A tale of two Pirate Problems

First a history lesson: The year is 1815 and the US, far from being a world power, is suffering the indignity of muslim pirates from Africa seizing her merchant ships and holding the crews hostage. When they first pulled this stunt starting in 1801, the young nation sent Marines to kick muslim asses all around Tripoli.

When the Allah-worshipers became emboldened again during the War of 1812, it became necessary to perform a repeat smackdown and the Americans fought a little action called the Second Barbary War.

The end result: Pirates destroyed, and the seas were free to travel once again.

Now…roll the clock forward to 2009. The US is THE world's superpower (although for how long it's unclear) and Muslim pirates from Africa are holding a US Ship’s Captain hostage. His High Imperial Majesty, the Lord Obama is “regularly receiving updates” on the situation!