“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Three Pirates shot and killed, one arrested, Captain saved.
Captain Sparrobama makes his bones, Chicago style.
Congratulations to our Master and Commander in Chief.
Since 2006, when Muslims worldwide rioted over newspaper cartoons picturing the prophet Muhammad, Western countries, too, have been prosecuting more individuals for criticizing religion. The "Free World," it appears, may be losing faith in free speech.
Everytime you bitch about Obumble, al-Bob, I want you to humble yourself with this fact: ya caint have your cake and eat it too ...and w/single women, ya might end up with an STD Too! ---
18. whiskey:
Habu — Single women voted 70-29 for Obama. That’s about an eight point increase over Kerry in 2004. The difference? Between 2004 and 2008, far more women are single. Indeed for the first time in history, single women outnumber married women in America.
The outcome of this affair strengthens those who argue that military force and bravery carry the day and weakens those who argue for negotiations and “respect” and so on.
Don’t think for a moment that Obama, Reid, Pelosi, and others won’t make their counter-move to punish the SEALs, sailors, and perhaps even Captain Phillips. While rewarding the Somalis with “respect.”
Whiskey's been drinking again. Obumble will take as much credit as he can, albeit gracefully. Maybe he'll invite the SEALS, sailors and Phillips to the White House, give them some fruits and veggies from the WH garden, have a big photo op.
During Barack Obama's trip abroad, during which he praised himself by disparaging his predecessor and deploring America's shortcomings, he took pandering to a comic peak, combining criticism of America with flattery of Europe, when he deplored America's "failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world."
Europe plays almost no leadership role, even in Europe, which remains a geographical rather than a political denotation.
In Europe, during his first star turn on the world stage, the president learned, or should have, that charm and two euros will almost get him a copy of the International Herald Tribune. Out there in the blue, flying high, selling himself, he found out how far he can go on a smile and a shoeshine.
America's enemies are not smiling back. Those are smirks, not smiles.
Whiskey is on to something with all his talk about women, sex, contraceptives, big men, and competition, and polygamy in the muzzie world. But I suspect he knows less than he lets on. And has some important details and facts going missing. This book about evolution I'm skimming mentions mating habits of the mammals, I'll try to find something that trips him up. I suspect Whiskey really desires Paris Hilton, and feels he doesn't have a chance to get her, and it burns.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 34% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-two percent (32%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of +2, his lowest total to date.
This pirate episode, since it turned out well, will give his numbers a temporary boost, I'd think.
Crew members celebrate on the deck of the Maersk Alabama after their captain...
In this April 5, 2009 photo released by the U.S. Navy, the San Diego-based...
Unidentified crew members of the ship celebrate on the deck of the Maersk...
U.S. Captain Freed, 3 Pirates Killed, 1 Captured in Swift Firefight Off African Coast
WASHINGTON (AP) - The American sea captain held hostage by Somali pirates was in "imminent danger" of being killed by his captors before U.S. Special Operations forces fatally shot them, a U.S. military official said. The hostage, Richard Phillips, was not hurt in the several minutes of gunfire off the Somali coast Sunday. Phillips was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.
Three pirates were killed and one surrendered to U.S. forces, said the military official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the event publicly.
The Pentagon planned to brief reporters late Sunday afternoon on the dramatic rescue.
"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" Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said in a statement.
He called Phillips and his crew "heroic."
The U.S. military official described a tense and terrifying few minutes for Phillips, during which "we definitely felt there was a life-threatening situation there."
He said the situation appeared "imminent" and that forces shot the pirates to death.
Following the rescue, Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge and later flown to the USS Boxer, where he called his family and got a medical evaluation.
Pirates vow revenge against USA and France, says headlines.
Muzzies always think in terms of revenge. No matter that they are entirely at fault. Their law of the sea being a little different than that of the rest of the world.
"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge made the decision that the captain's life was in immediate danger, and the three pirates were killed,"
At the White House, President Obama issued a statement saying he is "very pleased that Capt. Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer."
"His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew," Obama's statement said. "We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region. To achieve that goal, we must continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks, be prepared to interdict acts of piracy and ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes."
