Update: American captain rescued, three pirates killed, U.S. official says

[WoodysGirl]

US ship, choppers, shadow hostage captain, pirates

By Elizabeth A. Kennedy And Katharine Houreld, Associated Press Writers – 4 mins ago

MOMBASA, Kenya – U.S. warships and helicopters stalked a lifeboat holding an American sea captain and his four Somali captors Sunday as a Somali official and others reported negotiations for his release have broken down.

The district commissioner of the central Jariban region said talks went on all day Saturday, with clan elders from his area talking by satellite telephone and through a translator with Americans, but collapsed late Saturday night.

"The negotiations between and American officials have broken down. The reason is American officials wanted to arrest the pirates in Puntland and elders refused the arrest of the pirates," said the commissioner, Abdi Aziz Aw Yusuf. He said he organized initial contacts between the elders and the Americans.

Two other Somalis, one involved in the negotiations and another in contact with the pirates, also said the talks collapsed because of the U.S. insistence that the pirates be arrested and brought to justice.

Nineteen American sailors guarded by U.S. Navy Seals reached safe harbor in Kenya's northeast port of Mombasa on Saturday night, exhilarated by freedom but mourning the absence of Capt. Richard Phillips, who sacrificed himself as a hostage to save them.

"He saved our lives!" second mate Ken Quinn, of Bradenton, Florida, declared from the ship deck. "He's a hero."

ATM Reza, a crew member who said he was first to see the pirates board the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama on Wednesday. described how the bandits "came on with hooks and ropes and were firing in the air."

He was responding to a throng of reporters shouting questions from shore about the ordeal that began with Somali pirates hauling themselves up from a small boat bobbing on the surface of the Indian Ocean far below.

As the pirates shot in the air, Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vermont, told his crew to lock themselves in a cabin and surrendered himself to safeguard his men, crew members said.

Phillips was still held hostage in an enclosed lifeboat Sunday by four pirates being closely watched by U.S. warships and a helicopter in an increasingly tense standoff. The lifeboat is out of fuel and drifting.

A Pentagon spokesman said Saturday night that negotiations to free Phillips were continuing.

But Abdiwali Ali Tar said they were deadlocked. "Some local elders as well as our company have been involved in the negotiations but things seem to be deadlocked because the pirates want to make sure to be in a safe location first with the captain — either on one of the ships their colleagues hold or Somali coastal villages — but the Americans will not allow that," said Tar, the head of a private security firm acting as the coast guard in northeast Puntland region, a haven for pirates.

Talks had begun Thursday with the captain of the USS Bainbridge talking to the pirates under instruction from FBI hostage negotiators on board the U.S. destroyer.

It was not clear where the lifeboat was on Sunday. But a statement from Maersk Line, owner of the Maersk Alabama, which Phillips captains, said "the U.S. Navy had sight contact" of Phillips earlier Sunday — apparently when the pirates opened the hatches.

A pirate who says he is associated with the gang holding Phillips, Ahmed Mohamed Nur, told The Associated Press that the pirates say "helicopters continue to fly over their heads in the daylight and in the night they are under the focus of a spotlight from a warship."

He spoke by satellite phone from Harardhere, a port and pirate stronghold where a fisherman said helicopters flew over the town Sunday morning and a warship was looming on the horizon. The fisherman, Abdi Sheikh Muse, said that could be an indication the lifeboat may be near to shore.

The U.S. Navy has assumed the pirates would try to get their hostage to shore, where they can hide him on Somalia's lawless soil and be in a stronger position to negotiate a ransom.

Three U.S. warships were within easy reach of the lifeboat on Saturday, but fears of endangering Phillips' life limit their ability to use their overwhelming firepower.

On Friday, the French navy freed a sailboat seized off Somalia last week by other pirates, but one of the five hostages was killed.

Early Saturday, the pirates holding Phillips in the lifeboat fired a few shots at a small U.S. Navy vessel that had approached, a U.S. military official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The official said the U.S. sailors did not return fire, the Navy vessel turned away and no one was hurt. He said the vessel had not been attempting a rescue. The pirates are believed armed with pistols and AK-47 assault rifles.

Phillips jumped out of the lifeboat Friday and tried to swim for his freedom but was recaptured when a pirate fired an automatic weapon at or near him, according to U.S. Defense Department officials speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk about the unfolding operations.

Emphasizing the U.S. stand on bringing pirates to justice, U.S. Coast Guard chief Adm. Thad Allen said Sunday that "an international legal framework" is needed. Speaking on ABC's "This Week" program, Allen said "What you really have to have is a coordinating mechanism that ultimately brings these pirates to court where they can be held accountable."

The United States has signed, but not ratified, the U.N.-sponsored Law of the Sea, which allows signatories to bring pirates arrested in any part of the world to trial in their countries. France, for example, is holding alleged pirates arrested off Somali waters for trial.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has promised to work to get the treaty ratified. The United States originally objected, during the Cold War, that the treaty provisions militated against a free market. More recently it objected to the treaty's regime governing exploitation of minerals of the deep seabed. Lately, treaty critics claim it would impinge on U.S. sovereignty.

In Mombasa, meanwhile, the Alabama crew described how they overpowered the pirates.

Reza, a father of one from Hartford, Connecticut, said that after the pirates boarded, he had led one to the engine room where he stabbed him in the hand with an ice pick and tied him up.

The crew have told family members by phone that they took one pirate hostage before giving him up in the hope their captain would be released. Instead, the Somalis fled with Phillips to the lifeboat.

Maersk President John Reinhart said from Norfolk, Virginia, that the ship was still a crime scene and the crewmen could not leave until the FBI investigates the attack.

"When I spoke to the crew, they won't consider it done when they board a plane and come home," Reinhart said. "They won't consider it done until the captain is back, nor will we."

Other bandits, among hundreds who have made the Gulf of Aden the world's most dangerous waterway, seized an Italian tugboat off Somalia's north coast Saturday as it was pulling barges, said Shona Lowe, a spokeswoman at NATO's Northwood maritime command center outside London.

The Foreign Ministry in Rome confirmed 10 of the 16 crew members are Italian. The others are five Romanians and a Croatian, according to Micoperi, the Italian company that owns the ship.

A piracy expert said the two hijackings did not appear related.

"This is just the Somali pirate machine in full flow," said Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, founder of Dryad Maritime Intelligence Ltd.

In Phillips' hometown, the Rev. Charles Danielson of the St. Thomas Church said the congregation would continue to pray for Phillips and his family, who are members, and he would encourage "people to find hope in the triumph of good over evil."

Reinhart said he spoke with Phillips' wife, Andrea, who is surrounded by family and two company employees who were sent to support her.

"She's a brave woman," Reinhart said. "And she has one favor to ask: 'Do what you have to do to bring Richard home safely.' That means don't make a mistake, folks. We have to be perfect in our execution."

___

Associated Press writers who contributed to this report include Mohamed Olad Hassan and Mohamed Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu, Somalia; Michelle Faul and Tom Maliti in Nairobi, Kenya; Matt Apuzzo and Robert Burns in Washington; and Ariel David in Rome.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090412/ap_on_re_af/piracy

[DIAF]

These dudes are now officially screwed. Now that SEALs are on the scene, its only a matter of time.

[sacase]

The negotiation process is simple. The only way out of this alive is to surrender your hostage.

Honestly, I think the hold up is Obama. He can't make a decision. He is more worried about the political fallout rather than doing the right thing. This is probably the first time in his life where his decision could have people dying. Not an easy decision to make but it has to be done.

[WoodysGirl]

The negotiation process is simple. The only way out of this alive is to surrender your hostage.

Honestly, I think the hold up is Obama. He can't make a decision. He is more worried about the political fallout rather than doing the right thing. This is probably the first time in his life where his decision could have people dying. Not an easy decision to make but it has to be done.
Based on what I've read, Obama is letting his military people make the decisions, tho he is closely observing.

[sacase]

Based on what I've read, Obama is letting his military people make the decisions, tho he is closely observing.

I dunno, I have read that the military is frustrated because he won't take action. The worst action to take is no action.

Here is a story about it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/10/AR2009041003734.html?

[WoodysGirl]

I dunno, I have read that the military is frustrated because he won't take action. The worst action to take is no action.

Here is a story about it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/10/AR2009041003734.html?
I'm not surprised that there may be frustration... here's the article I found..

Advisers say he's leaving the heavy lifting — and, clearly, the commenting — to high-level administration officials and his military commanders.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090411/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_piracy;_ylt=Ana80.xoAyr3eWVnUoTE9KUHcggF

[DIAF]

according to CNN, it's over.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/12/somalia.pirates/index.html

Once SEALs got there, it was only a matter of time.

[WoodysGirl]

<snip from larger article>

By Elizabeth A. Kennedy And Lara Jakes, Associated Press Writers – 5 mins ago

MOMBASA, Kenya – An American ship captain was freed unharmed Sunday in a U.S. Navy operation that killed three of the four Somali pirates who had been holding him for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, a senior U.S. intelligence official said.

One of the pirates was wounded and in custody after a swift firefight, the official said.

Capt. Richard Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vermont, was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.

The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/piracy

[sbark]

Based on what I've read, Obama is letting his military people make the decisions, tho he is closely observing.

...Agreed, Obama did right staying out of it.......

But.......Now---does he take care of the main "disease" now that the Nyquill has taken care of a single symptom.....

that will be Obama true test.........where he takes it from here......

************
those Navy seals had probably been suspended underneath the water surface in shifts for days........when Phillips showed he was willing to jump the 1st time......he showed the Seals to be ready when the opportunity came again.......

[Hostile]

<snip from larger article>

By Elizabeth A. Kennedy And Lara Jakes, Associated Press Writers – 5 mins ago

MOMBASA, Kenya – An American ship captain was freed unharmed Sunday in a U.S. Navy operation that killed three of the four Somali pirates who had been holding him for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, a senior U.S. intelligence official said.

One of the pirates was wounded and in custody after a swift firefight, the official said.

Capt. Richard Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vermont, was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.

The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/piracyI love our Military. Love them I tell you.

[Cajuncowboy]

Good job Military and by proxy, good job Obama.

[MetalHead]

I love our Military. Love them I tell you.

This puts a smile in my face.

[burmafrd]

And one more set of heads on the wall to the SEALS.

