Author Topic: Somali pirate being tried in the US (Read 26776 times)

PaperLuigi · « **on:** April 21, 2009, 12:09:33 PM »

The sole-surviving Somali pirate from the hostage-taking of an American tanker is being tried in the United States. His mother, however, appealed to President Obama for his release.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090421/ap_on_re_us/piracy_suspect

What do you think Obama should do? I personally think the kid should be pardoned. We should show him a little mercy and let him go.

Chupperson Weird · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2009, 01:54:11 PM »

All I'll say is, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/you-are-being-lied-to-abo_b_155147.html

PaperLuigi · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2009, 02:05:22 PM »

That's most certainly true...but I'm asking about your opinion on what Obama should do.

Turtlekid1 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2009, 03:16:15 PM »

What he should do and what he will do are two different things, knowing him.

The pirate(s) need to be tried, convicted, and sentenced like any other criminal.

PaperLuigi · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2009, 05:14:34 PM »

"Mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."

-Abe Lincoln

Chupperson Weird · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2009, 05:33:31 PM »

"Should" is a pretty strong word. Also what the heck is the deal with your automatic conviction idea here, Turtlekid?

Suffix · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2009, 05:44:56 PM »

I thought "like any other criminal" was supposed to negate that at first, but then I realized, a criminal would be clearly convicted, eh?

Glorb · « **Reply #7 on:** April 21, 2009, 05:53:59 PM »

It all depends on the part that the dude had in the whole affair. I don't know if he masterminded the whole thing or not, but the severity of his sentence should reflect it. Remember, these guys hijacked a food-for-the-poor ship; no matter how misguided you are, that just isn't cool.

nensondubois · « **Reply #8 on:** April 21, 2009, 06:38:07 PM »

Obama should send him back to Somalia and have him tried there with oversight to make sure he is tried.

dc804 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 21, 2009, 07:03:25 PM »

Somalia doesn't have law enforcers. And he should be tried like any other criminal.

TEM · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2009, 07:59:02 PM »

Quote from: PaperLuigi on April 21, 2009, 05:14:34 PM

"Mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."

-Abe Lincoln

On what grounds are you basing this need for mercy? Do you think pirates are cool or what?

Turtlekid1 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2009, 08:51:32 PM »

ShadowBrain · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2009, 08:57:51 PM »

I'm with Glorb on this one. Meanwhile, my faith in Pastafarianism is taking a beating. Of course, these guys know nothing about the true, classic pirate lifestyle.

Lizard Dude · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2009, 09:04:32 PM »

Yeah, these guys aren't even raping any of their prisoners. They have a long way to go before becoming true, classic pirates.

Sqrt2 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:35:48 PM »

Surely, given that these piracy attacks are happening on the Somali coast, the US has no legal juristiction over what happens there, right? Because if so, then the US has no right to arrest this man (or any like him), and send him to the US for trial.

Glorb · « **Reply #15 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:47:35 PM »

Quote from: Lizard Dude on April 21, 2009, 09:04:32 PM

Yeah, these guys aren't even raping any of their prisoners. They have a long way to go before becoming true, classic pirates.

YOU JUST RUINED THE IMAGE OF PIRATES FOR ME

CrossEyed7 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:07:43 PM »

Quote from: Sqrt2 on April 22, 2009, 05:35:48 PM

Surely, given that these piracy attacks are happening on the Somali coast, the US has no legal juristiction over what happens there, right? Because if so, then the US has no right to arrest this man (or any like him), and send him to the US for trial.

I'm pretty sure there's laws about it. Besides, as previously mentioned, Somalia doesn't have a government, so we might as well take care of it.

Toad · « **Reply #17 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:09:35 PM »

Quote from: CrossEyed7 on April 22, 2009, 06:07:43 PM

I'm pretty sure there's laws about it. Besides, as previously mentioned, Somalia doesn't have a government, so we might as well take care of it.

We might as well help them, yes. I don't see anything happening if Obama just sends the kid back to his country.

TEM · « **Reply #18 on:** April 22, 2009, 08:32:03 PM »

Tonight's South Park episode goes along with the article Chupperson linked.

Glorb · « **Reply #19 on:** April 22, 2009, 09:16:36 PM »

I thought it was funny, though the ending had something of a Watchmen effect: All the pirates you see throughout the episode, regardless of the number of lines or importance to plot, get gunned down by the marines at the end. However, by then they've become sympathetic characters.