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EDITORIAL: An anti-pirate policy that works
The Washington Times ^ | November 20, 2009 | John R. Lott, Jr.

Posted on 11/20/2009 8:20:20 AM PST by R4Roger05

Merchant ships need guns to fight pirates. Seven months ago, Somali pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama and held its captain hostage. Pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama again this week but were repulsed because the Maersk Shipping Line put armed guards on its ships.

Pirates successfully attacked another unarmed ship on Monday, leaving 28 members of its crew dead. On Tuesday, 36 crew members of a Spanish ship were released only after pirates were paid a $3.3 million ransom. But when the pirates got within 300 yards of the Maersk Alabama, the ship tried evasive maneuvers and its security team successfully engaged in small-arms fire. Vice Admiral Bill Gortney of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said the actions of the Maersk Alabama were following the maritime industry's "best practices."

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: Military/Veterans; Miscellaneous; Politics
KEYWORDS: guns; johnlott; maritime; merchant; pirates; shipping; somalipirates; usnavy

1 posted on 11/20/2009 8:20:23 AM PST by R4Roger05
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To: R4Roger05

More guns less crime. This boat is floating proof.


2 posted on 11/20/2009 8:23:23 AM PST by Malsua
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To: Malsua

The only good pirate is a dead pirate. FLOATING FACE DO)WN


3 posted on 11/20/2009 8:57:51 AM PST by Dov in Houston (The word Amnesty invokes a passion in me. Illegal immigrants are criminals. Supporters Aid & Abet)
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To: R4Roger05
"....when the pirates got within 300 yards of the Maersk Alabama...."

It shouldn't take a whole lot of armed guards to repel an attack:
- You can see them coming from miles away.
- You command the high ground (that would be "the only high ground").

4 posted on 11/20/2009 8:58:59 AM PST by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: Dov in Houston

In very small pieces ...


5 posted on 11/20/2009 9:06:48 AM PST by BlueLancer (I'm getting a fine tootsy-frootsying right here...)
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To: BlueLancer

“small arms” ???

Should mount a couple of .50 cal - let Ma Deuce spank them


6 posted on 11/20/2009 9:15:04 AM PST by njslim
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