[Cajuncowboy]

Just read a blurb on Drudge that said Obama gave the orders to use military power to free the captain. If true, again I say, Way to go Obama. Good Job.

[bbgun]

Kudos to the US Navy for taking care of business.

[burmafrd]

Took him long enough though. Should never have even STARTED to negotiate with them. Just killed them- maybe string them along until the seal team was in place then just kill them.

[Cajuncowboy]

Took him long enough though. Should never have even STARTED to negotiate with them. Just killed them- maybe string them along until the seal team was in place then just kill them.

Maybe, but you can't argue with the results.

I just hope the negotiations were a ploy and never really seriously considered.

[Jon88]

Some reports say he jumped out again and then the Seal team jumped in and killed everyone.

[burmafrd]

yeah I hope so too but with the current administration its all too likely.

[burmafrd]

If its true and he jumped then that really gave the seals the green light. Must have had an off day for them- usually in a situation like this they take no prisoners.

[Jon88]

If its true and he jumped then that really gave the seals the green light. Must have had an off day for them- usually in a situation like this they take no prisoners.

One of the pirates was wounded.

[zrinkill]

Great jobs all around.

Great job by those Seals easily taking care of those thugs.
Great job by that captain for keeping his head in the middle of all that.
Great job by our Military in not letting the *******s get away.
Great job by our President in letting the people who know handle this situation.

This should send a message to those cutthroats not to wake the sleeping giant ...... you are likely to get swatted like the gnat you are.

[trickblue]

Great work... you do NOT mess with the US Special forces... whether they be SEALS, Green Berets, Rangers, etc...

They are trained to do their job with malice and without prejudice...

Kudos for Mr. Obama for letting them do what they do best, and more importantly thank God that brave captain was rescued...

I'm glad our window didn't close...

[Beast_from_East]

Thank God the captian was saved and those thugs were taken out.

Great job by the SEALs and the US Navy.

[Ren]

Took him long enough though. Should never have even STARTED to negotiate with them. Just killed them- maybe string them along until the seal team was in place then just kill them.

that probably what they did, i can see anyone even a bleeding hart liberal wanting to give inn to demands of scum like this

[burmafrd]

then you are not familiar with VC and a few others here....

[sbark]

NEWS CONFERENCE - US Navy from Bahrain about the rescue of Captain Phillips (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2227655/posts)
FOX NEws | 11 April 2009 | US NAVY

Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 3:52:29 PM by Jeff Head (http://www.freerepublic.com/~jeffhead/)

I just watched the news conference from the Navy right now.
The US Navy had convinced the pirates to let the Bainbridge take the life boat in tow! They were using the enflatable vessel to ferry food and water to the prirates so they were used to using it at that point.
They also convinced one of the pirates to board the Bainbridge and act as a go between in the negotiations. That is the one who lived.
While towing the lifeboat, apparently two of the pirates we leaning head and shoulders out of the windows, and the thrid was seen keeping his AK trained on the Captain. When the US Navy SEALS observed this and had three shots, apparently the Captain of the Bainbridge, because of the AK-47 trained on Phillips, viewed his life in extreme peril (which it was the entire time) and gave the go ahead for the Navy SEALS to take the shots...and they did so and took the three down. I believe the Captain took the initiative. He had been ordered not to take action unless the Captain was in extreme danger and the Captain took the initiative in the circumstance when he had three shots and did so.

[TheCount]

Great work... you do NOT mess with the US Special forces... whether they be SEALS, Green Berets, Rangers, etc...

They are trained to do their job with malice and without prejudice...

Kudos for Mr. Obama for letting them do what they do best, and more importantly thank God that brave captain was rescued...

I'm glad our window didn't close...

Well put, I'm glad the captain is going home safe to his family. He's going to get a well deserved heroes welcome.

[Beast_from_East]

NEWS CONFERENCE - US Navy from Bahrain about the rescue of Captain Phillips (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2227655/posts)
FOX NEws | 11 April 2009 | US NAVY

Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 3:52:29 PM by Jeff Head (http://www.freerepublic.com/~jeffhead/)

I just watched the news conference from the Navy right now.
The US Navy had convinced the pirates to let the Bainbridge take the life boat in tow! They were using the enflatable vessel to ferry food and water to the prirates so they were used to using it at that point.
They also convinced one of the pirates to board the Bainbridge and act as a go between in the negotiations. That is the one who lived.
While towing the lifeboat, apparently two of the pirates we leaning head and shoulders out of the windows, and the thrid was seen keeping his AK trained on the Captain. When the US Navy SEALS observed this and had three shots, apparently the Captain of the Bainbridge, because of the AK-47 trained on Phillips, viewed his life in extreme peril (which it was the entire time) and gave the go ahead for the Navy SEALS to take the shots...and they did so and took the three down. I believe the Captain took the initiative. He had been ordered not to take action unless the Captain was in extreme danger and the Captain took the initiative in the circumstance when he had three shots and did so.

Once the pirates leaned their heads out the window it was over.

That is like shooting fish in a barrel for the SEALs, way too easy.

[sbark]

then this from the miami herald.......

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/996663.html

My call is bull s. journalism..........."pirates reported they were out of ammo"....

didnt know Miami Herald was a branch of Al Jeereza........

[Ren]

then this from the miami herald.......

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/996663.html

My call is bull s. journalism..........."pirates reported they were out of ammo"....

didnt know Miami Herald was a branch of Al Jeereza........

should we even care or feel sorry for them if they where?

Would have been a good time to wave a white flag if they had any semblance of intelligence

[Beast_from_East]

then this from the miami herald.......

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/996663.html

My call is bull s. journalism..........."pirates reported they were out of ammo"....

didnt know Miami Herald was a branch of Al Jeereza........

Yea, I am sure that the pirates were out of ammo.


That is total BS, they just dont want to give all the credit to the SEALs, were it rightfully belongs.

[trickblue]

Yea, I am sure that the pirates were out of ammo.


That is total BS, they just dont want to give all the credit to the SEALs, were it rightfully belongs.

Yep... they just want sympathy... they've earned none...

They got what they deserved... well, one didn't... but still...

[Beast_from_East]

Yep... they just want sympathy... they've earned none...

They got what they deserved... well, one didn't... but still...

Exactly, this is how you handle pirates. You dont pay the ransom like everybody else was doing, that just encourages them more.

You handle the situation by putting the pirates in body bags and sending a message "you better not "F" around with any more US ships".


I dont think anybody is going to mess with any US ships from now on. Problem solved.

[ZB9]

dont **** with the US Navy

****ing idiots

[trickblue]

Exactly, this is how you handle pirates. You dont pay the ransom like everybody else was doing, that just encourages them more.

You handle the situation by putting the pirates in body bags and sending a message "you better not "F" around with any more US ships".


I dont think anybody is going to mess with any US ships from now on. Problem solved.

I think it will be more scarce...

If it happens again our response time should be when our warships arrive...

They now know what we WILL do, we just need to make it a quicker inevitability...

[burmafrd]

There is no reason we cannot for the time being put armed parties on our ships that sail in that area. With orders to kill every pirate that sticks his head out. Fill up a bunch of body bags and its amazing how suddenly these poor misunderstood downtrodden poor find some way else to live.

[TheCount]

Exactly, this is how you handle pirates. You dont pay the ransom like everybody else was doing, that just encourages them more.

You handle the situation by putting the pirates in body bags and sending a message "you better not "F" around with any more US ships".


I dont think anybody is going to mess with any US ships from now on. Problem solved.


This situation was a little different from most, usually the pirates have more leverage and aren't as isolated. If they had gotten the captain to land or been able to get out of eyesight of the crew with him right away, things may have turned out very different.

Luckily that wasn't the case. I mean as soon as we started deploying special forces, it was over. The only question was whether the captain would be unharmed in the process, thankfully he was.

[Hostile]

Just read a blurb on Drudge that said Obama gave the orders to use military power to free the captain. If true, again I say, Way to go Obama. Good Job.Me too. Bravo sir.

[Hostile]

then this from the miami herald.......

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/996663.html

My call is bull s. journalism..........."pirates reported they were out of ammo"....

didnt know Miami Herald was a branch of Al Jeereza........Point a realistic toy gun at a cop or a soldier and see what happens. There is no way to tell if a weapon is empty just by looking at it.

You want your empty weapon treated like an empty weapon, it's real simple, you surrender your empty weapon and yourself and face the music.

You continue to treat your empty weapon like a loaded weapon, expect the high probability that you will die.

[sbark]

Just read a blurb on Drudge that said Obama gave the orders to use military power to free the captain. If true, again I say, Way to go Obama. Good Job.

lets not go overboard here.....the thing he appreared to do right was delagate authority to the commander on site.......

If Obama had ordered this......... the Navy wouldn’t be falling all over themselves pointing out that the one loophole in Obama’s direction that they used, i.e. “imminent danger”.

They got a clear shot and they took it.......... “Imminent danger” is the CYA statement that is being used to show that they did not violate the restrictive Rules of Engagement.........and thus lawsuits from the "merchant marine organizer" union........

The true unsung behind the scenes hero in this was undoubtedly the USN captain of the Bainbridge who took ownership and responsibility and ordered the action.

I remember the term "cowboy swagger" being used a few years ago when GW took the iniative......

[sacase]

lets not go overboard here.....the thing he appreared to do right was delagate authority to the commander on site.......

If Obama had ordered this......... the Navy wouldn’t be falling all over themselves pointing out that the one loophole in Obama’s direction that they used, i.e. “imminent danger”.

They got a clear shot and they took it.......... “Imminent danger” is the CYA statement that is being used to show that they did not violate the restrictive Rules of Engagement.........and thus lawsuits from the "merchant marine organizer" union........

The true unsung behind the scenes hero in this was undoubtedly the USN captain of the Bainbridge who took ownership and responsibility and ordered the action.

I remember the term "cowboy swagger" being used a few years ago when GW took the iniative......

I agree. Obama as President needs to take charge and tell his people what to do, not rely on "high ranking administation officials" to do that talking. I see this as a sign of a president who is more worried about reelection than one willing to lead. He needs to look at what the Navy CAPT did. Take charge of the situation and make a decisive decision. Obama needs to understand that when dealing with military matters you need to take the initiative, not rely on others to do it for you. Once again kudos to the Navy Captain and to the SEALS.

