable, than good for you. Bread and circuses? Please.

[arcadian]

25. Get over yourself.

There were people calling for blood, well before the captain was rescued. Well, I guess they got their wish. So much for hostage negotiation.

[ecstatic]

61. Preserving all lives would have been nice, but I'm not going to lose

sleep over the pirates being killed. Hopefully it will deter others from trying the same thing. With every action one does, there are also CONSEQUENCES. Those pirates knew that ahead of time.

[cottonseed]

90. If me and a couple buddies went out and hijacked a super tanker...

and took the captain of the ship hostage, at gun point. I agree with you, in that I'd prefer a pleasant negotiation, but I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up floating in the ocean.

[ReverendDeuce]

24. I give Obama complete credit... This is how it's supposed to be done!

Give them an opportunity to come along peacefully. If that fails, put 'em down -- black-ops stylee...

[arcadian]

29. If you think this is a foreign policy victory for Obama,

You are mistaken.

[MrPerson]

31. Then explain how that is mistaken.

What is the downside to this success?

[arcadian]

37. Well, there was the media portayal of these people as barbarians.

The media classified them as subhumans. But we all know that all Somalis are subhumans, right? This was turned into a bloodsport with the entire country hanging on every single god damn move. It's sickening. And a lot of people tuned into this just like they would American Idle.



Eye on the TV
'Cause tragedy thrills me
Whatever flavour
It happens to be like
Killed by the husband
Drowned by the ocean
Shot by his own son
She used the poison in his tea
And kissed him goodbye
That's my kinda story
It's no fun 'til someone dies

Don't look at me like
I am a monster
Frown out your one face
But with the other
Stare like a junkie
Into the tv
Stare like a zombie
While the mother
Holds her child
Watches him die
Hands to the sky crying
Why, oh why?
'Cause i need to watch things die
From a distance

Vicariously i, live while the whole world dies
You all need it too, don't lie

Why can't we just admit it?
Why can't we just admit it?

We won't give pause until the blood is flowing
Neither the brave nor bold
The writers of stories sold
We won't give pause until the blood is flowing

I need to watch things die
From a good safe distance

Vicariously i, live while the whole world dies
You all feel the same so
Why can't we just admit it?

Blood like rain come down
Drawn on grave and ground

Part vampire
Part warrior
Carnivore and voyeur
Stare at the transmitter
Sing to the death rattle

La, la, la, la, la, la, la-lie

Incredulous at best your desire to believe in
Angels in the hearts of men
Pull your head on out
Your head believes it give a listen
Shouldn't have to say it all again
The universe is hostile
So impersonal
Devour to survive, so it is
So it's always been

We all feed on tragedy
It's like bood to a vampire

Vicariously i, live while the whole world dies
Much better you than i

[MrPerson]

40. Yes. Barbarians take hostages. ALways have.

[ReverendDeuce]

53. Sometimes, one has to just grow up...

... and accept the fact that not everything can be just, all of the time.

Killing is wrong, yeah.

But really, these pirates are out of control. They board ships, murder, steal, and have structured a belief system that this behavior is justified. Moral relativism be damned, I say. If they choose to live that lifestyle, then they need to be prepared to take it right back.

That said, they fucked with the wrong country's vessel this time. Let it be a lesson. If you come onto our ships waving guns and knives with the express intent on stealing and killing, then be thankful you even receive the opportunity to atone for your crimes through surrender to a civilized, first world justice system. If you choose to keep raising hell, well then -- good luck motherfuckers.

[arcadian]

74. I hope you aren't a reallly a reverend.

"fucked with the wrong country", Is this freerepublic? Do I have the correct URL?

[Bicoastal]

78. The self-righteousness around here is just sickening...

...I suppose we should always give international kidnappers the sympathy and kindness they so clearly deserve. What is grabbing a non-military cargo vessel, holding its captain hostage at gunpoint for several days, and firing upon a US Navy ship during negotiations if not a trenchant political statement...or simply a cry for help?

And I have no idea why people should have been interested in media coverage of this story--what concern of ours is it if one of our countrymen lives or dies at the hands of self-proclaimed pirates? We deserved the kidnapping, of course--we're Americans.

:eyes:

[Maru Kitteh]

132. OMG. You just posted SONG LYRICS? I'll bet there's bubblegum under the chair you're sitting on

right now too. 'Splains a lot. Get back to us after you've been wearing the grown-up pants a little longer.

