Posted on 01/28/2025 9:21:45 AM PST by Red Badger
U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has an amazing plan to fight the cartels: bring back legal pirating, which is fully authorized in our Constitution.
Check out his thread on how it will work:
1/ What Are Letters Of Marque And Reprisal And How Could They Be Used To Weaken Drug Cartels?
2/ Letters of marque and reprisal are government-issued commissions that authorize private citizens (privateers) to perform acts that would otherwise be considered piracy, like attacking enemy ships during wartime Privateers are rewarded with a cut of the loot they 'bring home'
3/ Legal Basis in the U.S. The U.S. Constitution authorizes these commissions in Article I, Section 8, giving Congress the power to 'grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal' While Congress hasn't issued one in over a century, the authority to do so still exists
4/ Modern Context: Mexican Drug Cartels Using letters of marque could be a novel, but effective response to unique threats posed by drug cartels — especially in response to threats by the cartels to target U.S. planes returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin
5/ How Could They Be Applied? - Authorization: Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders - Targets: Focus on disrupting supply lines, capturing high-value targets, or seizing assets like boats, vehicles, cash, gold, or equipment used in criminal activities
6/ Advantages - Flexibility: Private entities operate with more agility than the government, adapting quickly with the tactics of cartels - Cost: Would reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, as privateers receive only a cut of what they recover & return to the U.S.
7/ Criticism The use of letters of marque and reprisal would undoubtedly draw criticism, especially from those inclined to elevate abstract, often-inchoate principles of what they deem 'international law' above the sovereign interests of the United States
8/ Dismissing the possible use of letters of marque to combat Mexican drug cartels — either on the basis of 'international law' or otherwise — overlooks the clear and present threat posed by those cartels to the U.S. This could prove to be an effective alternative to war
9/ We have no desire to go to war with our southern neighbor But we also can't ignore the fact that drug cartels are now threatening to target U.S. planes deporting illegal aliens That sounds like a great reason to consider issuing letters of marque and reprisal
10/ Letters of marque and reprisal have worked well for the U.S. — and countless other countries — in the past We'd be wrong not to consider using them against the cartels
We're entering into an extraordinary period of history. Think of Queen Elizabeth I and the famous privateer Sir Francis Drake.
So what do you say, folks? Want to come down to the border and be a pirate privateer with me?
So, Mike Lee has a drinking problem?
Sheer idiocy.
LOVE IT!
Lee is talking about this on Benny Johnson’s show now.
Now imagine all the former Tier 1 operators and intelligence specialists funneled into a Blackwater-type organization that is given hands-off by the federal and state governments to HUNT.
Seriously... Letters of Marque and Reprisal is a very viable option. I have said this for years now. And CHEAP in comparison.
Russia is doing entertainment charter boats for blasting pirates off of Somalia..
No reason there could not be a similar Carnival or Royal Norweigan spin off...
Optics, my dear Watson, optics.
“Sheer idiocy.”
It is in the U.S. Constitution.
However, I would only consider using it if the drug cartels become a problem.
I’ve been saying for years that I believe Special Forces personnel would enjoy the challenge of eliminating cartels.
“So, Mike Lee has a drinking problem?
Sheer idiocy.”
Do you? It is a very viable option and would be extremely effective. Do you even understand it? Or does it just compete with the options that make the MIC rich so automatically a no go don’t even think about it?
It has been used with great success through history.
Privateers worked well on the open seas. But along the border they would just get in the way. Plus privateers answer to no one. There’s no chain of command. They do as they please.
Better I think to reinvigorate sheriff posses.
Will the privateers be allowed to use MOABs and low-yield nukes? Or will they be restricted to wooden sailing ships and smooth-bore cannons using gunpowder?
I generally agree with the positive comments, but anyone who would appear with Benny Johnson is suspect as he is profoundly dense. Not his opinions, he’s just unintelligent
There are no restrictions..................
“So, Mike Lee has a drinking problem?
Sheer idiocy.’
As long as there have been pirates. there have been pirate hunters.
The illegal human trafficing is the equivalent of slavery.
offering a private contractor a $$ bounty for every “slave” returned to their home port.
That would radically and quickly make the operation more expensive and less attractive. Same with paying X per pound of whatever drug will likely make it far more expensve to do business.
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