[rantanamo]

LOL @ this thread. Basically Obama should shut up about military matters AND give the orders because he should listen to no one.

[Bob Sacamano]

you don't **** with SEALS

[masomenos]

LOL @ this thread. Basically Obama should shut up about military matters AND give the orders because he should listen to no one.

And yet he's too busy bowing to the Saudis to do either of those things.

:)

[burmafrd]

Supposedly Obama gave the order to use force TWICE. Now why is that?

Sounds to me like some idiot was causing trouble (probably the state department, they usually are).

[Jon88]

you don't **** with SEALS

http://simonc.f2o.org/south/gallery/arrival/BigSeal.jpg

No way.

[Jon88]

Supposedly Obama gave the order to use force TWICE. Now why is that?

Sounds to me like some idiot was causing trouble (probably the state department, they usually are).

At least it wasn't Clinton. He loved to let people go.

[sbark]

I agree. Obama as President needs to take charge and tell his people what to do, not rely on "high ranking administation officials" to do that talking. I see this as a sign of a president who is more worried about reelection than one willing to lead. He needs to look at what the Navy CAPT did. Take charge of the situation and make a decisive decision. Obama needs to understand that when dealing with military matters you need to take the initiative, not rely on others to do it for you. Once again kudos to the Navy Captain and to the SEALS.

The left #1 credo: plausible deniabiltiy........

If the action had gone bad.....the Captain of the Bainbridge would've been hung out to dry by the media and Admin.......after all Obama said nothing publicly........that captain took the responsibilty on his shoulders....and depended on the Indiv. snipers to do the job......

but Obama's homegrown media now wants credit after the chips fell right.......

http://hotairpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/media-already-making-sure-obama-gets.html#comment-form

.....give credit to Obama if indeed he did delagate authority as needed, but he should issue a statement over the teleprompter that the credit should go to the Captain of the destroyer.

[TheCount]

The left #1 credo: plausible deniabiltiy........

If the action had gone bad.....the Captain of the Bainbridge would've been hung out to dry by the media and Admin.......after all Obama said nothing publicly........that captain took the responsibilty on his shoulders....and depended on the Indiv. snipers to do the job......

but Obama's homegrown media now wants credit after the chips fell right.......

http://hotairpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/media-already-making-sure-obama-gets.html#comment-form

.....give credit to Obama if indeed he did delagate authority as needed, but he should issue a statement over the teleprompter that the credit should go to the Captain of the destroyer.

The man is going home to his family safe and sound after days of fearing for his life, give it a rest for one night. Holy crap.

[JBond]

This situation was a little different from most, usually the pirates have more leverage and aren't as isolated. If they had gotten the captain to land or been able to get out of eyesight of the crew with him right away, things may have turned out very different.

Luckily that wasn't the case. I mean as soon as we started deploying special forces, it was over. The only question was whether the captain would be unharmed in the process, thankfully he was.

This was an FBI investigation up till yesterday. Military was there but the FBI had the lead role. Shades of Clinton. Glad someone knocked some sense into Obama before it was to late. Kudos to the freighter captain and the navy Captain that unleashed the SEALS. Well done.

[Beast_from_East]

Point a realistic toy gun at a cop or a soldier and see what happens. There is no way to tell if a weapon is empty just by looking at it.

You want your empty weapon treated like an empty weapon, it's real simple, you surrender your empty weapon and yourself and face the music.

You continue to treat your empty weapon like a loaded weapon, expect the high probability that you will die.

Exactly.

The pirates could have thrown their guns overboard and surrendered and nobody would have had to die.

However, the pirates wanted to do it the hard way.

[Hostile]

Exactly.

The pirates could have thrown their guns overboard and surrendered and nobody would have had to die.

However, the pirates wanted to do it the hard way.As far as I am concerned they died of lead poisoning.

[Beast_from_East]

The left #1 credo: plausible deniabiltiy........

If the action had gone bad.....the Captain of the Bainbridge would've been hung out to dry by the media and Admin.......after all Obama said nothing publicly........that captain took the responsibilty on his shoulders....and depended on the Indiv. snipers to do the job......

but Obama's homegrown media now wants credit after the chips fell right.......

http://hotairpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/media-already-making-sure-obama-gets.html#comment-form

.....give credit to Obama if indeed he did delagate authority as needed, but he should issue a statement over the teleprompter that the credit should go to the Captain of the destroyer.

You do realize that the use of leathal force has to be authorized by the President of the United States and the reports out (even on Drudge) is that Obama gave the Department of Defense the green light.

The Navy captian didnt have the authority to order jack without authoriztion. Now he may have been given the order "if the hostage's life is in danger or if you have a clean shot take it", so he had discretion on when to actually give the kill order, but the ultimate decision was not his to make.

So lets give Obama credit here and not try to make this out to be a political issue. Reports are also saying that Obama was getting as many as half a dozen briefs a day on the situation, so he didnt just tell the military to take care of the situation and he went to go play golf.


Like I said, lets not make this into a political situation. This was a hostage situation and the President of the United States authorized Navy SEALs to kill pirates who were holding an American citizen hostage. Job well done in my book, regardless of if the President was a Democrat or a Republican. Lets not make this political.

[WoodysGirl]

Kidnapped US captain freed; snipers kill 3 pirates

By Todd Pitman And Lara Jakes, Associated Press Writers – 14 mins ago

NAIROBI, Kenya – Navy snipers on the fantail of a destroyer cut down three Somali pirates in a lifeboat and rescued an American sea captain in a surprise nighttime assault in choppy seas Easter Sunday, ending a five-day standoff between a team of rogue gunmen and the world's most powerful military.

It was a stunning ending to an Indian Ocean odyssey that began when 53-year-old freighter Capt. Richard Phillips was taken hostage Wednesday by pirates who tried to hijack the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama. The Vermont native was held on a tiny lifeboat that began drifting precariously toward Somalia's anarchic, gun-plagued shores.

The operation, personally approved by President Barack Obama, quashed fears the saga could drag on for months and marked a victory for the U.S., which for days seemed powerless to resolve the crisis despite massing helicopter-equipped warships at the scene.

Negotiations with the three pirates were growing heated, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said.

One of them pointed an AK-47 at the back of Phillips, who was tied up and in "imminent danger" of being killed when the commander of the nearby USS Bainbridge made the split-second decision to order his men to shoot, Gortney said. Navy snipers took aim at the pirates' heads and shoulders, he said. The lifeboat was about 25-30 yards away and was being towed by the Bainbridge at the time, he said.

A fourth pirate had surrendered earlier in the day and could face life in a U.S. prison.

The rescue was a dramatic blow to the pirates who have preyed on international shipping and hold more than a dozen ships with about 230 foreign sailors. But it is unlikely to do much to quell the region's growing pirate threat, which has transformed one of the world's busiest shipping lanes into one of its most dangerous. It also risked provoking retaliatory attacks.

"This could escalate violence in this part of the world, no question about it," said Gortney, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

Abdullahi Lami, one of the pirates holding the Greek ship anchored in the Somali town of Gaan, said: "Every country will be treated the way it treats us. In the future, America will be the one mourning and crying," he told The Associated Press. "We will retaliate (for) the killings of our men."

Jamac Habeb, a 30-year-old self-proclaimed pirate, told the AP from one of Somalia's piracy hubs, Eyl, that: "From now on, if we capture foreign ships and their respective countries try to attack us, we will kill them (the hostages)."

"Now they became our number one enemy," Habeb said of U.S. forces.

Phillips was not hurt in several minutes of gunfire and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet said he was resting comfortably on a U.S. warship after receiving a medical exam.

Aboard the Bainbridge, sailors passed along a message from Andrea Phillips to her husband: "Richard, your family loves you, your family is praying for you, and your family is saving a chocolate Easter egg for you, unless your son eats it first."

Phillips himself deflected any praise.

"I'm just the byline. The real heroes are the Navy, the Seals, those who have brought me home," Phillips said by phone to Maersk Line Limited President and CEO John Reinhart, the company head told reporters. A photo released by the Navy showed Phillips unharmed and shaking hands with the commanding officer of the USS Bainbridge.

Obama said Phillips had courage that was "a model for all Americans" and he was pleased about the rescue, adding that the United States needs help from other countries to deal with the threat of piracy and to hold pirates accountable.

With news of the rescue, Phillips' 17,000-ton ship, which docked with the 19 members of his crew Saturday in Mombasa, Kenya, erupted into wild cheers. Some waved an American flag and one fired a bright red flare skyward in celebration.

"We made it!" said crewman ATM Reza, pumping his fist in the air.

The ship had been carrying food aid bound for Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda when the ordeal began hundreds of miles off Somalia's eastern coast Wednesday. Crew members said they saw pirates scrambling into the ship with ropes and hooks from a small boat bobbing on the surface of the Indian Ocean far below.

As the pirates shot in the air, Phillips told his crew to lock themselves in a cabin and surrendered himself to safeguard his men, crew members said.

Phillips was then taken hostage in an enclosed lifeboat that was soon shadowed by three U.S. warships and a helicopter in a standoff that grew by the day. The pirates were believed armed with pistols and AK-47 assault rifles.

Talks to free him began Thursday with the captain of the USS Bainbridge talking to the pirates under instruction from FBI hostage negotiators on board the U.S. destroyer. The pirates had threatened to kill Phillips if attacked.

A government official and others in Somalia with knowledge of the situation said negotiations broke down late Saturday. The stumbling block, Somali officials said: Americans' insistence the pirates be arrested and brought to justice.

Phillips jumped out of the lifeboat Friday and tried to swim for his freedom but was recaptured when a pirate fired an automatic weapon into the water, according to U.S. Defense Department officials speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk about the unfolding operations.

On Saturday, pirates fired a few shots at a small U.S. Navy vessel that had approached, but the U.S. sailors did not return fire.

The U.S. Navy had assumed the pirates would try to get their hostage to shore, where they could have hidden him on Somalia's lawless soil and been in a stronger position to negotiate a ransom.

Somalia's government, which barely controls any territory in the country, welcomed the news of Phillips' rescue.

"The Somali government wanted the drama to end in a peaceful way, but any one who is involved in this latest case had the choice to use violence or other means," Abdulkhadir Walayo, the prime minister's spokesman, told the AP. "We see it will be a good lesson for the pirates or any one else involved in this dirty business."