[HughMoran]

33. Since dozens here were calling him a failure for not swooping in and killing them all

...there is a distinct lack of agreement on this topic.

FWIW, I was disgusted at the blood-lust of some here as well - what the fuck is wrong with people - especially the liberals here? :wtf:

[marketcrazy1]

34. there was no "foreign policy" involved

but it was most certainly a victory for the United States......

[arcadian]

45. Are you in High School? Have you not studied this or do you know anything about foreign policy?

Do you realize that when ever the U.S. military is projected anywhere in the world it is U.S. foreign policy? I guess you are taking "foreign policy" to mean negotiation, which in your definition is timid and weak. Classic right wing response you got there.

[marketcrazy1]

80. U.S navel forces

facilitated the rescue and release of a U.S. merchant seaman being held captive by "pirates" in international waters. some of the ships involved were there for this very purpose, although force projection is often used as a tool of foreign policy this incident will have little or no impact on foreign policy as it does not involve a shift of or change to existing policy, though it may have a profound impact on Somali Piracy.... ( at least regarding U.S. flagged vessels ) it is the "policy" of the U.S. navy to render assistance to any vessel in distress anywhere on the high seas, a policy shared by every major navy in the world. these were "pirates" not a foreign navy or government agents, there is no issue of sovereignty here and therefore there will be no impact to foreign policy................

[Maru Kitteh]

133. Says the person who posts song lyrics.

:rofl:

Got any pearls of wisdom from Hannah Montana for us?

:rofl: :applause: :rofl:

[lumberjack_jeff]

125. The other poster is absolutely right. No "foreign policy" is involved.

The high seas are an area of universal jurisdiction. By treaty and mutual agreement the US has no less right to apprehend these criminals, and sink them if they resist, than any other navy.

Pirates are enemies of mankind. Everyone, except those who think Pirates are all Jack Sparrow, recognizes that this was not a foreign policy victory but a victory against crime.

[sufrommich]

26. God, there's one in every crowd.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being happy that one of your countrymen survived a kidnapping by thugs.

[arcadian]

32. I'm talking about blood lust here.

The endless threads devoted to this and posters not being happy unless massive force was used. I'm merely pointing it out. The arena was set, the media covered it, people became captivated by it, and the gladiators prevailed. Rah fucking rah!

[Beaverhausen]

35. link, please?

can you show us an example of the bloodlust?

[Hello_Kitty]

38. I'd like to see the LINKS

One random, isolated incident isn't enough to prove the OP's thesis. He's claiming that the 'bloodlust' is all over the place on DU so it should be no problem providing several examples of it.

[Beaverhausen]

44. well, yeah you are right.

I keep seeing references in this thread to all these posts/threads but have yet to even see one. I'm confused.

[arcadian]

87. Right here:

That's just one, there are many others.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3821269&mesg_id=3821474

[The Straight Story]

41. I dunno, seeing people who do evil get their comeuppance isn't all that bad is it?

We would cheer if bush had been frog marched out of the white house and we would do so with GOOD reason.

Being happy that the bad guys lost and the good guys won is ok in my book.

[arcadian]

48. "Evil doers"? Really?

Sometimes I really don't recognize this board at all.

[stray cat]

51. What would you call your kidnappers who tied you up and threatened to kill you?

[arcadian]

55. Must be a comfort to live in a world where everything is so black & white.

[stray cat]

57. or where there is no right or wrong and child molesters can be heros?

[arcadian]

69. HOLY JEEZUS!!! Won't You Think of the Children?!!11!!

:rofl:

[Kajsa]

126. You never answered stray cat's

question.

[The Straight Story]

65. I don't recognize progressives who think kidnapping and pirating are good things

But hey, the RW has said we were soft on crime for a long time...posts like yours make me think they have a legitimate complaint.

[arcadian]

70. Straw man.

[Kajsa]

127. Where did TSS say

" evil doers"? Quotation marks are used for direct quotes.

He said" people who do evil"- not the same thing.

You can twist it around though, to try and make your point
but it's not the same thing.

[Raineyb]

109. Evil doers?

Are we channeling Bush now? You sound like him.

[Kajsa]

128. The proliferation of

pretzel logic here boggles the mind.

