Somali pirate families ask for U.S. pardon

[Obamanaut]

It appears that the U.S. is seen by some not only to be the policemen of the world, but now also generous donors who may want to give families of criminals forgiveness and even money despite their misdeeds.

<snip>
The mother of a teenager facing trial in the United States for piracy off Somalia wants President Barack Obama to pardon her son because he was misled into joining a sea gang.

<remainder of article at link>
http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/news/international/Somali_pirate_families_ask_for_U_S_pardon.html?siteSect=143&sid=10604258&cKey=1240405664000&ty=ti

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. After the Electric Chair

[Oregone]

8. So you are pro-death penalty (for teens too)?

Is there even evidence whatsoever that this teen is guilty of murder? Or are you pro-teen-death penalty for teens that engage in any criminal activity you don't like?

[The_Casual_Observer]

15. Your are right, it's a waste of electric power. We'll send him to you

to take care of him.

[JonLP24]

10. He didn't kill anyone as far as I know

For the sake of argument the kid is under 18, you suppose we should be like Iraq and Iran as well as other third world countries that execute juveniles?

[Oregone]

12. But he threatened the merchandise of wealthy people

We have to protect the wealthy

[kegler14]

2. I don't think so.

[Renew Deal]

3. I don't think he should be pardoned

But I also don't think he should get life, especially if he's 16.

[Obamanaut]

4. I agree with you. Even though there is some disagreement as to

his age, according to the article, I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt and be tried as a youthful offender.

[depakid]

5. A typical sentence in Kenya is 15 years

for adult men.

Probably not enough of a pound of flesh to feed most American's lust for punishment.

[DFW]

6. Well, sure, be glad to oblige!

As long as his pals release the innocent sailors and their ships that they have been holding,
I'd be willing (in this case) to let bygones be bygones. I'd also admonish him and his pals
with Alan Arkin's great line from "The Russians Are Coming," after Carl Reiner shot at him
with a machine gun: "Don't do it no more."

[Javaman]

7. SOMALI CHILD SOLDIER RELIEF

http://www.somalichildsoldier.org/

[Oregone]

9. If he gets released, does he get a green card?

Seems like he will of both worked and lived in the states for some time while serving.

;)

[Obamanaut]

11. Seems fair. He didn't sneak across any of the borders, but was

escorted. That should count for something.:sarcasm:

on edit added sarcasm smilie

[maxsolomon]

13. umm... he's not Butters, he was Cartman

wasn't the LEADING the squad?

[Bucky]

14. A pardon *before* he gets convicted?

I thought only Nixon got that kind of priviledges.

[Coffee and Cake]

16. Facing life in prison for this teenager is a bit excessive