Worried residents of Harardhere, another port and pirate stronghold, were gathering in the streets after news of the captain's release.

"We fear more that any revenge taken by the pirates against foreign nationals could bring more attacks from the foreign navies, perhaps on our villages," Abdullahi Haji Jama, who owns a clothes store in Harardhere, told the AP by telephone.

Pirates are holding about a dozen ships with more than 200 crew members, according to the Malaysia-based piracy watchdog International Maritime Bureau. Hostages are from Bulgaria, China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Tuvalu and Ukraine, among other countries.

The Navy said Phillips was freed at 7:19 p.m. local time. He was taken aboard the Norfolk, Va.-based Bainbridge and then flown to the San Diego-based USS Boxer for the medical exam, 5th Fleet spokesman Lt. Nathan Christensen said.

Christensen said Phillips was now "resting comfortably." The USS Boxer was in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia, Christensen said.

U.S. officials said a fourth pirate had surrendered and was in military custody. FBI spokesman John Miller said that would change as the situation became "more of a criminal issue than a military issue."

A spokeswoman for the Phillips family, Alison McColl, said Phillips and his wife, Andrea, spoke by phone shortly after he was freed.

"I think you can all imagine their joy and what a happy moment that was for them," McColl said outside of the Phillips home in Underhill, Vt. "They're all just so happy and relieved. Andrea wanted me to tell the nation that all of your prayers and good wishes have paid off, because Capt. Phillips is safe."

Capt. Joseph Murphy, the father of second-in-command Shane Murphy, thanked Phillips for his bravery.

"Our prayers have been answered on this Easter Sunday," Murphy said. "If not for his incredible personal sacrifice, this kidnapping and act of terror could have turned out much worse."

Murphy said both his family and Phillips' "can now celebrate a joyous Easter together."

"This was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible" Gortney said in a statement.

He called Phillips and his crew "heroic."

Terry Aiken, 66, who lives across the street from the Phillips house, fought back tears as he reacted to the news.

"I'm very, very happy," Aiken said. "I can't be happier for him and his family."

___

Jakes reported from Washington. Associated Press writers who contributed to this report include Mohamed Olad Hassan and Mohamed Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu, Somalia; Michelle Faul, Elizabeth Kennedy, Malkhadir M. Muhumed and Tom Maliti in Kenya; Matt Apuzzo in Washington, John Curran in Underhill, Vermont, Matt Moore in Berlin and Dena Potter in Norfolk, Virginia.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/piracy

[zrinkill]

Jamac Habeb, a 30-year-old self-proclaimed pirate, told the AP from one of Somalia's piracy hubs, Eyl, that: "From now on, if we capture foreign ships and their respective countries try to attack us, we will kill them (the hostages)."

"Now they became our number one enemy," Habeb said of U.S. forces.

Just keep talking .....

[vta]

I hate to be rejoicing in the death of a human, but I can't be dishonest and say I didn't get a shiver when I heard this news earlier today.

You have to love the negotiation process:
Give up and be arrested.
No.
Promptly get killed.

What a brutal error trying this crap on the U.S.
What a lesson to anyone else thinking of negotiating with these people.

[vta]

Jamac Habeb, a 30-year-old self-proclaimed pirate, told the AP from one of Somalia's piracy hubs, Eyl, that: "From now on, if we capture foreign ships and their respective countries try to attack us, we will kill them (the hostages)."

"Now they became our number one enemy," Habeb said of U.S. forces.

Great. This pirate business will be done before the year is out, if the rest of these clowns hold the same sentiment.

[SkinsFan28]

Good job to the US Government, Pres. Obama, and the Military.

[tyke1doe]

Just read a blurb on Drudge that said Obama gave the orders to use military power to free the captain. If true, again I say, Way to go Obama. Good Job.

:D

My sentiments too.

I'm glad we didn't bullrush the situation, but let it play out until we could finally pounce. The Seals don't play. :)

[tyke1doe]

I hate to be rejoicing in the death of a human, but I can't be dishonest and say I didn't get a shiver when I heard this news earlier today.

You have to love the negotiation process:
Give up and be arrested.
No.
Promptly get killed.

What a brutal error trying this crap on the U.S.
What a lesson to anyone else thinking of negotiating with these people.

Really, there was no way out for the pirates.
We weren't going to let them retreat to Somalia, at least not with the hostage. And they knew that had they killed the captain, there's no way we wouldn't take them out.

They were stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[tyke1doe]

LOL @ this thread. Basically Obama should shut up about military matters AND give the orders because he should listen to no one.

:lmao2:

A case of damned if you do damned if you don't.

[burmafrd]

The proper way for a president to handle this kind of situation is to delegate it to the senior military commander on site then step back and let them handle it without interference.
One bad sign is this supposedly being briefed 6 times a day or something like that= now if it was just a word or two that nothing has changed that is not so bad; but if they were full meetings or real briefings then that is not good.

Half to laugh at the idiot pirates and their boasting- they really are stupid if they think that everything has not just changed and that THEY are the ones that will be filling the body bags. If they start killing hostages it will just happen that much faster.

[tyke1doe]

I suspect one of two things will happen.

The pirates will either stay away from American-flagged ships or they will try to quickly move the hostages to land.

Killing a hostage immediately doesn't serve their purpose, especially if the purpose of piracy is extortion.

Their only hope would be to move or relocate the hostages immediately to shore. I assume they're going to strategize a way to do this. Or they may just leave American ships alone.

[sbark]

Reported now on Fox News...the captured mechant marine organizer was on the US vessel because he wanted to talk to someone in Somalia via phone (family?).....and was waving to his buddies on the small boat when the action went down.......is a teenager between 14 & 16 yrs old........

not dealing with Ivy league IQ's here.......oops those are running our economy.........

[Ren]

I hate to be rejoicing in the death of a human, but I can't be dishonest and say I didn't get a shiver when I heard this news earlier today.

You have to love the negotiation process:
Give up and be arrested.
No.
Promptly get killed.

What a brutal error trying this crap on the U.S.
What a lesson to anyone else thinking of negotiating with these people.

If you negotiate with these people the problem just gets worse. Their only motive is profit anything other then surrender or be killed is a success in their eyes and will keep them coming back.
The reason this problem has gotten so out of control now is that some people are negotiating with them and are paying ransoms, a shoot to kill policy would solve this problem very fast. As soon as the risks outweigh the rewards these people will find something else to do

[TheCount]

The proper way for a president to handle this kind of situation is to delegate it to the senior military commander on site then step back and let them handle it without interference.
One bad sign is this supposedly being briefed 6 times a day or something like that= now if it was just a word or two that nothing has changed that is not so bad; but if they were full meetings or real briefings then that is not good.

Oh stop, just stop.

[JBond]

You do realize that the use of leathal force has to be authorized by the President of the United States and the reports out (even on Drudge) is that Obama gave the Department of Defense the green light.

The Navy captain didn't have the authority to order jack without authorization. Now he may have been given the order "if the hostage's life is in danger or if you have a clean shot take it", so he had discretion on when to actually give the kill order, but the ultimate decision was not his to make.

So lets give Obama credit here and not try to make this out to be a political issue. Reports are also saying that Obama was getting as many as half a dozen briefs a day on the situation, so he didn't just tell the military to take care of the situation and he went to go play golf.


Like I said, lets not make this into a political situation. This was a hostage situation and the President of the United States authorized Navy SEALs to kill pirates who were holding an American citizen hostage. Job well done in my book, regardless of if the President was a Democrat or a Republican. Lets not make this political.

OK. It is not political. Obama like Clinton treated this like a crime scene at a bank robbery and had the FBI leading the investigation. Why did he do that?

You have zero under standing of how the military works. You claim the Captain that unleashed the SEALS had nothing to do with the rescue. He found a loophole that Obama left open and ordered the SEALS to take it. He used the Obama made up rules of engagement to his advantage. Without the strong leadership of the SEALS and the Captain that gave the OK that man would have been dead and dragged through the street of Somalia just like under Clinton. Then we would have cut and run, because that is what Democrats do. They cut and run.

Obama is a puss pacificist that sends his spare time apologizing for these types of actions. It was very arrogant of us to kill those merchant marine organizers from that third world crap hole. That is what Obama believes based on his insane view of the world. Wake up. Clinton's failure were devastating and Obama's will be even more horrendous. I believe the FBI has a place in America. But the FBI is the wrong group to lead this type of investigation. There should not be much of a investigation. We kill the pirates and get our citizen back. Very simple. Even a lib could understand that. So why did Obama task the FBI with this job? Clinton lite?

Will Obama grant the necessary authority the the military needs to finish this? I doubt it. Obama is a arse. He like most stupid liberals have no understanding of what is needed to keep Americans safe.

He is a global suck arse that has been shot down by the global community. He failed to achieve any of his goals on his world tour because people understand he is a bad joke the rest of America and the world will have to pay for.

[Rogah]

If you negotiate with these people the problem just gets worse. Their only motive is profit anything other then surrender or be killed is a success in their eyes and will keep them coming back.This is absolutely true. Fact is that by negotiating with these sorts of people, you only encourage the activity.

The problem is that it seems heartless to allow a prisoner to die instead of negotiating his release. There's no way of knowing who's lives are saved later on down the line but we all get to see the grieving family of the person who was executed because we refused to negotiate. (Obviously what I've written in this paragraph did not happen in this particular instance, but I am speaking from a general policy point of view.)

I have spent the past week or so being critical of Obama (on others issues), so I will gladly give him props for a job well done here. He didn't overplay his hand, nor did he capitulate. He delegated the necessary authority to the necessary people, and it was a textbook operation from top to bottom.

[DIAF]

OK. It is not political. Obama like Clinton treated this like a crime scene at a bank robbery and had the FBI leading the investigation. Why did he do that?

You have zero under standing of how the military works. You claim the Captain that unleashed the SEALS had nothing to do with the rescue. He found a loophole that Obama left open and ordered the SEALS to take it. He used the Obama made up rules of engagement to his advantage. Without the strong leadership of the SEALS and the Captain that gave the OK that man would have been dead and dragged through the street of Somalia just like under Clinton. Then we would have cut and run, because that is what Democrats do. They cut and run.

