Why Do I Have Sympathy For A Pirate?

The Somali pirate situation has me bothered on so many levels. First, it's alarming that pirates are now willing to attack major U.S. merchant ships (even considering their pathetically small and rundown boats they use to do this.) I'm a little tired of worrying about the state of our foreign policy, so I'm going to leave that one alone for the most part. Typically I would be on board with those who are crying to make an example of the surviving pirate who is now being held for charges in New York (because that is apparently where African crimes and issues are dealt with.) In a theoretical way I still feel that way. However, after seeing the pictures of him in the news all I really feel is sympathy.

People were outraged because he was smiling when he got off the boat and was being photographed on the way into the court house (or jail... I'm not sure which.) He was handcuffed and in a prison-type uniform, but was grinning like he just won the lottery. The reason being that in his mind he did. When outraged reporters grilled his lawyer about why he was happy, they replied "He had never seen a camera before." That breaks my heart. He was happy to be in America - to see its affluence and humane treatment of people... even a reviled prisoner like himself.

It is important to note here that the amount of money they took from the Maersk Alabama was only US$30,000. Now, $30k is nothing to turn your nose up at, but at the same time is $30k worth a lifetime in prison? Or the high probability of being killed in the process? Or having to commit atrocities that you don't want to do, but feel are necessary because you're so desperate for money?

That figure makes me sick. This is how impoverished Somalia is - $30k would actually have made a difference for those pirates. They would have felt as rich as I would feel winning a million. I can't even fathom such a place. This is another reason I feel sympathy for the pirate.

Going in to the charging proceedings, there remains great debate about his age. It has been reported as being anywhere from 15-26 with no accurate records to support any of them. It can generally assumed that he was at least of a cognizant age and that he therefore understood that his actions were wrong. This will most likely result in a lifetime prison sentence on the 4 felony counts he is being charged with having to deal with very old laws regarding piracy and hostages. Such a sentence is most likely fair. I wouldn't argue with it assuming the evidence proves them all. However, it still doesn't make me feel any better about the situation.

As Americans we are quick to judge... virtually everything and everyone. I don't know why this is, but I do think humility is a lost virtue for most Americans. Probably including myself. Yet, I can't stand to hear the people calling for the pitchforks and mob before even listening to the full story. Now, Captain Philips has the right to any opinion since he was the victim and acted incredibly heroically. He is the one light in this whole mess. He accepted his responsibility and handled it admirably saving the lives and well being of his crew. He deserves a Presidential or Congressional medal for his actions. I just wish that people would be willing to at least look at the situation to understand the piracy situation.

The Obama Administration talks about wanting to improve our image abroad and rebuild relationships with other nations. To make a safer, better world. I certainly do not disagree with those aspirations. However, instead of wasting time having photo ops with Russian and Venezuelan leaders, maybe we could think of a legitimate humanitarian assistance program for Somalia. I bet then they wouldn't be so eager to go after Western merchant vessels.

Speaking of Stupid Things... 21st Century Pirates

There are Somali pirates currently holding millions of dollars... or rather, hundreds of millions of dollars... in cargo ships at the moment. They are demanding $10 million in ransom. And there remains little the international community can do. If they accede to the ransom, that sets the precedent for doing so with others (or the same ones) in the future. If nothing is done, then the pirates keep the loot (including $100 million worth of Saudi oil) and are free to continue their piracy without much fear of retribution.

This is a bad situation. However, it's being further hindered by International Human Rights Law. This article lays it out better than I will... but basically protecting against piracy in the last century has severely dwindled (especially in the last 10 years) because trying pirates at NATO supported military tribunals infringes upon the pirates' rights. This is why International Human Rights Law is completely idiotic. I'm all about universal human rights, but they should not prevent criminals from being tried - either abroad or on U.S. soil. When international "laws" that are so ambiguous and willy-nillily enforced that there can hardly be called a precedent fail to allow the capture and prosecution of pirates, terrorists, etc. then the spirit of the law fails. Absolutely. This is not reasonable and it detracts from the original purpose of the "laws" themselves which further fosters an environment in which these criminals can freely operate.