Obama had given standing orders for the military to take "decisive action" if Phillips was in "imminent danger," Gortney said.
Clearly weary from many hours of testimony, his voice firmed as he summed up why President Obama has made AfPak his prime foreign-policy focus: "It has to do with al-Qaeda, which has relocated in the tribal areas of Pakistan." Al-Qaeda and the networks of Islamist extremists with which it is linked "pose an ever more serious threat to Pakistan's very existence." And Pakistan, of course, has nuclear weapons.
If the real danger lies in Pakistan, why are we sending more troops to Afghanistan? "You have to ensure that Afghanistan doesn't become once again a place where al-Qaeda establishes safe havens," the general said. If Taliban ideologues retook control of Afghanistan, this would also destabilize Pakistan further.
"The point is that you need to make progress in both," the general says.
The role of the new U.S. troops in Afghanistan is to protect the population in areas where the Taliban is active, and help them push the Taliban back, while also training Afghan security forces to eventually take over that job.
But 17,000 troops don't constitute a "surge." Are they sufficient to carry out the kind of counterinsurgency (COIN) doctrine that worked in Iraq? Petraeus replied, "You don't have a raging insurgency in every part of Afghanistan. Seventy percent of the violence is in 10 percent of the districts." So, he says, you don't need the ratio of troops to population called for by "COIN rules of thumb."
"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge made the decision that the captain's life was in immediate danger, and the three pirates were killed,"
Translation:
"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge..." thought to himself, "Fuck that noise!" He then excused himself and gave the order to lower the boom.
Well, hooray!
ReplyDeleteI always like stories with happy endings.
Like Easter, for instance.
Happy Easter.
And, Long Live Israel.
I knew Barry would come through for us.
ReplyDelete---
The Free World Bars Free Speech
Since 2006, when Muslims worldwide rioted over newspaper cartoons picturing the prophet Muhammad, Western countries, too, have been prosecuting more individuals for criticizing religion.
The "Free World," it appears, may be losing faith in free speech.
According to the comments @BC, Phillips jumped ship a second time so they could take out Terry and the Pirates.
ReplyDeleteEverytime you bitch about Obumble, al-Bob, I want you to humble yourself with this fact:
ReplyDeleteya caint have your cake and eat it too
...and w/single women, ya might end up with an STD Too!
---
18. whiskey:
Habu — Single women voted 70-29 for Obama. That’s about an eight point increase over Kerry in 2004. The difference? Between 2004 and 2008, far more women are single. Indeed for the first time in history, single women outnumber married women in America.
The outcome of this affair strengthens those who argue that military force and bravery carry the day and weakens those who argue for negotiations and “respect” and so on.
Don’t think for a moment that Obama, Reid, Pelosi, and others won’t make their counter-move to punish the SEALs, sailors, and perhaps even Captain Phillips. While rewarding the Somalis with “respect.”
Health Care is of Paramount importance to single women. It's somewhat surprising (to me) that McNutz got 29.
ReplyDeleteWhiskey's been drinking again. Obumble will take as much credit as he can, albeit gracefully. Maybe he'll invite the SEALS, sailors and Phillips to the White House, give them some fruits and veggies from the WH garden, have a big photo op.
ReplyDeleteThe What of Nations?
ReplyDeleteDuring Barack Obama's trip abroad, during which he praised himself by disparaging his predecessor and deploring America's shortcomings, he took pandering to a comic peak, combining criticism of America with flattery of Europe, when he deplored America's "failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world."
Europe plays almost no leadership role, even in Europe, which remains a geographical rather than a political denotation.
In Europe, during his first star turn on the world stage, the president learned, or should have, that charm and two euros will almost get him a copy of the International Herald Tribune.
Out there in the blue, flying high, selling himself, he found out how far he can go on a smile and a shoeshine.
America's enemies are not smiling back.
Those are smirks, not smiles.
Self Care is of Paramount importance to single women.
ReplyDeleteSince Barry is all about himself, they flock together.