Obama is a puss pacificist that sends his spare time apologizing for these types of actions. It was very arrogant of us to kill those merchant marine organizers from that third world crap hole. That is what Obama believes based on his insane view of the world. Wake up. Clinton's failure were devastating and Obama's will be even more horrendous. I believe the FBI has a place in America. But the FBI is the wrong group to lead this type of investigation. There should not be much of a investigation. We kill the pirates and get our citizen back. Very simple. Even a lib could understand that. So why did Obama task the FBI with this job? Clinton lite?

Will Obama grant the necessary authority the the military needs to finish this? I doubt it. Obama is a arse. He like most stupid liberals have no understanding of what is needed to keep Americans safe.

He is a global suck arse that has been shot down by the global community. He failed to achieve any of his goals on his world tour because people understand he is a bad joke the rest of America and the world will have to pay for.


:rolleyes:

I daresay you, as someone not in the military and posting from his computer in Kansas, knows nothing about this incident or how it actually played out other than what you heard reported on the news.

Some people will go to any lengths to bash the President. First that Masters thread, now this.

[xWraithx]

Pirates vow to Kill U.S., French sailors (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/13/somalia.pirates.revenge/index.html)

our moronic leaders should have finished the damn job in '93

[tyke1doe]

:rolleyes:

I daresay you, as someone not in the military and posting from his computer in Kansas, knows nothing about this incident or how it actually played out other than what you heard reported on the news.

Some people will go to any lengths to bash the President. First that Masters thread, now this.

I'm always amazed at the level of expertise found on the Internet. Maybe we should listen to Internet posters more. We'd have found the cure for cancer, AIDs and world peace by now. ;) :D

[JBond]

:rolleyes:

I daresay you, as someone not in the military and posting from his computer in Kansas, knows nothing about this incident or how it actually played out other than what you heard reported on the news.

Some people will go to any lengths to bash the President. First that Masters thread, now this.

Good job. So why did Obama have the FBI lead the investigation? Clinton lite? Do you have anything to add, or is this just another random post against a Conservative?

Not a surprise you would back a left leaning mod. Both she and I know I am 100% correct. You on the other hand are clueless.

Edit: At least you have found a friend in little tyke. I am sure VC and the others will back you up also.

[sbark]

The left on DKos now attacking Phillips....."lets not make this political......"

DailyKos Kook Attacks Heroic Capt. Phillips (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2228090/posts)
American Spectator ^ (http://www.freerepublic.com/%5Ehttp://spectator.org/blog/2009/04/13/dailykos-kook-attacks-heroic-c) | April 13, 2009 | Matthew Vadum

Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 11:44:31 AM by vadum (http://www.freerepublic.com/~vadum/)

You have to wonder what runs through the minds of some of the kooks at DailyKos.
Amazingly, one America-hating Kossack who goes by the handle "KLS (http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/12/202052/107)" actually denounced rescued Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips (http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/04/at_his_alma_mat.html) for "recklessly put[ting] himself, the crew, and the Navy Seals at unnecessary risk." In a piece that was spotlighted at RealClearPolitics (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/best_of_the_blogs/), KLS wrote:
The pirates' modus operandi is that they hold the crew, ship, and cargo harmlessly until a lot of money is paid to them. Phillips "heroic" actions put his crew and himself at risk. If he'd done nothing except acquiesce to the pirates' demands, there would have been no risk, just possible discomfort until the extortion money was paid. Instead he put himself and the Seals at grave risk.
I applaud the crew, the Seals, and the military chain of command for their actions. I think Phillips was in error--if not a grandstander, then greatly misguided. [...] The actual result is that Maersk, the shipowner, saved a lot of money that would have been lost with the ship inactive and off charter while it sat idle in a pirate port. Is this worth the deadly risk to the crew and the Seals? Not to me.

Of course KLS assumes that (i) he or she knows the standing orders that apply to the Maersk Alabama (ii) the pirates were honorable fair play-loving chaps who would not have harmed Phillips (iii) the ransom would have been paid, and (iv) with the ransom paid the pirates would have actually let Phillips go. As Gateway Pundit (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/figures-far-left-blog-says-capt.html) notes, "Only on the left are heroes like Captain Phillips, who put his life in danger for the freedom of his men, called grandstanders." [...]

[sacase]

The left on DKos now attacking Phillips....."lets not make this political......"

DailyKos Kook Attacks Heroic Capt. Phillips (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2228090/posts)
American Spectator ^ (http://www.freerepublic.com/%5Ehttp://spectator.org/blog/2009/04/13/dailykos-kook-attacks-heroic-c)| April 13, 2009 | Matthew Vadum

Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 11:44:31 AM by vadum (http://www.freerepublic.com/~vadum/)

You have to wonder what runs through the minds of some of the kooks at DailyKos.
Amazingly, one America-hating Kossack who goes by the handle "KLS (http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/12/202052/107)" actually denounced rescued Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips (http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/04/at_his_alma_mat.html) for "recklessly put[ting] himself, the crew, and the Navy Seals at unnecessary risk." In a piece that was spotlighted at RealClearPolitics (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/best_of_the_blogs/), KLS wrote:

The pirates' modus operandi is that they hold the crew, ship, and cargo harmlessly until a lot of money is paid to them. Phillips "heroic" actions put his crew and himself at risk. If he'd done nothing except acquiesce to the pirates' demands, there would have been no risk, just possible discomfort until the extortion money was paid. Instead he put himself and the Seals at grave risk.

I applaud the crew, the Seals, and the military chain of command for their actions. I think Phillips was in error--if not a grandstander, then greatly misguided. [...] The actual result is that Maersk, the shipowner, saved a lot of money that would have been lost with the ship inactive and off charter while it sat idle in a pirate port. Is this worth the deadly risk to the crew and the Seals? Not to me.
Of course KLS assumes that (i) he or she knows the standing orders that apply to the Maersk Alabama (ii) the pirates were honorable fair play-loving chaps who would not have harmed Phillips (iii) the ransom would have been paid, and (iv) with the ransom paid the pirates would have actually let Phillips go. As Gateway Pundit (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/figures-far-left-blog-says-capt.html) notes, "Only on the left are heroes like Captain Phillips, who put his life in danger for the freedom of his men, called grandstanders." [...]

So basically he wants to encourage terrorism and piracy. Great.

[zrinkill]

The pirates' modus operandi is that they hold the crew, ship, and cargo harmlessly until a lot of money is paid to them. Phillips "heroic" actions put his crew and himself at risk. If he'd done nothing except acquiesce to the pirates' demands, there would have been no risk, just possible discomfort until the extortion money was paid.

Its unbelievable that people actually feel this way.

I really hate what humans are becoming.

[DIAF]

Good job. So why did Obama have the FBI lead the investigation? Clinton lite? Do you have anything to add, or is this just another random post against a Conservative?

Not a surprise you would back a left leaning mod. Both she and I know I am 100% correct. You on the other hand are clueless.

Edit: At least you have found a friend in little tyke. I am sure VC and the others will back you up also.

No, it's a random post against idiocy. The only thing "political" about this thread are what the conservabots on this board brought into it.

It's a kidnapping. It's a hostage situation. The military is not suited to these kinds of situations. The FBI is. Is this so hard for your brain to understand? Oh wait, it probably is.

[tyke1doe]

No, it's a random post against idiocy. The only thing "political" about this thread are what the conservabots on this board brought into it.

It's a kidnapping. It's a hostage situation. The military is not suited to these kinds of situations. The FBI is. Is this so hard for your brain to understand? Oh wait, it probably is.

At some point, you have to give up. Some posters just aren't going to get it.

[vta]

The left on DKos now attacking Phillips....."lets not make this political......"

DailyKos Kook Attacks Heroic Capt. Phillips (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2228090/posts)
American Spectator ^ (http://www.freerepublic.com/%5Ehttp://spectator.org/blog/2009/04/13/dailykos-kook-attacks-heroic-c) | April 13, 2009 | Matthew Vadum

Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 11:44:31 AM by vadum (http://www.freerepublic.com/~vadum/)

You have to wonder what runs through the minds of some of the kooks at DailyKos.
Amazingly, one America-hating Kossack who goes by the handle "KLS (http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/12/202052/107)" actually denounced rescued Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips (http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/04/at_his_alma_mat.html) for "recklessly put[ting] himself, the crew, and the Navy Seals at unnecessary risk." In a piece that was spotlighted at RealClearPolitics (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/best_of_the_blogs/), KLS wrote:
The pirates' modus operandi is that they hold the crew, ship, and cargo harmlessly until a lot of money is paid to them. Phillips "heroic" actions put his crew and himself at risk. If he'd done nothing except acquiesce to the pirates' demands, there would have been no risk, just possible discomfort until the extortion money was paid. Instead he put himself and the Seals at grave risk.
I applaud the crew, the Seals, and the military chain of command for their actions. I think Phillips was in error--if not a grandstander, then greatly misguided. [...] The actual result is that Maersk, the shipowner, saved a lot of money that would have been lost with the ship inactive and off charter while it sat idle in a pirate port. Is this worth the deadly risk to the crew and the Seals? Not to me.

Of course KLS assumes that (i) he or she knows the standing orders that apply to the Maersk Alabama (ii) the pirates were honorable fair play-loving chaps who would not have harmed Phillips (iii) the ransom would have been paid, and (iv) with the ransom paid the pirates would have actually let Phillips go. As Gateway Pundit (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/figures-far-left-blog-says-capt.html) notes, "Only on the left are heroes like Captain Phillips, who put his life in danger for the freedom of his men, called grandstanders." [...]

This clown should try telling this to the Canadian journalist who'd been raped and impregnated by pirates... if and when she's freed of course.

[zrinkill]

No, it's a random post against idiocy. The only thing "political" about this thread are what the conservabots on this board brought into it.

Most ironic thing I have seen today.

At some point, you have to give up. Some posters just aren't going to get it.

My thoughts exactly after reading these two quotes.

[masomenos]

Good job. So why did Obama have the FBI lead the investigation? Clinton lite? Do you have anything to add, or is this just another random post against a Conservative?

Not a surprise you would back a left leaning mod. Both she and I know I am 100% correct. You on the other hand are clueless.

Edit: At least you have found a friend in little tyke. I am sure VC and the others will back you up also.

