Not to rain on progressives “see, we told you Obama was Da Man and would TCOB!” parade, but, via The Other McCain through Gateway Pundit from Blackfive, a little follow up
I just finished listening to the press conference w/ ADM Gortney about the rescue of Captain Phillips. At the time it happened the USS Bainbridge was towing the lifeboat to calmer waters as the sea state was deteriorating. One of the pirates was on board the Bainbridge as the talks about obtaining Phillip’s release continued. The lifeboat was approx. 25 m behind the Bainbridge when snipers on the fantail observed one of the pirates in the pilot house of the lifeboat pointing an AK-47 at the back of a tied up Phillips and the other two pirates on board were visible (at least shoulders and heads). The standing authority gave them clearance to engage the pirates if the life of the captain was in imminent danger. The on scene commander deemed this to be true and gave the order to fire. All three bad guys were taken out and then a rigid inflatable boat went to the lifeboat to retrieve Phillips. It is unknown at this point whether the shooters were SEALs or Marine Scout Snipers as both would have been available.
This was not a rescue attempt ordered by National Command Authority i.e. the President. It was a reaction by the on scene commander under standard authority to safeguard the life of a hostage.
As Uncle Jimbo points out, the AP is making it sound like Obama gave the order to rescue Captain Phillips, when, in fact, all he had done was reaffirm standing orders to make a rescue if Phillips’ life was in danger. Like, quite frankly he should have authorized, and, the Navy had the authority anyhow.
Meanwhile, head to Crooks and Liars (definitely a reference to the Democrat Party) to see how the progressive mind thinks. It’s not pretty. Manufactured calls of racism, military hatred, support of the pirates, blaming others, and this wacko
Well the vampires got their easter blood. Now they are gloating on fox propaganda news how it will escalate the violence,The vampires will sleep good tonight with their bellies full of fresh blood
Apparently, Rexhunter missed the stories making Obama out to be the next George Washington. Like at the Daily Kos.
Anyhow, it was an Easter gift that Captain Phillips was rescued and will be able to rejoin his family. Good job, SEALs!
Well teach you posted that this was going to be seen as a “test” for the POTUS. Most Americans think he passed, do you ?
Yes, I do think he passed the test. I’m glad he allowed the SEALs to wack the pirates. I also think he is doing a good job continuing with the predator bombings in Pakistan and Afghanistan. I hope he keeps it up.
The only thing I was disappointed in during this whole thing was his failure to discuss it. At least he could have offered a prayer for Captain Phillips.
Oh and now it turns out that although it was American “flagged” it is actually owned by Denmark.