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

[conuly]

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