Posted by
John Caile on Monday, April 13, 2009 11:13:02 AM
After listening to the endless hand wringing of gutless politicians, it was deeply satisfying to see some Navy SEALS finally teach the rest of the world how you deal with pirates.
You kill them.
And naturally, since the Captain of the hijacked ship was rescued unharmed, everyone in the media is gushing about how Barak Obama should be credited with "leadership" even thought it is clear that he was pretty much "hands off" on this operation (so if it didn't happen to turn out so well, he could escape responsibility).
But the real issue is this: why have Americans gotten to the point that we are afraid to take necessary action if there is the slightest possibility of someone getting hurt?
After all, anytime force is used, whether in military operations or day to day police work, collateral damage is always a possibility. And in a hostage rescue operation, the chances are even greater that innocents will be hurt, or even killed. That's just the reality that we need to face.
But if the most powerful nation on earth can be cowed into inaction by the potential loss of even ONE life, we are basically making the statement to every terrorist and thug in the world that all they need to do is get a hostage or two, and we will capitulate to their demands. And the result of such indecision and capitulation will always be an increase in such attacks.
Because all bullies operate in the same way. The big bully on the playground may know full well that he could easily beat up his victim, but what he depends on is that his victims will be so fearful of getting hurt that they will give him what he wants. Thus, the kids who give the bully their lunch money will be targeted again and again, while the little kid who is willing to get hurt by fighting back, and let's the bully know that he won't have an easy victory, will be left alone.
This is not about some kind of macho chest-thumping. It is about saving lives by recognizing a reality that has existed since the dawn of humankind. Some people simply cannot, and will not, be "reasoned" with. There will always be situations where it will be necessary to use force to protect and defend ourselves.
Will military action to rescue hostages occasionally result in casualties among those we seek to save? Of course, but quick and decisive action will ultimately save many more lives in the long run. If we cannot understand and accept this reality, we will be dooming ourselves, and our children, to more and more such incidents of international extortion.