[Pan_Yan]

So the fact that the captain of the Maersk Alabama spoke to pirates while being held prisoner by them somehow justifies the FBI being on a Navy ship negotiating with pirates holding American hostages.

Fascinating logic.

I agree.

I little common sense, goes a very long way. Just saying.

However, since this has become a legal discussion the chances of even a small amount of common sense showing up is slim.

[OldDeckHand]

No, the fact that someone is so painfully obtuse that they opine a federal law enforcement agent should be jailed because he/she attempted to negotiate with a hostage-taker, indicates that the chances of common sense presenting itself aren't slim, but are actually non-existent.

The captain of the USS Bainbridge, a guy named CDR Castellano, offered to tow the pirates that were holding Phillips in a life-boat. Castallano wasn't a hostage, was he? And, not only did he tow them, he also offered them food & water. Surely, Castellano's trial will come before the FBI agent's, right?

"However, since this has become a legal discussion the chances of even a small amount of common sense showing up is slim."

That's right, even wars have laws, at least they do in the west.

Perhaps you'd feel better if we crowned Kings, rather than elect Presidents and legislators? Kings after all, aren't encumbered by all that legal business and stuff.

Good grief, the stupidity of some people who claim that they're conservative, is sometimes breathtaking.