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

Hi

[cesy]

Off-topic, sorry: I found you via the interests tool at http://www.dreamwidth.org/interests.bml
Apparently the computer thinks we have lots of interests in common, so I'm subscribing to find out more.

[ascian.livejournal.com]

Yeah, exactly. I'm just not on the 'LOL PIRATES' bandwagon. I get it, yeah, pirates, arr matey, Jimlad, mug o' grog, but IT'S NOT COOL WHEN IT'S FOR REALS. I've espoused (to the deep offense of several groups, usually of a feminist orientation) that nothing should be above laughing at, and I hold to it, but that doesn't mean I can't find these jokes in particular unfunny and annoying.

But yes, I must admit that picturing Obama in powdered wig exchanging cannonfire with a sloop flying the jolly roger makes me grin. :)

[jedirita.livejournal.com]

If I recall correctly, the Barbary pirates off the coast of Morocco were one of the first "nations" to recognize the sovereignty of the United States after the American Revolution.

[conuly]

I'll recognize anybody if it's an excuse to con money off of them!

[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.