The same response applies here,

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5440810&mesg_id=5442153

[The Straight Story]

136. I would say taking someone hostage is an evil act, certainly not a good one

Wonder why that term scares people so much?

[WeDidIt]

36. +1

Always a fuckwit no matter where you are.

:evilgrin:

[notadmblnd]

27. well you know, many went to church this morning to hear the story of the crucifixion

maybe hearing the story wasn't enough?

[VeraAgnes]

30. The Pirates and Tribal Elders

chose poorly...the did not surrender for arrest...nor did they release the Captain so death to them was the only way out. I'm pleased with the results.

[CJCRANE]

39. This is what I wanted to happen.

But now it's happened I'm not sure what I feel about the fatalities. I guess it was a predictable outcome and I hope it serves as a warning to other pirates.

[stray cat]

42. I cheer when kidnapped victims are freed, when children escape child molesters.

when people escape from mass murderers, when a plane lands safetly in the Hudson with all aboard.

[The Straight Story]

47. well clearly there is something wrong with you then

:rofl:

[stray cat]

49. LOL - maybe you are right

[arcadian]

52. Sounds like you live in a strange abstract world.

Where everything is a potential hazard. And terror rules the day. How do you find the courage to leave the house at all?

[stray cat]

56. You cheer for childmolesters and mass murderers? You believe they don't exist

and everyone is peaceful and wonderful?

[RoyGBiv]

73. You SICK BASTARD!

:)

Seriously, :thumbsup:

[TK421]

96. Think of the child molesters and mass murderers....they have feelings too!

insensitive bastard

[seabeyond]

50. i am a total paficist and i am very glad that the captain was freed. i dont see a

problem there.

he did nothing wrong, all right and should not suffer. glad he is done with it.

dont know about the usa rah rah you talk

but i wont be so silly to say that i am bummed the guilty were hurt protecting the innocent

[stillcool]

58. How easy it is to whip up a frenzy....

the media is really good...damn good. I often fail to give them the credit they so absolutely deserve. No facts, no history, no explanation necessary. Kill, kill, kill!!!
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/North_Africa/North_Africa_page.html

[opihimoimoi]

62. If I feel like Rah Rahing because the sit was solved without Capt getting killed

I gonna cry for Happy...

Who wants Dead Capts??? ONly those who wish failure for Obama...them GOPers


I celebrate the success...if 3 dudes get their heads caved in...they didn't have to engage in Piracy did they?

[DevonRex]

66. Under Bush this would have escalated into the use of force against Somalia.

You're not happy that our Navy did it's job just right? From beginning to end they handled this perfectly. They are to be congratulated on their accomplishment.

You do realize that they prevented OTHER pirate ships from joining in, right? They prevented much more bloodshed from happening. They rescued an innocent man. The bad guys got what was coming to them.

[ecstatic]

68. The pirates were grown men who had to know the potential

consequences of their actions. I'm not *happy* about the loss of life, but won't spend time being upset over it. Why are you wasting time crying over them? :wtf:

[EFerrari]

98. Where did arcadian do that?

:wtf:

[jpak]

72. Let's see

Pirates capture American crewed vessel.

Crew counterattacks against pirates, captain offers himself as hostage to free his crew and ship.

Crew regains control of ship.

Captain make brave attempt to escape pirate craft.

Navy and Marines arrive on scene.

US negotiates with pirates.

Negotiations break down.

SEALs rescue captain.

Yeah - there ARE some things to be Rah Rah about.

[Joe the Revelator]

77. You are the type of person who give "liberals" a bad name

Seriously, criminals held an American, WHO WAS DELIVERING AID TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, hostage and now he's free to continue his good work and to be able to see his family. If you can't see the good in that, then you lead a very sad life.

[LynnTheDem]

86. Here`s what gives `liberals`a bad name;

``A small craft comes anywhere near a larger vessel and you blow them the fuck out of the water and ask questions later.``


That and the amazingly numerous strawman bullshit posts.

Arcadian is NOT DENIGRATING the rescue of the captain; he is NOT DENIGRATING the US Navy; he is NOT saying we should `play patty-cake`` with pirates.

He IS saying the BLOODLUST such as the above quote is really not quite LIBERAL, to his mind.

Nor to mine.

Amazingly sad and disconcerting to realize so many supposed`progressives not only can`t understand what he`s saying, they don`t even bother to ask for clarification before attacking him with the bullshit strawman crap.

