[Perdogg]

This “”The Defense Department twice asked Obama for permission to use military force to rescue Phillips, most recently late Friday evening, U.S. officials said. On Saturday morning, Obama signed off on the Pentagon’s request, as he had a day earlier, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.”

The Admiral at the Pentagon news conference was very clear. (1) Obama signed nothing, made no calls. (2) the Navy acted on “existing authorities” to take out the pirates if the hostage was in imminent danger, The Navy said they interpreted the pointing of a gun at the hostage as “imminent danger.” (and they finally had clear shots.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the ping...so Obama is in the clear on this one to me....course there are some bigger decisions to be made...like what should be done to slow down this pirate activity...and dumping money on them is not an answer.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

The Admiral at the Pentagon news conference was very clear. (1) Obama signed nothing, made no calls. (2) the Navy acted on “existing authorities” to take out the pirates if the hostage was in imminent danger, The Navy said they interpreted the pointing of a gun at the hostage as “imminent danger.” (and they finally had clear shots.

Thanks. I choose to believe the Navy rather than media spin.

[Lancey Howard]

It sounds like Dumbo voted, “Present”.

[pabianice]

Just wait. The CO of USS Bainbridge will be canned quietly for violating the civil rights of the pirates. The admiral will receive a letter of reprimand.