I think that the FBI came in because they had the best negotiators. Now, I know some hate the idea of negotiating, but I don't think that we were ever considering paying a ransom for the captain. If keeping the captain alive was really our top priority, then starting off with negotiations makes the most sense. It's pretty clear that was going no where though, so I'm glad that the SEALs got a chance to be the total bad ***** that they are.

Mainly, I'm glad that the captain is still alive.

[bbgun]

Doesn't Obama realize that killing pirates only creates more pirates?!?!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[sacase]

No, it's a random post against idiocy. The only thing "political" about this thread are what the conservabots on this board brought into it.

It's a kidnapping. It's a hostage situation. The military is not suited to these kinds of situations. The FBI is. Is this so hard for your brain to understand? Oh wait, it probably is.

Military is not suited to this situation huh? Then why is it that this is exactly what Delta trains for? Hell, SEALS, SF and Rangers all train for this. This wasn't even a take the boat situation with CQB, this was a simple (not saying the shot was easy, because it was not) sniper scenario. Military solved the problem, FBI didn't.

I think that the FBI came in because they had the best negotiators. Now, I know some hate the idea of negotiating, but I don't think that we were ever considering paying a ransom for the captain. If keeping the captain alive was really our top priority, then starting off with negotiations makes the most sense. It's pretty clear that was going no where though, so I'm glad that the SEALs got a chance to be the total bad ***** that they are.

Mainly, I'm glad that the captain is still alive.

Negotiations should have been simple. Give us back the American or you die. You kill the American, you die. You give him to us, you live and we just prosecute you in court and you get a nice comfy cell and clean clothes and three meals every day. Rather than living in a mud hut and wondering where your next meal is coming from. That is it. I don't want to hear crap about waiting to get people in place. We have SF guys within 2 hours of there.

[DIAF]

Military is not suited to this situation huh? Then why is it that this is exactly what Delta trains for? Hell, SEALS, SF and Rangers all train for this. This wasn't even a take the boat situation with CQB, this was a simple (not saying the shot was easy, because it was not) sniper scenario. Military solved the problem, FBI didn't.



Negotiations should have been simple. Give us back the American or you die. You kill the American, you die. You give him to us, you live and we just prosecute you in court and you get a nice comfy cell and clean clothes and three meals every day. Rather than living in a mud hut and wondering where your next meal is coming from. That is it. I don't want to hear crap about waiting to get people in place. We have SF guys within 2 hours of there.

Again, another internet military expert. And apparently, an expert in hostage negotiation as well. Yeah, i'm sure negotiations are always that simple. Remember, the goal is to get the hostage out alive.

I'm going to say the professionals that do this for a living know a hell of a lot more about this than you or I do.

[burmafrd]

And you are of course the expert DIAF.

[burmafrd]

This is not in the US. This is on the high seas. Therefore it is a MILITARY first operation. The FBI has no authority outside the borders of the us. Got that?

[DIAF]

And you are of course the expert DIAF.

Nope. But I feel pretty confident in saying that the professionals in question are right, and that certain bleating forumites are wrong. If you don't see why, you are perhaps not as smart as I thought.

[burmafrd]

Sadly some of those so called professionals (mainly POLITICAL) are not. And competency is much more limited at the higher levels. I have met a whole lot more outstanding majors then generals.

[DIAF]

This is not in the US. This is on the high seas. Therefore it is a MILITARY first operation. The FBI has no authority outside the borders of the us. Got that?

And you know better than all the FBI officials, military commanders, and the command of the US Navy? The Navy called the FBI in.

[Jarv]

The FBI negotiations were just a stall tactic until the Seals could be put in place. We do not negotiate with terrorist plain and simple, which is what the pirates were (In the past tense because they are dead).

[burmafrd]

DIAF what part of NO AUTHORITY do you not get? They can be invited in as consultants or to give advice but THAT IS IT.

[DFWJC]

Again, another internet military expert. And apparently, an expert in hostage negotiation as well. Yeah, i'm sure negotiations are always that simple. Remember, the goal is to get the hostage out alive.
.
Partially true with a caveat being to get them out without giving up the ransom demand. Otherwise, they have suceeded and will continue to do same thing until you stop giving in to their demands.

[DIAF]

DIAF what part of NO AUTHORITY do you not get? They can be invited in as consultants or to give advice but THAT IS IT.

Yeah, and that's EXACTLY what they did. What exactly are you complaining about?

[burmafrd]

You said the FBI was in charge I do believe earlier on when they first were announced. If it was not you I am sorry. BUT the point is that they were NEVER in CHARGE or NEVER had authority and many seem to think otherwise.

[DIAF]

You said the FBI was in charge I do believe earlier on when they first were announced. If it was not you I am sorry. BUT the point is that they were NEVER in CHARGE or NEVER had authority and many seem to think otherwise.

No one ever said the FBI was "in charge". JBond said the FBI were "leading" the investigation, which they were under the direction of Naval command.

[sacase]

Again, another internet military expert. And apparently, an expert in hostage negotiation as well. Yeah, i'm sure negotiations are always that simple. Remember, the goal is to get the hostage out alive.

I'm going to say the professionals that do this for a living know a hell of a lot more about this than you or I do.

Internet Military expert huh?


Counterintelligence Team Lead and Analyst/Planner with the Operations Support Campaign Branch (DCC2), Defense Counterintelligence and HUMINT Center. Leader of a two person team maintaining visibility on all Counterintelligence (CI) activities supporting Counterterrorism (CT) operations in the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) and the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Area of operations (AOR). Responsibilities include: All Source CT analysis and CI planning support to CT; developing project plans and creating operational support packages using all source intelligence and link diagrams on individuals and entities for exploitation by DoD CI, or Intelligence Community (IC) and Law Enforcement (LE) in support of Special Operations Command (SOCOM); and coordinating with other governmental agencies to in USPACOM and USAFRICOM CI/CT mission requirements. Served as the DCC2 representative to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) headquarters element. In addition, deployed to Djibouti for 60 days to provide CI/CT analytical support of operations involving United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF).


That is just the last couple years of work.

[Cajuncowboy]

Internet Military expert huh?



That is just the last couple years of work.

Ok. There are time when it is good to be able to read posts by those who are on ignore.

Ownage at it's best!

:lmao:

:bow:

[Beast_from_East]

OK. It is not political. Obama like Clinton treated this like a crime scene at a bank robbery and had the FBI leading the investigation. Why did he do that?

You have zero under standing of how the military works. You claim the Captain that unleashed the SEALS had nothing to do with the rescue. He found a loophole that Obama left open and ordered the SEALS to take it. He used the Obama made up rules of engagement to his advantage. Without the strong leadership of the SEALS and the Captain that gave the OK that man would have been dead and dragged through the street of Somalia just like under Clinton. Then we would have cut and run, because that is what Democrats do. They cut and run.

Obama is a puss pacificist that sends his spare time apologizing for these types of actions. It was very arrogant of us to kill those merchant marine organizers from that third world crap hole. That is what Obama believes based on his insane view of the world. Wake up. Clinton's failure were devastating and Obama's will be even more horrendous. I believe the FBI has a place in America. But the FBI is the wrong group to lead this type of investigation. There should not be much of a investigation. We kill the pirates and get our citizen back. Very simple. Even a lib could understand that. So why did Obama task the FBI with this job? Clinton lite?

Will Obama grant the necessary authority the the military needs to finish this? I doubt it. Obama is a arse. He like most stupid liberals have no understanding of what is needed to keep Americans safe.

He is a global suck arse that has been shot down by the global community. He failed to achieve any of his goals on his world tour because people understand he is a bad joke the rest of America and the world will have to pay for.

Wow, listen to Rush Limbaugh much???


First, the FBI was involved due to this being a hostage situation. FBI negotiaters were on the scene, they are professional and do this day in and day out. You do understand that in a hostage situation, you dont just start shooting immediately? You try to negotiate and gain the release of the hostage first, then if that fails you move on to use of force.

Why is it a crime scene? Could be because they need to collect evidence in order to prosecute the one pirate they did capture. See, I know the concept of actually giving somebody a trial is new to some of the Bush guys in here, but the days of throwing somebody in prison and throwing away the key without even giving them a 2 min hearing before a judge is over.

As far as the other dribble about Obama cutting and running, being a pacifist, and having an insane world view, is just crazy. Is Obama cutting and running in Iraq? We still have over 150,000 combat troops there and it was Bush that signed the SOFA that gave a pull out date (I thought Repubs were against a timeline?).

Is Obama being a pacifist by sending an additional 20,000 combat troops to Afhganistan? We now have around 50,000 combat troops in that country.

Is Obama being a pacifist by ordering drone attacks across in border into Pakistan, even against the wishes of that government? Reports have stated that as many as 20-30 Predator drone attacks have been ordered by Obama across the border in Pakistan?


So does a radical pacifist leave 150,000 combat troops in Iraq until the pull out date agreed to by the previous President under SOFA? Does a radical pacifist order an additional 20,000 combat troops to Afghanistan? Does a pacifist order 20-30 Predator drone attacks inside the border of an allie, even against the wishes of that government?


Try looking at the facts instead of regurgatating Rush Limbaugh's talking points.

[burmafrd]

and try using some common sense then trying to blame Rush for everything (interesting that you are using the democrats talking points by trying to use RUsh)

He will be tried in military court since the crime scene was outside of US jurisdiction I do believe. As I have pointed out the FBI has no jurisdiction or authority beyond that of consultants outside the US.

Now I do recall there was something once where there was a mechanism put in place to try ones like this one in US court for crimes committed against US citizens outside the US but whether it is still around or not I am not sure.

Beast just for your education Piracy has been cause for summary execution for quite a while= no trial is technically necessary. I know that law from 1802 is a little old but it is still on the books. And frankly I see the bleating from the likes of you about terrorists and pirates being given rights sickening.

[ScipioCowboy]

Ok. There are time when it is good to be able to read posts by those who are on ignore.

Ownage at it's best!

:lmao:

:bow:

Ownage of that magnitude is rare.:D

[zrinkill]

Internet Military expert huh?



That is just the last couple years of work.

Awesome.

[Rogah]

Internet Military expert huh?



That is just the last couple years of work.That's it..? And you consider yourself an expert in the field..?!? :D

Actually, all kidding aside, do you mind if I cut-and-paste all that stuff onto my own resume to beef it up a little? :D

[SuspectCorner]

Some conservatives wouldn't give Obama any credit if he'd actually pulled the trigger on the triple-shoot himself.