A `little disconcerting` is quite the understatement, imo.

[malaise]

103. 100% correct

Unfortunately there are many Dems who have been brainwashed by eight years of Bush.

[Retired AF Dem]

112. Every day there are hundreds of posts

of people saying vile crap about people they dont agree with. I sometimes wonder if there are any liberals on DU.

[GinaMaria]

124. There are but, with the mass exodus

of former repuke voters of many stripes the tent is getting crowded. There are more people calling themselves democrats now but the range of what that term stands for has been pushed and broadened. More conservative independents have also joined the ranks. Lastly, there are true republicons who cannot align themselves with their dying party. Viability means changing parties, but that doesn't mean they will change their underlying philosophy or beliefs.

They are not liberals or progressives. We are getting to a place where we will have to make some decisions. We need to think it through and make conscious choices and not just react. It's time to ask ourselves some questions. Do the progressives or Conserva-dems no longer belong in the democratic party? Will the non-progressives/progressives take over or will they form their own party? Who will stay and who will go? Can we come to a common understanding and platform? Can we unite or will we fracture into a million pieces? There are many people with a serious interest in certain outcomes. That will have to be considered too.

[Codeine]

81. Fine, Arcadian -- you're infinitely better than we are.

You're wiser, more just, more kind, more progressive, more perfectly liberal than those of us who are happy about this outcome.

Now that we've acknowledged you in your glorious exaltedness, do kindly STFU, please.

Three men with brutal, violent, and selfish worldviews, for reasons of financial gain, picked on a group of unarmed innocents and received their just reward in return. How you can find it within yourself to be self-righteous and haughty about that mystifies me.

[Crabby Appleton]

84. Rah-Rah! USA! USA!

[Liberal_in_LA]

97. Good question. News was clearly defining it was an American win.

Why not make it a global victory... for all merchant ships that may face less danger because of today's rescue?

[EFerrari]

99. Manipulating people's basest reactions is easier if you apply a thin veneer of nationalism.

[laststeamtrain]

101. It's 'Reagan' Democrats. They want another shot at fucking the country up.

Gawd, I hate straight (non-hip) people. They're a bunch of blood thirsty morons.

[alarimer]

102. I always hate that aspect of things.

It's ugly from anyone.

[Fire1]

104. arcadian, I see where you're coming from but I had to ask,

(when the story broke today) 'wtf were they thinking??? This is the U.S of A.!! Did they REALLY think they'd get away with this shit????'

[Joey Liberal]

105. Something good happens and you bitch

What is wrong with being happy about the outcome of this situation? Maybe you should get your tea bags ready.........

[ddeclue]

107. Pirates out for their own greed who kill and kidnap vs. an aid ship bringing relief supplies to

hungry people in Africa.

YOU do the math...

:crazy:

[Raineyb]

110. Yet we haven't done a damn thing about the greedy bastards fucking up this country

And those thieves are doing a hell of a lot more damage than the two bit pirates.

[ddeclue]

116. Umm no... the greedy bastards here aren't killing people with guns

and YES Obama IS doing something about the greedy bastards fucking up this country - you hear about the pay for performance act?

By the way 2 bits is 25 cents. These guys have extorted as much money as the AIG pirates of wall street in the last two years about $200 million.

So you fail on the attempt to equivocate and make the pirates seem like they are unimportant and undeserving of what happened to them.

The Maersk Alabama was delivering aid to starving people in Africa, these pirates were out to enrich themselves to the tune of several million dollars. I have no sympathy for them and I hope the pirates of Wall Street are paying attention.

Doug D.

[lumberjack_jeff]

111. Except for the whole gladiators-being-armed-killers thing... maybe.

Personally, I think too many DU'ers have formed their views of pirates by watching The Princess Bride.

[cherokeeprogressive]

113. I didn't know the hostage situation was televised. n/t

[Kickin_Donkey]

114. Gotta agree with arcadian and LynnTheDem ...

the bloodlust and flagwaving make it look like some right-wing site.

It's that same old American exceptionalism and triumphalism, we're the good guys, brown people are subhuman and coach potatoes/keyboard warriors cheering on "our boys" from 10,000 miles away like it's a football game.

Peoples of other nations are a lot more sober about the news, but in the good ol' US of A, protected by oceans, it's immature, puerile, frathouse cheering.