Whiskey is on to something with all his talk about women, sex, contraceptives, big men, and competition, and polygamy in the muzzie world. But I suspect he knows less than he lets on. And has some important details and facts going missing. This book about evolution I'm skimming mentions mating habits of the mammals, I'll try to find something that trips him up. I suspect Whiskey really desires Paris Hilton, and feels he doesn't have a chance to get her, and it burns.
ReplyDeleteShit, there's a Tax Day Tea Party in Moscow, at Friendship Square no less, ground zero for the local commies.
ReplyDeleteBetween 2004 and 2008, far more women are single. Indeed for the first time in history, single women outnumber married women in America.
ReplyDeleteWhiskey
'girls just wanna have fuuunn'
old song
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 34% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-two percent (32%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of +2, his lowest total to date.
ReplyDeleteThis pirate episode, since it turned out well, will give his numbers a temporary boost, I'd think.
Anybody heard yet how the SEALS did it?
ReplyDeleteAce has it Cap'n jumped overboard, again, and the Snipers took'em out.
ReplyDeleteNice
from Drudge headline--
ReplyDeleteCrew members celebrate on the deck of the Maersk Alabama after their captain...
In this April 5, 2009 photo released by the U.S. Navy, the San Diego-based...
Unidentified crew members of the ship celebrate on the deck of the Maersk...
U.S. Captain Freed, 3 Pirates Killed, 1 Captured in Swift Firefight Off African Coast
WASHINGTON (AP) - The American sea captain held hostage by Somali pirates was in "imminent danger" of being killed by his captors before U.S. Special Operations forces fatally shot them, a U.S. military official said.
The hostage, Richard Phillips, was not hurt in the several minutes of gunfire off the Somali coast Sunday. Phillips was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.
Three pirates were killed and one surrendered to U.S. forces, said the military official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the event publicly.
The Pentagon planned to brief reporters late Sunday afternoon on the dramatic rescue.
"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" Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said in a statement.
He called Phillips and his crew "heroic."
The U.S. military official described a tense and terrifying few minutes for Phillips, during which "we definitely felt there was a life-threatening situation there."
He said the situation appeared "imminent" and that forces shot the pirates to death.
Following the rescue, Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge and later flown to the USS Boxer, where he called his family and got a medical evaluation.
Thought it had been dragging on a tad long. Good on the Captain for going over the side, good going by the shooters.
ReplyDeleteWho'd be the first to tell us that it's just another day in paradise.
The President's troops preformed to Standard and all is well with the whirled.
The Brits have never been for "Free Speach", doug.
Just another one of the many reasons we left the United Kingdom.
Could we please remove my name from the Friedman post?
ReplyDeleteI didn't link to his article nor comment on it.
Thank you.
You are correct, madam. the hattip should have gone to Doug.
ReplyDeleteI have taken the liberty of correcting the bosses' post.
That's some prompt service, whit.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed.
"Whiskey's been drinking again."
ReplyDeleteWhiskey's an idiot.
And nahncee's insane.
Just sayin'.
Not even worthy of any entertainment value, really.
ReplyDeletePirates vow revenge against USA and France, says headlines.
ReplyDeleteMuzzies always think in terms of revenge. No matter that they are entirely at fault. Their law of the sea being a little different than that of the rest of the world.
Life of the Mind, over at BC, is going to find out that, short of a dart gun or bucket o' Thorazine, his efforts are fruitless.
ReplyDeleteNow all Captain Sparrobama has to do is make a simple statement ...
ReplyDelete"Bring it on!
But it's doubtful that he will.
Though it would be cool if he said, "Easy day."
ReplyDeleteThe Speedo gang would get a kick out that.
Just occurred to me that this is one of those rare times when all the bar mates are unanimous-- in this case, that it's good the pirates got theirs.
ReplyDeleteRemember and cherish the moment in your hearts and minds....
No worries, we're back to killin' 'em dead, not trying to modify their cultural lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteRules of Engagement that made sense.
Putting the command decision on site, not at the end of a commo link.
Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney told reporters.
"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge made the decision that the captain's life was in immediate danger, and the three pirates were killed,"
At the White House, President Obama issued a statement saying he is "very pleased that Capt. Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer."