Yes, he delegated the authority. Hello - he's the POTUS, not a special ops SEAL sniper.

How many here actually believe that, had Dubya rather than Obama - and under these same exact circumstances, made the exact same calls... that these selfsame conservatives wouldn't be all over his sackage in full-on worship mode?

Good call from above.

Great execution by the SEALs... literally.

[trickblue]

Some conservatives wouldn't give Obama any credit if he'd actually pulled the trigger on the triple-shoot himself.

Yes, he delegated the authority. Hello - he's the POTUS, not a special ops SEAL sniper.

How many here actually believe that, had Dubya rather than Obama - and under these same exact circumstances, made the exact same calls... that these selfsame conservatives wouldn't be all over his sackage in full-on worship mode?

Good call from above.

Great execution by the SEALs... literally.

Some liberals wouldn't give Bush credit for anything either... ;)

http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50285586/Framed_Mirror.jpg

[DIAF]

Internet Military expert huh?



That is just the last couple years of work.

Uh, yeah, assuming that it's TRUE. This is the internet.

[DIAF]

Some liberals wouldn't give Bush credit for anything either... ;)

http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50285586/Framed_Mirror.jpg

Really though, Obama had very little to do with this whole thing. I get the feeling there's a looooooot of digging going on in this thread trying to pin the blame on him for something. It's like blaming Bush for the Blackwater square shooting.

[trickblue]

Really though, Obama had very little to do with this whole thing. I get the feeling there's a looooooot of digging going on in this thread trying to pin the blame on him for something. It's like blaming Bush for the Blackwater square shooting.

I think my point is that the President gets too much/not enough credit for things at times...

I'm onboard giving kudos in this thread... but I still don't like Obama as a president...

I think he is dangerous to our way of life, but I am certainly going to give credit when due... just like I did with Bush and Clinton...

[Rogah]

Uh, yeah, assuming that it's TRUE. This is the internet.Laaaa-ame. :rolleyes:

[SuspectCorner]

Some liberals wouldn't give Bush credit for anything either... ;)

http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50285586/Framed_Mirror.jpg

True dat. And no President has a perfect (?) record of screwing up at every turn. The "Bush backlash" is the culmination of eight years of concerted effort on the part of his administration. Do I need to remind you that his own party sought to distance themselves from his legacy during the runup to the last general election? No, sir - I believe I do not.

Any comparison of Obama to Bush will be lopsided at this juncture. But being less than 100 days into HIS adminstration - Obama will have plenty of opportunities to fulfill conservative projections.

This just wasn't one that played into those projections. Fact.

If he engineered a lasting Middle East peace tomorrow - some conservatives would decry him as a "****ing pacifist".

[Hostile]

Uh, yeah, assuming that it's TRUE. This is the internet.I can vouch for him. It's true.

[trickblue]

True dat. And no President has a perfect (?) record of screwing up at every turn. The "Bush backlash" is the culmination of eight years of concerted effort on the part of his administration. Do I need to remind you that his own party sought to distance themselves from his legacy during the runup to the last general election? No, sir - I believe I do not.

Any comparison of Obama to Bush will be lopsided at this juncture. But being less than 100 days into HIS adminstration - Obama will have plenty of opportunities to fulfill conservative projections.

This just wasn't one that played into those projections. Fact.

If he engineered a lasting Middle East peace tomorrow - some conservatives would decry him as a "****ing pacifist".

He didn't screw up at every turn... and he isn't the idiot he is portrayed to be. I didn't vote for him, but I can see through the crap...

If you really want to look for the worst president in modern times look to the 1976 election... we are still reeling from his decisions... almost 30 years later...

[SuspectCorner]

He didn't screw up at every turn... and he isn't the idiot he is portrayed to be. I didn't vote for him, but I can see through the crap...

If you really want to look for the worst president in modern times look to the 1976 election... we are still reeling from his decisions... almost 30 years later...

Again, I stated "no President has a perfect (?) record of screwing up at every turn."

Although he wrapped up his term as an unpopular President of historic proportions - Bush, also, did not screw up at every turn. Bush is not a sympathetic character in my book. But he wasn't impeached nor was he forced to resign in disgrace.

There have been worse. Not that he should brag or anything. :D

[trickblue]

Again, I stated "no President has a perfect (?) record of screwing up at every turn."

Although he wrapped up his term as an unpopular President of historic proportions - Bush, also, did not screw up at every turn. Bush is not a sympathetic character in my book. But he wasn't impeached nor was he forced to resign in disgrace.

There have been worse. Not that he should brag or anything. :D

He has many things not to brag about... and I could care less for him...

BUT... he pales in comparison to Carter... and Carter gets passes on a daily basis... and he is directly responsible for a lot of our problems even today...

The press loves to rail on Reagan, but Carter gets a pass...

[masomenos]

http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50285586/Framed_Mirror.jpg

Is that a door knocker???




;)

[SuspectCorner]

Is that a door knocker???




;)

I was gonna guess the wicked stepmother's (Queen's) mirror frame from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"... :D

[trickblue]

Is that a door knocker???




;)

I was gonna guess the wicked stepmother's (Queen's) mirror frame from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"... :D

Ahhh... yes... the legend holds true...

We never see our ownselves in the mirror... ;)

[SuspectCorner]

Ahhh... yes... the legend holds true...

We never see our ownselves in the mirror... ;)

It's always the subtle ones that you have to watch out for... ;)

[trickblue]

It's always the subtle ones that you have to watch out for... ;)

You are certainly on my watch list... :D

[trickblue]

True dat. And no President has a perfect (?) record of screwing up at every turn. The "Bush backlash" is the culmination of eight years of concerted effort on the part of his administration. Do I need to remind you that his own party sought to distance themselves from his legacy during the runup to the last general election? No, sir - I believe I do not.

Any comparison of Obama to Bush will be lopsided at this juncture. But being less than 100 days into HIS adminstration - Obama will have plenty of opportunities to fulfill conservative projections.

This just wasn't one that played into those projections. Fact.

If he engineered a lasting Middle East peace tomorrow - some conservatives would decry him as a "****ing pacifist".

Oh I disagree... true Conservatives put country ahead of ideology... provided that our way of life isn't compromised...

I certainly want the best for this country... always have... always will...

I have no problem criticizing Obama... or Bush or Clinton...

Nor do i have a problem giving credit when due...

Since I don't espouse to a particular party, I can afford to be intellectually honest... :D

[SuspectCorner]

Oh I disagree... true Conservatives put country ahead of ideology... provided that our way of life isn't compromised...

I certainly want the best for this country... always have... always will...

I have no problem criticizing Obama... or Bush or Clinton...

Nor do i have a problem giving credit when due...

Since I don't espouse to a particular party, I can afford to be intellectually honest... :D

Must be nice. Meanwhile, I'm married to the Dems. Oh, to be critical of every pol, anytime, anywhere... that must be liberating - err... libertarianating (or whatever the heck you call yourself in that party of one :D).

[trickblue]

Must be nice. Meanwhile, I'm married to the Dems. Oh, to be critical of every pol, anytime, anywhere... that must be liberating - err... libertarianating (or whatever the heck you call yourself in that party of one :D).

The party of one... yep... the party of individualism... the party of America... the party of free thinking... the one where I don't have to curb my beliefs for a party...

Incidentally... I am not critical of every pol, anytime, anywhere... I call them as I see them...

On the other hand, I can imagine your dilemna of receiving your talking directives via email and having to go out and defend them whether you believe them or not. I can say as I feel without worrying about how Howard Dean would view me if we were having sushi together...

See... I can compliment either party if one actually does some good... you? not so much... ;)

[SuspectCorner]

The party of one... yep... the party of individualism... the party of America... the party of free thinking... the one where I don't have to curb my beliefs for a party...

Incidentally... I am not critical of every pol, anytime, anywhere... I call them as I see them...

On the other hand, I can imagine your dilemna of receiving your talking directives via email and having to go out and defend them whether you believe them or not. I can say as I feel without worrying about how Howard Dean would view me if we were having sushi together...

See... I can compliment either party if one actually does some good... you? not so much... ;)

Oh, I way exaggerate my affiliation to a party - but wouldn't expect you to get that. I don't need you to, either.

As for the e-mail thing - hilarious. The viral e-mails I have received are lopsidedly mindless conserva-hack in origin.

Also, I don't need any "side" to tell me what I think. Cognitive thought is no struggle whatsoever. I like sushi but I don't worry that Howard Dean is impressed by that - or by me, either.

And your mavericky lone-wolf thing? Next time you're shaving you'll be looking at the person most impressed by it. :D

[trickblue]

Oh, I way exaggerate my affiliation to a party - but wouldn't expect you to get that. I don't need you to, either.

Yes you do... ;)

As for the e-mail thing - hilarious. The viral e-mails I have received are lopsidedly mindless conserva-hack in origin.

I can believe that... but it is severely over balanced by the MSM going the other way...


Also, I don't need any "side" to tell me what I think. Cognitive thought is no struggle whatsoever. I like sushi but I don't worry that Howard Dean is impressed by that - or by me, either.

Yes you do... you take the immediate opposite... no credit... at no time to the other side...

And your mavericky lone-wolf thing? Next time your shaving you'll be looking at the person most impressed by it. :D

I am mavericky I guess, but at least I have no issues actually looking at myself in the mirror on a daily basis...

Oh you will say you don't... but you do...

And I can't blame you... as being a decent human being would have you questioning your directives (and I think you are a decent human being). Selling one's soul is a difficult thing I would imagine... but you'll have to fill us in on what it's like... :D

[SuspectCorner]

Yes you do... ;)



I can believe that... but it is severely over balanced by the MSM going the other way...




Yes you do... you take the immediate opposite... no credit... at no time to the other side...



I am mavericky I guess, but at least I have no issues actually looking at myself in the mirror on a daily basis...

Oh you will say you don't... but you do...

And I can't blame you... as being a decent human being would have you questioning your directives (and I think you are a decent human being). Selling one's soul is a difficult thing I would imagine... but you'll have to fill us in on what it's like... :D

I like you too, trickblue. :p:

[masomenos]

I am mavericky I guess, but at least I have no issues actually looking at myself in the mirror on a daily basis...



