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JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Shoot at pirates? West weighs arming ships

World Aug. 14, 2009 - 05:00AM JST ( 7 )

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7 Comments

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The758Aug. 14, 2009 - 09:00AM JST

I'm all for this. I think shooting pirates is fair game.
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smithinjapanAug. 14, 2009 - 11:46AM JST

I don't think there's too much fear of mutiny, but there are some pretty awful scenarios that could arise from ships being armed. If the pirates manage to cease the ships anyway, that's more guns for them -- and guns that can be used AGAINST ships that come to the rescue. Or like the article states, the pirates can get BIGGER guns. Then instead of the pirates simply ceasing the ships, you have a lot more death and destruction. And of course, if some ship's crew stupidly mistakes a ship for being pirates and shoots at them, well, you can just imagine the hornet's nest when their country's laws protect them.
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Pump24Aug. 14, 2009 - 01:29PM JST

Your points are absolutely correct, smithinjapan. But maybe if properly trained personel have the guns, these scenarios might not play out. The pirates are untrained youths for the most part. When up against trained snipers a few months back, they lost. If the same skill level was placed on ships, the pirates would have a tough go. In any case I agree some awful scenarios could result, but something has to be done. Giving in to the ransom demands doesn't seem to be the best policy.
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skipthesongAug. 14, 2009 - 01:38PM JST

I see a big business chance. I've been looking to get into something ffor some time now.
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TriumvereAug. 14, 2009 - 05:30PM JST

Bah. The old "don't fight back, it will be easier that way." The question is, will you trust the defense your life and your property to yourself, whatever, the consequences may be, or leave it in the hands of others? It amazes me that people think there is a clear answer to this question.
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TriumvereAug. 14, 2009 - 05:30PM JST

wow, a few typos there. but you probably got the idea.
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SuperLibAug. 15, 2009 - 12:12AM JST

The only thing worse than arming ships would be not arming them. It's the lesser of two evils.