http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-20T23:01:01+00:00
More talk and more money (from the American people) will not solve the problems with the pirates. Let the owners of the merchant ships supply/pay for security service. The U.N. resolution, that SOS Clinton referred to, was not "robust" -- but a bust.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Thu Apr 16, 2009
@ Abdi in Massachusetts -- QUOTE 2- Hire these kids (pirates) as a Somali Navy and let them protect their ocean. END OF QUOTE. With all the respect, God bless us if we "contribute" this way!

Hello! These "kids" already belong to gangs that they "feed them" with anarchy, super guns, drugs and whatever they want to have in order for Pavlov�s theory to be a reality there and their "actions" harmonized with the local "dictator's" interest.

"Rebels" (their bosses) have millions of already stolen $, local power that you cannot imagine and NO MORALITY or ETHICS at all. For example, if you are a member of the gang, you can rape or have (one way, or another) the most beautiful girl of the "jungle" village. Actually, in any village in Africa. Do you think that these guys are willing to leave their "amenities" and work for a descent 10$/month job against their ex-bosses? Even if they do so, tens of new ones will become NEW PIRATES on a daily basis.

Money cannot always buy everything, especially when the other side is too "expensive".

P.S1. Abdi, with all the respect for your comments (again): it's not their ocean as you write. Oceans belong to Earth. There are no 7 "Seas", but only 1! And the name of this ONE "Ocean" is called HUMANITY & FREEDOM.

2. (I used this very recent entry path -- I changed "frequency" -- to write you back in order to help Blog's web-geo) Otherwise, I will get really "dizzy" (3 similar topics), unfortunately, without even a day for me on an Aden ship board! (LOL)!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Thu Apr 16, 2009
The effects of piracy are far reaching, and it's unfortunate that yet again people who already have next to nothing will be affected: http://bit.ly/RsyA5

The risk to delivering food aid, is a real concern for the millions of hungry in Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, southern Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo...]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Thu Apr 16, 2009
It would seem to me that it is in the world's best interest, for peace and stability and for the citizens of Somalia to have a Government of some sort installed.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Thu Apr 16, 2009
I saw nothing in Mrs. Clinton's speech that would dissuade a pirate from taking another ship. It seems pirates captured 4 more ships right after the speech was made.

Christina posted what most Americans are thinking -- arm the ship and let the ship's captain decide when to arm the crew and shoot the pirates.

Secretary Gates got it right: "The goal should be larger quantities of well-priced and versatile systems, instead of exquisite machines so costly and complex that they take forever to build and then only in very limited quantities."

We don't need more navy fleets floating around off the coast of Somalia. We need armed ship crews trained to kill pirates. There is no reason why Maritime Academies cannot offer marksmanship training, gun safety, and principles in the use of lethal force.

We don't need more meetings, conferences, studies, white papers, resolutions, etc. The US and other governments might help by limiting the civil liability of ship lines, captains and crew, during the use of deadly force in repelling pirate attacks.

Give the ship's captain an armory of small arms and ammunition to use at their discretion, and piracy will quickly disappear.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Wed Apr 15, 2009
Some years back we had an air hi-jacking problem. We implemented the Air Marshall program. It worked. Why not have well armed Sea Marshalls defend the ships with the authority to do whatever is necessary including shooting (killing) the pirates (criminals). Other countries could be encouraged to use a similar program to defend their own ships. It might work.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Wed Apr 15, 2009
The pirates all go to sea in a ship. Then get in small boats and go attack.

Watch the big ships and when a small boat leaves the big ship. wa la blow them up and wait for more. They casnt have that many ships. We have satilites? (of course it is mispelled.) One airplane, one ship, lots of rockets.

This info is free. If you need more, pleaqse feel free to ask.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Wed Apr 15, 2009
Dear Secretary Clinton,

A. How does our government send an envoy to attend the international Somali peacekeeping and development meeting scheduled in Brussels when they don't have an Established, Stable government???

This isn't very diplomatic but I'm sort of going for "Highly Effective," as evidenced by results: Shoot those pirating bastards out of the water and ask questions later!

My greatest fear is having anyone, foreign or domestic, viewing our gov't leadership as 'weak.' While I agreed we handled our initial hostage situation correctly w/ diplomacy, the pirates have obviously mistaken our generocity for weakness. I mean, seriously, they want to exact REVENGE on us?!? I believe this calls for a slightly more iron-fisted approach.

Anarchy is unacceptable under any circumstances, and must be dealt with in terms that are unequivocably understandable. Our actions must be in harmony with our words. Let our military response speak for itself. These pirates are threatening the very well being of our citizens. This is why we have an army, navy, air force, and marines--not to police other countries or foist democracy on anyone else.

I'm otherwise very pro-Democratic. But when the lives of my fellow Americans are endangered by anarchistic foreigners I'm all for a clear Shock And Awe response of Shoot Now; Ask Questions Later.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Wed Apr 15, 2009
Israel exists and is strong because it TAKES ACTION and does not waste time, money and effort.

Russia exists and is strong again because it TAKES ACTION and does not waste time, money and effort.

Both do what is best and most secure for its citizens, not the International Community.

Why do we bandstand so much? Is it that important that we include the whole class when it only concerns one element which does not include the class at all?

Where is all this money coming from? Is the United States supposed to the worlds corporate police force? It is just more money the U.S. citizen will put out. Let the shipping lines Hire private contractors...and put the responsibility where it belongs.

You already spent more money on them then prosecuting the people who defrauded the American Public and U.S. Government and continue to...]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/clinton_counter-piracy_initiatives/ Wed Apr 15, 2009