Obama's first comment on the pirate incident

[malaise]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqznz3bUMKIUbrDYAUHHuMQ4vyJAD97H6E300
<snip>
The president was in the residence Sunday when officials called him to alert him the five-day standoff was over, officials said.

Shortly after, the White House released a statement praising Phillips' behavior.

"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Capt. Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew," Obama said. "His courage is a model for all Americans."

It was Obama's first public comment on the situation. Administration officials said the president made an effort not to call attention to the hostage situation while it was ongoing. Officials said they didn't want to send mixed signals to the pirates or do anything that might threaten Phillips' life.

An administration official also said Obama phoned Phillips and his family on Sunday.

In the same public statement, Obama said more must be done to prevent future attacks along the lawless African coast, where other ships remain under pirate control.

[derby378]

1. A good call

If the pirates made landfall in Somalia, we may never have seen Captain Phillips again.

[malaise]

3. Not sure

They're into blackmail not murder.
I just like the fact that Obama ignored the wingnuts and remained in the background.

[aquart]

7. But the blackmail is what we cannot allow.

You're thinking we pay money and save a life, big deal, what's the fuss? The fuss is what they can buy with those millions, and how much stronger they will get if we give in.

The blackmail ends up being far more deadly than mere murder.

[KT2000]

10. Agree

article in last months Vanity Fair described a hijacking. The French ship was one of many from the same shipping line that has been paying off the pirates for years. The company did not want the bad press and besides - their insurance company paid the ransom - AIG.

[The Straight Story]

2. I was disappointed he did not wear an eye patch while reading his statement

And toss in a few arrr's :)

[malaise]

4. LOL

:rofl: :rofl:

[Bicoastal]

5. McCain would've.

Hoist the main sail, me hearties!

[malaise]

6. hahahahahahahaha

Palin would have been shouting "I can see Somalia from my house".

[Kahuna]

12. LOL! You ain't right!

:rofl:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

8. And an Aye Matie to boot! ;)

[Kahuna]

11. Why do you hate America?

:patriot:

;)

[burning rain]

9. And a big "Avast ye, scurvy dogs!" to the pirates.

^