[lynn4303]

A couple hundred years ago we had problems with pirates. Then we hung or killed everyone of them caught. After a while, pirates that deemed the chance of dying not worth the chance of success gave up the pirate life. No more pirates. It would work now. Once their pirate buddies seen the pirate boats leave and never return they would also give up. No quarter for pirates. Sink them on sight. Might lose some hostages, but after a while people who are potential hostages would understand the rick of entering an area where they may become hostages. Poof, no more hostages.

[OldDeckHand]

"A couple hundred years ago we had problems with pirates. No more pirates."

There have been pirates since there has been commercial maritime activity. Contrary to apparent popular opinion, our "pirate problem" has never gone away. Piracy has existed, and continued to exist LONG after the Barbary Wars, even in those very same waters.

I don't think you realize what the size of the body of water we're talking about is. The pirates operate far beyond literal waters, extending their reach to an area that far surpasses the size of the United States. Our Navy is just not that big.

No one is saying that pirates shouldn't be dealt with harshly, but to opine that we're going to sacrifice the hostages in the name of the greater good, is farcical. Pirates are criminals. There is a role for us federal police agencies, like the FBI hear, especially when there's an active-hostage crisis.