Tuesday, February 22, 2011

SOMALI PIRATES HIT CLOSE TO HOME

Two of the four Americans killed by Somali pirates early today (22 Feb 2011) were friends of my friend Phil and members of the yacht club where he keeps his boat.

It's a sad day for members of the club and their friends.

It appears that the four Americans, on a sail boat, left the safety of an escorted group, for some reason, so they were vulnerable to the pirates.

I wouldn't sail in those waters without an armed U.S. Navy or other trusted escort. Now the U.S. government has to decide what to do to make those waters safer and to protect our sailors in the future.

I think the civilized countries who use those waters should form a coalition to gain the release of the 800 hostages being held in Somalia and take firm measures to discourage further piracy.

I'd offer some form of aid if the Somalis cooperate and various forms of force if they don't. I hope everyone makes the right choices.


Copyright 2011, Roger R. Angle

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