ReplyDelete"His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew," Obama's statement said. "We remain resolved to halt the rise of piracy in this region. To achieve that goal, we must continue to work with our partners to prevent future attacks, be prepared to interdict acts of piracy and ensure that those who commit acts of piracy are held accountable for their crimes."
Obama had given standing orders for the military to take "decisive action" if Phillips was in "imminent danger," Gortney said.
The authority still had to come from the WH.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, there was time.
Once upon a time, it worked that way for Pakistan, too. And the decisions were anything but prompt.
"Hold please."
Muzak.
As head of Central Command - which stretches from Lebanon to Pakistan's border with India, and is based in Tampa, Fla. - Petraeus doesn't have the same degree of control (and direct line to the president) that he had when he commanded all U.S. forces in Iraq. There are many key civilian and military players involved in making AfPak strategy. But Petraeus' role is still central.
ReplyDeleteClearly weary from many hours of testimony, his voice firmed as he summed up why President Obama has made AfPak his prime foreign-policy focus: "It has to do with al-Qaeda, which has relocated in the tribal areas of Pakistan." Al-Qaeda and the networks of Islamist extremists with which it is linked "pose an ever more serious threat to Pakistan's very existence." And Pakistan, of course, has nuclear weapons.
If the real danger lies in Pakistan, why are we sending more troops to Afghanistan? "You have to ensure that Afghanistan doesn't become once again a place where al-Qaeda establishes safe havens," the general said. If Taliban ideologues retook control of Afghanistan, this would also destabilize Pakistan further.
"The point is that you need to make progress in both," the general says.
The role of the new U.S. troops in Afghanistan is to protect the population in areas where the Taliban is active, and help them push the Taliban back, while also training Afghan security forces to eventually take over that job.
But 17,000 troops don't constitute a "surge." Are they sufficient to carry out the kind of counterinsurgency (COIN) doctrine that worked in Iraq? Petraeus replied, "You don't have a raging insurgency in every part of Afghanistan. Seventy percent of the violence is in 10 percent of the districts." So, he says, you don't need the ratio of troops to population called for by "COIN rules of thumb."
It was either pre-approved as per the storyline at both ends of the link, or Mr Obama and company were Johnny on the spot with the go ahead.
ReplyDeleteNo Muzak Moments.
Mr Obama may realize, more than Mr Bush ever did, that time is of the essence.
It seems the pirates were being towed by the destroyer. Wonder how that came about. Thought they were just floating free out there.
ReplyDeletePirates vow revenge against USA and France, says headlines.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction: LOL
Really loud.
Well, nap time; but, first, I second the "Well Done," all the way Up, and Down the Chain.
ReplyDeleteWell Done, and "Good Shootin."
:)
Guess the pirates didn't consider that the tow job took all the guess work out of the ranging.
ReplyDeleteHow did I mistake Doug for Trish? Did he have Sonia in tow?
ReplyDelete"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge made the decision that the captain's life was in immediate danger, and the three pirates were killed,"
ReplyDeleteTranslation:
"While working through the negotiations process tonight, the on-scene commander from the Bainbridge..." thought to himself, "Fuck that noise!" He then excused himself and gave the order to lower the boom.
let also remember that at this moment....
ReplyDelete16 are being held hostage via a tug boat
over 200 from many nations are being held hostage
north korea still holds many japanese for decades
iran holds a ex fbi agent as well as several others
north korea holds 2 lady reporters that they crossed into china to grab
gilad shalit has been held for over 2 years without one red cross visit
yep one down... 3 dead islamic pirates...
if the captain had not JUMPED into the water a 2nd time would he have gotten free?
In other news--
ReplyDelete52--or 40-- NH Christian Buildings Burn
None of the stories I looked at seem to mention a cause.
Obama Names Idahoovian Echohawk To Head Bureau of Indian Affairs
ReplyDelete"It was either pre-approved as per the storyline..."
ReplyDeleteApproval was sought by the Pentagon and granted, twice. Once on Friday and once on Saturday.
The approval process is not instantaneous. That's what I meant when I said that fortunately, in this case, they had the leisure of time.
And Bush finally did grant local authority for Pakistan operations, in 06. That went to McCrystal.
Better late than never.