At Commentary’s “Contentions”, Ted Bromund notes the Gilbert-and-Sullivanesque nature of the Royal Navy’s fear that detaining pirates off the coast of Somalia, or denying them subsequent asylum if sought, might violate their international human rights (Apr. 18). Earlier here.
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Hugo Grotius, in the first treatise on international law (early 1600’s), correctly stated that piracy was a crime against all nations which could be summarily punished. The Royal Navy was always vigorous in this pursuit and rightly so. They sunk pirate ships, and hanged the surviving pirates on the spot. There were always pirates that were willing to take chances, but the problem of rampant piracy was controlled.
So now the geniuses in the UK are worried about the rights of pirates who pillage shipping, loot cruise ships, and indiscriminately kill. This is a fine way to deter lawlessness on the high seas under the guise of the umbrella of “human rights,” which the pirates have forfeited by engaging in piracy.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot,
Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We kindle and char, inflame and ignite,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We burn up the city, we’re really a fright,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We’re rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We’re devils and black sheep, really bad eggs,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We’re beggars and blighters, ne’er-do-well cads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we’re loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.