DU has definitely changed over the years. It's been taken over by mediocre, nearsighted, petty minds, by no means progressive. A lot of them aren't even Democrats, just moderate drama-queens looking to get their rocks off on an active forum. It's why you don't see a lot of the old-timers here or a lot less of them.

Fuck the "USA USA We're No. 1" kneejerk reaction that comes up whenever blond Johnny Johnson from Appleton, Wisconsin, does something abroad. No other country does this silly flagwaving.

[anaxarchos]

117. The Hearst newspapers are back...

"Perdicaris Alive or Raisuli Dead"

One hundred years from now, they will make a movie in which they turn the story on its end, cast a beautiful female captain, and make Sean Connery (who will still be working and still playing male leads) the romantic head of the pirates.



"Remember the Maine" can't be far behind...

Rosebud.

[HooptieWagon]

118. OP was really hoping the Navy would fail.

Myself, I am quite happy the Navy was able to rescue the captain unharmed. As for the pirate thugs - live by the sword, die by the sword. These aren't some sort of noble eco-warriors that some on DU are lamely excusing... they are criminal gangsters. Rational people won't be crying over their demise.

[arcadian]

138. That is a disgusting lie.

I don't know what you do for a living but you can add libelist to your resume.

[Smith_3]

119. The right-wing of DU is whacking off to the military. Occurs every one in a while. Nothing abnormal.

It's the same attitude that was on display in the whole United States when Baghdad was first bombed.

[mainer]

120. An inside look at what Somali pirates are REALLY like. It'll surprise you.

"Led by the hapless steward, clustered together for courage, holding hands and expecting the worst, they (the women crew members) climbed out of their hiding place and emerged into view on the Ponant’s forward deck, almost all of them now in tears. The pirates were stunned. Marchesseau was in the restaurant at the time. Ahmed rushed him to the scene and demanded an explanation. Marchesseau admitted that these were the rest of the crew, and that he had hidden them because he had feared that women might be at risk. Ahmed was offended at the very idea. He said, “We do not touch women! We want money!” Referring to himself and his men, he said, “Robbers! Not terrorists!” With that distinction again in mind, he made a show of scolding Marchesseau for having subjected the women to such conditions. It was an annoying performance, but at least unthreatening. Marchesseau informed the women that none of the crew had been killed or injured. Ahmed escorted the group aft to the luxurious lower lounge, where he ordered that the women be provided with water and food. He was very gallant. He smoked a cigarette dramatically. When the water arrived, he sent it back for being lukewarm."

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2009/04/somali-pirates200904

[uppityperson]

121. I am in agreement. I am glad the hostage was rescued, but refuse to

join in the "rah rah usa" type stuff. People doing their jobs, rescuing others, is a good thing. That is all.

I know what you mean.

[Generic Brad]

123. America needs a hero about now

The Navy SEALS and the good Captain fit the bill!

[Odin2005]

129. Some DUers would be calling FDR and JFK "Fascist Imperialist Warmongers" going by this BS.

Getting rid of pirates is "blood-lust" only in the minds of stupid ideologues that think the West (and the US in particular) is the source of all evil, it's very annoying.

[Maru Kitteh]

131. Sounds like a personal problem, Chumley.

I find your disgust faintly amusing, but largely irrelevant.

[DeschutesRiver]

134. I'm sorry, I must have forgotten - I hate my country, my president hasn't done a damned thing for me

or my issues so that means he is failing the entire country; the captain was probably a stinking capitalistic pig who should have been the one shot, instead of the poor somalians who are just trying to stand up to the man and make a living harmlessly picking pockets on the open seas with the same AK-47s that everyone thinks are evil and should be banned and their owners imprisoned when used here in the US - things are different on the open seas, of course.

I am a good person who so hates violence that I'd too would rather see some opportunistic nasty miscreant blow my head off and leave my family destitute and in grief, rather than see any harm come to a merely misguided soul who is simply too dull witted to know that it is against the law to kill someone during a robbery. And the military should be ashamed of themselves, just shamed, either for taking too long to resolve this matter, or for being too quick about it, I forget which.

[TK421]

137. Precisely! Those pirates had it coming to them!

finally, another voice of reason!

[Lorien]

139. the media has spoken; this is your issue du jour

now wave the "Murikan flag as you've been instructed to. And for God's sake, pay no attention to the wars, poverty, greed and melting icebergs behind the curtain!

:patriot: