U.S. Warship Fires Warning Shots Over Vessel Boarded by Pirates Off Somali Coast

Fox News ^

[LexBaird]

Here's an interesting thought. Per the Constitution, Article I, Sec. 8: "Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power...

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;..."

Now, since the Letters of Marque would be issued to private citizens, they wouldn't be part of the armed forces, and therefore not under the Presidential CinC power, right? Could the Congress use this to do an end run around the Executive branch and the State Dept.? Or would a vessel carrying a LoM be considered a "militia"?

Not, of course, that our present Congress would have the balls for this, but it would make for a good Clancyesque type novel plot.

[Gideon Reader]

Well my suggestion towards the upper levels of the power that existed at that time, certainly got their attention and cured their constipation concerns.
NNBIS, honcho’ed by GHWB was not particularly happy with the suggestion.
Can you say “Reassignment” children?
Better duty and a promotion; kicked up a rank with a snarled “Thanks”.

got to see my family for a change.

[Killborn]

Ah, ok. Thanks. Very fascinating.

[Inquisitive1]

(It ain't a World War until the French surrender).

Lovin' it!