Maybe you're just a narcissist. :D

[tyke1doe]

Again, another internet military expert. And apparently, an expert in hostage negotiation as well. Yeah, i'm sure negotiations are always that simple. Remember, the goal is to get the hostage out alive.

I'm going to say the professionals that do this for a living know a hell of a lot more about this than you or I do.

You gotta love it. :laugh2:

[sacase]

I can vouch for him. It's true.

Thanks for the support Hos.

DIAF, considering I have actually been to the area and have working experience with that area of the world I know what I am talking about.

[WoodysGirl]

Maybe you're just a narcissist. :D
Or a phony... ;)

[trickblue]

Maybe you're just a narcissist. :D

Or a phony... ;)

Or just a damn handsome man... ;)

[Hostile]

Thanks for the support Hos.

DIAF, considering I have actually been to the area and have working experience with that area of the world I know what I am talking about.My pleasure. I forgot to tell you (I did tell Ethiostar) that I finally tried that Ethiopian restaurant.

I got a take out order of yegeb wat and injera bread. I apologize if I misspelled those. I did last time when telling Ethio.

I did not use a fork or spoon. I ate with the bread like the folks in the restaurant did.

Very good.

[WoodysGirl]

Or just a conceited beyond belief man... ;)Fixed.. :p:

My pleasure. I forgot to tell you (I did tell Ethiostar) that I finally tried that Ethiopian restaurant.

I got a take out order of yegeb wat and injera bread. I apologize if I misspelled those. I did last time when telling Ethio.

I did not use a fork or spoon. I ate with the bread like the folks in the restaurant did.

Very good.I've only tried Ethiopian food once, but it was delish. One of my classmates brought a couple of traditional Ethiopian dishes on the last day of class for everyone to try. I have no idea what I ate, other than one of the dishes was mustardy...and like you I ate it with the bread.

There were some folks who chose not to partake. I admit, I was greedy and took their servings. :p:

[trickblue]

Fixed.. :p:



You know... I have proof that you pick on only good looking people...

It may get me banned but you know it's true...

You have warned me countless times for being too good looking... you know it's true... I know it's true...

[WoodysGirl]

You know... I have proof that you pick on only good looking people...

It may get me banned but you know it's true...

You have warned me countless times for being too good looking... you know it's true... I know it's true...Actually, I like guys who can lure big fish. We're not gonna talk about that tiny goldfish you got out of the water. ;) :p:

[trickblue]

Actually, I like guys who can lure big fish. We're not gonna talk about that tiny goldfish you got out of the water. ;) :p:

May have been a little fish, but I reeled it in using my size 13 shoes as my base... ;)

[sacase]

My pleasure. I forgot to tell you (I did tell Ethiostar) that I finally tried that Ethiopian restaurant.

I got a take out order of yegeb wat and injera bread. I apologize if I misspelled those. I did last time when telling Ethio.

I did not use a fork or spoon. I ate with the bread like the folks in the restaurant did.

Very good.

Yeah it is such good food. I love going to the resteraunt. There is a take out place near me so I go there all the time. Damn You got my mouth watering I might have to get some tonite.

[WoodysGirl]

May have been a little fish, but I reeled it in using my size 13 shoes as my base... ;)
You know Big Foot is a myth, right.. :laugh2:

[trickblue]

You know Big Foot is a myth, right.. :laugh2:

ORLY?

[Hostile]

Yeah it is such good food. I love going to the resteraunt. There is a take out place near me so I go there all the time. Damn You got my mouth watering I might have to get some tonite.Glad I could be of assistance in planning your menu.

[Cajuncowboy]

Some conservatives wouldn't give Obama any credit if he'd actually pulled the trigger on the triple-shoot himself.

Yes, he delegated the authority. Hello - he's the POTUS, not a special ops SEAL sniper.

How many here actually believe that, had Dubya rather than Obama - and under these same exact circumstances, made the exact same calls... that these selfsame conservatives wouldn't be all over his sackage in full-on worship mode?

Good call from above.

Great execution by the SEALs... literally.

I gave Obama praise all along on this. Conservatives WILL give praise when it's earned. Just like we did with Bush. Mainly we have problems with his policies which we see as destructive to this country.

But had Bush been in this same scenario, I doubt you would have praised HIM.

[SuspectCorner]

I gave Obama praise all along on this. Conservatives WILL give praise when it's earned. Just like we did with Bush. Mainly we have problems with his policies which we see as destructive to this country.

But had Bush been in this same scenario, I doubt you would have praised HIM.

I noticed.

I'm not trying to deify Obama over this. He authorized the use of lethal force in case an opportunity for advantage arose. And while I'm clearly NOT one of Dubya's biggest fans - he likely would have handled the situation similarly.

As far as Obama's policies? Conservatives have had many years to impress us with THEIR policies - and based on the results of the last general election - I'd say they did. :)

[Cajuncowboy]

I noticed.

I'm not trying to deify Obama over this. He authorized the use of lethal force in case an opportunity for advantage arose. And while I'm clearly NOT one of Dubya's biggest fans - he likely would have handled the situation similarly.

As far as Obama's policies? Conservatives have had many years to impress us with THEIR policies - and based on the results of the last general election - I'd say they did. :)

No, conservatives didn't. What you saw was moderates posing as conservatives until elected. Which is why the republicans lost the last two elections. Because conservatives bailed on the Republican party.

[burmafrd]

You have to remember that to those like suspect anyone that does not agree with him is a crazy right wing fanatic. For all the so called tolerance preached by his ilk they are the most intolerant and hateful people around.
Bush and the republican congress was only marginally conservative on the social side of things; in just about every other way except defense they were LIBERAL

True Conservatives would have cut spending, balanced the budget, controlled the borders, cracked down on illegal immigration, retarded the growth in government, and at the same time kept a better eye on banks and mortgage lenders.

[Hostile]

You have to remember that to those like suspect anyone that does not agree with him is a crazy right wing fanatic. For all the so called tolerance preached by his ilk they are the most intolerant and hateful people around.
Bush and the republican congress was only marginally conservative on the social side of things; in just about every other way except defense they were LIBERAL

True Conservatives would have cut spending, balanced the budget, controlled the borders, cracked down on illegal immigration, retarded the growth in government, and at the same time kept a better eye on banks and mortgage lenders.Did the irony of that comment cause anyone else to chuckle.

[bbgun]

You know Big Foot is a myth, right.. :laugh2:

wrong

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2613428&postcount=20

[BrAinPaiNt]

Did the irony of that comment cause anyone else to chuckle.

I have come to the conclusion that he is just doing it for reactions. I hope that is what it really is, because if he really is the way he portrays himself...it is much scarier.

I play games and have fun but I admit it...I have asked him multiple times if he is serious but always refuses to answer.

[BrAinPaiNt]

wrong

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2613428&postcount=20

Next time you want to show a linky of the sexy...give us a warning.

[WoodysGirl]

Next time you want to show a linky of the sexy...give us a warning.
I agree with the warning part... *shivers*

[BrAinPaiNt]

I agree with the warning part... *shivers*

That's right...the pure sexual animal magnetism of that pic just gives the womens the shivers and makes them want to call out to the wild.

It's ok...I am used to it.

:p:

[WoodysGirl]

That's right...the pure sexual animal magnetism of that pic just gives the womens the shivers and makes them want to call out to the wild.

It's ok...I am used to it.

:p:
Whatever makes you sleep at night.

I'm still trying not to gouge my eyes out in horror. lol

[bbgun]

Next time you want to show a linky of the sexy...give us a warning.

That goes double for smoldering photos of myself.

http://www.123imagehost.com/uploads/235-504-dead-beat.jpg

WG, keep both hands on the keyboard, please.

[burmafrd]

I am only serious with people who are willing to be serious as well. Not those constantly refusing to answer and deflecting the thread to some other point.
Brain is not stupid enough to think that there is no difference between conservatives and RINO's which actually should not be called RINO's but instead CINO for conservative in name only. Yet he keeps up this fantasy that there is no difference. Now suspect and the the rest of the hard left here actually do not think at all so they are not really worth treating seriously just tweaking for enjoyments sake. Sort of like with VC and his fantasy that anyone with any ability to think at all believes him.
I despise the hard left and have only contempt for the soft left and the limp noodles that it mostly consists of. Moderates to me are milk toast and cold mashed potatoes and frankly boaring. Canadian is a special case as someone who tries to appear as completely amoral in every substantial way but I have a hunch its at least partly a pose. The Count and Irvin are funny in a pathetic kind of way. Sort of like JTerrel was with his hilary worship.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Whatever makes you sleep at night.

I'm still trying not to gouge my eyes out in horror. lol

I know you have the same problem...with bb and bob always cyber stalking you.:D

[BrAinPaiNt]

I am only serious with people who are willing to be serious as well. Not those constantly refusing to answer and deflecting the thread to some other point.
Brain is not stupid enough to think that there is no difference between conservatives and RINO's which actually should not be called RINO's but instead CINO for conservative in name only. Yet he keeps up this fantasy that there is no difference. Now suspect and the the rest of the hard left here actually do not think at all so they are not really worth treating seriously just tweaking for enjoyments sake. Sort of like with VC and his fantasy that anyone with any ability to think at all believes him.
I despise the hard left and have only contempt for the soft left and the limp noodles that it mostly consists of. Moderates to me are milk toast and cold mashed potatoes and frankly boaring. Canadian is a special case as someone who tries to appear as completely amoral in every substantial way but I have a hunch its at least partly a pose. The Count and Irvin are funny in a pathetic kind of way. Sort of like JTerrel was with his hilary worship.

Never said there was not a difference between conservatives, moderate conservatives, moderate republicans or rinos. That is your invention to what I say because you have an astounding lack of reading comprehension. Yet by your own definition of thinking Moderates are milk toast, cold mashed potatoes (thank you billy bob) that you find boring...well then quit voting for them or continue to look more foolish for voting for the same people you seem to have disdain and boredom for. Because the fact of the matter is you voted for them instead of voting for someone you claim to be more aligned to your political ideology. You did so for the sake of the REPUBLICAN PARTY not to be a conservative but to keep the republican party (which includes the moderates you voted for and rinos) in power.

Try that hat on for size cause that's one bad hat harry.:laugh2: