Posted on 04/18/2009 2:20:55 AM PDT by Scanian
The Spanish Inquisition's reawakening and the unchecked rise of piracy off Somalia may not, at first glance, seem to have much in common. In fact, however, these phenomena represent an inversion of historic Western priorities and a decline in our collective resolve and instinct for self-defense.
Sunday's daring rescue of U.S. freighter Capt. Richard Phillips notwithstanding, the West's evident confusion is causing enormously dangerous consequences.
The shared element between excessive Spanish moralism, the contemporary version, and pirates with impunity is the concept of "universal jurisdiction" and how that concept has been recently transmogrified.
From ancient times, it was legitimate to use military force against hostes humani generis, "the enemies of mankind." Now, the high-minded not only reject that perspective, but perceive the real "common enemies" to be on our side of the barricades.
The Romans understood well that pirates operated beyond any legal order and that due process for pirates consisted in destroying them. Well into the 19th century, when the "common enemies" concept expanded to cover slave traders, law on the high seas came largely in the form of the British Royal Navy, and later our own. This naval jurisdiction derived from their global reach and their willingness to do civilization's hard work.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
I wish Bolton would run for the Presidency.
As much as I love Bolton, I fear he cannot win. He is a provocator, not a moderator. A successful politician, like Ronald Reagan, works to persuade his enemies over to his point of view. Of course, Reagan could not win today.
No wonder you're Lonesome in Massachusetts.
I like John. bfl.
Soo...would the theory of universal jurisdiction allow us to charge these Spaniards with...Ohh...lets say providing aid and comfort to our enemies?
Reagan carried Massachusetts handily in 1984.
That’s my point.
Fine idea. Give them a taste of their own (stupid) medicine!
He’s got it exactly right.
Though he makes too much sense, and these are not their days.
Huh?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.