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2006-04-17 Africa Horn

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Posted by Steve 2006-04-17 16:08|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Arrrgh! I was hoping for Letters of Marque and Reprisal rather than an agreement with the Somali government. The Somali government! Who even knew there was such a thing?

Posted by SteveS 2006-04-17 16:25|| 2006-04-17 16:25|| Front Page Top

#2 The Somali government! Who even knew there was such a thing?
It's Larry Smithe at the carwash.

Posted by 6 2006-04-17 16:41|| 2006-04-17 16:41|| Front Page Top

#3 I would think "Somali" teritorial waters would not be a barier if they were in hot pursuit anyhow.

Skull and Crossbones on the bridge indeed. Lots I hope.

Posted by SPoD 2006-04-17 16:43|| http://sockpuppetofdoom.blogspot.com/]">[http://sockpuppetofdoom.blogspot.com/] 2006-04-17 16:43|| Front Page Top

#4 Didn't this used to be called a "letter of Marque" and shouldn't the U.S. crews expect a bounty for each pirate ship they capture? Arrrr!

Posted by Cyber Sarge 2006-04-17 16:50|| 2006-04-17 16:50|| Front Page Top

#5 This could be good for the U.S. Not just in a "we signed a meaningless piece of paper from a meaningless government" kind of way. The U.S. Navy will probably make some very good scores. Unless they come up against the Black Pearl and her crew of undead. That Barbosaa, he gives me the creeps.

Posted by Mike N. 2006-04-17 17:09|| 2006-04-17 17:09|| Front Page Top

#6 I think it's too bad, myself. Now the navy will have to sign on to all sorts of rules and regs, plus the international busybody societies are dusting off their righteous indignation(tm).

And they'll be subject to the whims of this week's warlord pretending to be in charge in Mogadishu.

No thanks, I'd rather have a renegade USN, at least where Somalian pyrates are involved.

Posted by Seafarious">Seafarious 2006-04-17 17:10|| 2006-04-17 17:10|| Front Page Top

#7 Problem with that is that the Congressional and Executive branches of our Gov. would rather the Navy be limp than be an effective renegade force.

Posted by Mike N. 2006-04-17 17:47|| 2006-04-17 17:47|| Front Page Top

#8
Are you blind - this is a blatant attempt by Halliburton to take over Somalia!!!

No Blood for - errr - uh Sand!!!

Posted by macofromoc 2006-04-17 18:57|| 2006-04-17 18:57|| Front Page Top

#9 Letters of Marque and Reprisal were given to privately-owned ships so they could go to war without being considered pirates themselves. This is where the name privateer comes from. That's irrelevant to a US Navy (or any navy) ship.

I think the prize money system ended in the 19th century, both for England and the US. Besides, how much is a Somali motor boat worth?

I'm waiting though for the first hanging. And, no, not the fictional Tom Clancy version.

Posted by Eric Jablow">Eric Jablow 2006-04-17 19:04|| 2006-04-17 19:04|| Front Page Top

#10 Eric:

The prize money system lasted at least into WWI--I've read a couple different accounts of the cruise of the Emden (German commerce raiding light cruiser) in which it's mentioned that the captain convened prize courts.

Posted by Mike 2006-04-17 19:31|| 2006-04-17 19:31|| Front Page Top

#11 Who the hell is stupid enough to sign a 50 million dollar contract with the Somali "government"?

Posted by tu3031 2006-04-17 20:31|| 2006-04-17 20:31|| Front Page Top

#12 Reminds me of STEPHEN DECATUR and his warships USS UNITED STATES and USS PRESIDENT, against the Barbary Pirates. Got an itch to watch HORNBLOWER on Aussie TV tonite.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2006-04-17 22:43|| 2006-04-17 22:43|| Front Page Top

23:50 OldSpook
23:48 Frank G
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23:42 mac
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23:30 CrazyFool
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22:59 RR
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22:52 SPoD
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