Whenever I visit my mail there's a new article about the pirate situation.

[conuly]

Did you know that up until 1815 the US, along with most other nations, paid tribute to pirates? Deep down, though I know this is a serious issue, I can't help thinking it's slightly cool to see the first president since Andrew Jackson vow to fight piracy.

Only slightly, because the reality isn't as amusing as it is in cartoons, of course. And the conditions leading up to piracy, though they're not really being talked about in the news as far as I can see, are also... not really that amusing.

Comments

[jedirita.livejournal.com]

Did they get money out of the deal?

Pirates were arguably the first modern democracy. Did you know they actually voted on who would be captain? And the distinction of being captain meant you got a double share of booty, and you got to issue orders in battle. Otherwise, captains were just another member of the crew.

I'm not trying to glorify pirates. But on the other hand, the life of a merchant marine (or a navy seaman) was little better than slavery. Piracy offered not only riches but also autonomy. And they rarely killed anyone, because the crew of merchant ships willingly surrender. They weren't paid enough to risk their lives fighting off pirates.

[conuly]

I'd imagine that recognizing BOTH America AND Britain got them more tribute money than simple recognizing Britain did.