Model For All Americans

President Barack Obama called it a "model for all Americans."

He was speaking of the "courage" shown by American freighter Captain Richard Phillips, at a time when many Americans in the business sector are showing a lack of character.

His unselfish and heroic actions not only saved his crew, but maybe this country's overall image in the international community. At least for the moment.

Before we get sidetracked on a rant about the nation's economy, I'll stick with the situation in the Indian Ocean.

The shooting of three Somali pirates by NAVY seals (one shot each, at night and in choppy water) has now forced the U.S. to deal with a problem that has plagued that region for years. The pirates do NOT operate in the Caribbean, but off the coast of Somali, as they have for more than a century. Considered a nuisance by some might be the reason no one has ever thought about taking them on until now.

Yes, I understand the political ramifications of the region, but the fact we took a stand (even if our hand was forced) I'm glad it was the U.S. not backing down to a terrorist in a pirate's costume.

I give the President a little bit of credit, after all he did give the green light to the Navy, in the event the situation escalated.

But let's not forget the crew of the freighter that fought to re-take the ship, and the Captain offering himself as a hostage to avoid a blood bath.

If that situation had never occurred, we could be negotiating with the pirates right now as the ship and it's crew sat in a Somali port along with hundreds of other hostages and ships.

The pirates are threatening to retaliate. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. The President has called for an international solution to piracy on the high sea's.

Thanks to a couple of crack shots from the US Navy, we will finally get the chance to explore it.