11/19/2008 05:44:22 AM EST

Pirates Steal An Oil Ship - Awesome?

posted by Scandinavian Chef

I didn't watch the show yesterday, so I decided to take a quick peek at the YouTube channel to see if I had missed something worthwhile. Then I noticed this video, just seeing the title was enough to make me angry. I clicked it to see what it was about. Unfortunately, it didn't get much better...

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It's a video that deals with how the Saudi ship "Sirius Star", one of the biggest oil tankers in the world, was boarded by Somali pirates in small dinghies.

Cenk, who usually is a reflected guy, sits there joking away about how hilarious and funny it is that pirates are back, and that they were able to pull off the hijacking David vs Goliath style.

So this is the situation, Somali criminals armed with automatic weapons and RPGs have kidnapped 25 seamen and are holding them and the ship for ransom. I wonder if the crew and their families at home are as amused by this as Cenk is?

My father used to be a chief engineer on oil tankers, whenever they went through the Strait of Malacca they would have all the water hoses under pressure and run full lights due to the rampant piracy in the area. They would sometimes get buzzed by them, but avoided ever getting boarded. Other smaller ships were not always so lucky. Sometimes the pirates would execute entire crews. My father doesn't think much about the romantic way pirates are portrayed in movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean". Cenk is wrong if he really thinks modern day piracy is something new.

I was disappointed by this video, I'm expecting more from The Young Turks than this ignorance.

Last week it was Ben Mankiewicz joking about the Paula Abdul fan's suicide, and now kidnapping is supposed to be funny.

You can do better than this, guys. I hope...

The video in question:

Global Pulse - 10/16/08: Pirates of the 21st Century


< Does Bush Deserve The Title Of Worst President In History? | Pirates Anyone? >

Poll

Kidnapping at gunpoint; funny, hilarious and awesome?
Yes 50%
No 50%

Votes: 12
Results | Other Polls
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Pirates Steal An Oil Ship - Awesome? | 25 comments (25 topical, 0 hidden)
Political Correctness... (5.00 / 2)

...was one of liberals' weaknesses that right-wingers found most easy to exploit.

I think this demonstrates some on the left's hypersensitivity to things which (a) are insignificant, (b) meaningless, (c) indicative of nothing, (d) distracting, (e) all of the above.

When I saw that video I wished so much that a destroyer had been a few miles away. One shot from its bow canon from such a distance would have ended the threat.  But the juxtaposed image of that little boat with its handful of creeps (desperately trying to survive or not) taking over that huge ship was somewhat humorous.

Do you remember that scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana is confronted by the assassin who appeared to be an expert -- and very dangerous -- swordsman?  Indian took out his pistol and shot him.  I laughed about it for at least ten seconds, maybe more.  Sure, then I thought it was kind of wierd to be laughing at someone getting killed, but when I saw the movie again a few months ago, I remember looking forward to that scene.

I wasn't disappointed.  It was still funny.  But now that I think about it, it would have been funny if the guy with the sword had beaten the guy with the gun, too, although the movie would have been a lot shorter.


The world is a strange place, but that makes it really fun to watch. -- bfaul

by EveningStarNM on 11/20/2008 12:51:09 AM EST

Setting the record straight, TYT style. (none / 0)

This is from the update on the pirate story from Thursday's show.

Cenk: It's a cool story, man. Of course I feel bad for the people who were captured.
Cenk: Don't bore me by telling me that. Obviously. Of course!!
Cenk: But it's cool that the pirates are back, that they're playing ball...
Ana (laughing): Pirates are a serious matter, it's nothing to joke about.
Cenk: No, nothing to joke about! Don't joke about pirates, ok!
Cenk (impersonating YouTube commenters et al.): You can't joke about pirates! Pirates are serious! Rawr!

As long as we're somewhat on the same page ;-)

by Scandinavian Chef on 11/21/2008 04:19:22 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Yeah, no. I'm with Cenk. (none / 0)

While I wouldn't have used the word ''cool'' and would have prefered the word ''ridiculous'', I never object to offending the PC crowd.

Now, please don't get me wrong.  I don't think that political correctness is a bad thing.  I just think it's a weak thing that too often uses its mouth when it should be using its fists.  This sort of conflict is good exercise for it.

Cenk isn't the issue.  Besides, your point would have meaning only if Cenk was actually in favor of piracy, but it's that kind of illogical loss of focus that makes political correctness look so silly sometimes.

Maybe we can get an international coalition to put together a police force with a hundred destroy ers or so.  But until we start dealing with the causes of the real problems -- poverty and exploitation -- then piracy and terrorism and hunger will not go away.


The world is a strange place, but that makes it really fun to watch. -- bfaul

by EveningStarNM on 11/21/2008 11:01:20 AM EST

[ Parent ]
True, Cenk isn't the problem. (none / 0)
I don't consider myself to be overly politically correct, I think it's a trend where the extreme end result is you can't open your mouth and say anything anymore. It was the choice of words TYT used to categorize the video on YouTube, and how the story went along the lines that pirates were cool with no thought given to the fact that people wind up getting hurt or that theft is immoral.

It offended me and a lot of other people. Then again, it's the uncensored hour of a controversial show. Cenk sometimes says some silly things, but we still love him just the same.

With all that said, you're right. He's not the issue. Focusing on him simply diverts attention from what really needs to be discussed. How can the world make the situation better for the people in Somalia. The pirates consider themselves patriots and conveniently excuse themselves saying they act as a replacement navy. I'm not sure stealing other countries ships is what a navy does, tho.

Attacking the pirate bases could have unforeseen effects, they employ other people who act as suppliers etc. The money they get helps fund schools and hospitals.

It's more than the merchant ships that needs to be looked after. Being a lawless country it's commonplace to dump toxic waste in the waters, resulting in people and livestock getting sick.

Stabilizing the country with more UN soldiers present and patrolling the waters is what the experts are suggesting.

It's sad that so little has been done about this until now when they start to threaten our economic interests.

by Scandinavian Chef on 11/21/2008 12:57:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Amen (none / 0)
Look, I think any intelligent person would agree that this sort of behaviour is reprehensible, whether now or centuries ago. What I think feels comic to people is how you can hijack a major ship with "a dingy and machetes". Of course, this is mostly based in ignorance. The attack is probably carried out with several boats, and the pirates are armed with automatic rifles. While the crew is in possession of a huge ship, they are in fact only some twenty people, and more importantly they are completely unarmed.

As you say, this region has experienced piracy for a long time, probably owing much to the fact that Somalia is, at least in parts, an actual anarchy (the rule of law has literally CEASED). I understand that you are disappointed with Cenk's lack of knowledge on this issue, but let's face it - it's not the first time. While the domestic analysis is typically astute, international stories that do not directly involve the US (e.g. Iraq) are often butchered.

It's sad to see even people of intelligence and education display fundamental ignorance of the outside world, but such, it seems, is the way of America.

by Erik on 11/19/2008 07:09:53 AM EST

pirates. (none / 0)

While the domestic analysis is typically astute, international stories that do not directly involve the US (e.g. Iraq) are often butchered.

and animal stories, but that's just the way Cenk is, and he can't know about everything, so I guess that's why this forum is useful.  I admit I laughed at Cenk's characterization, but I also knew it was a superficial opinion.  It's cool we have people here who can elucidate on these subjects.

by desertpear on 11/19/2008 02:33:05 PM EST

[ Parent ]
You know what would be funny? (none / 0)
Video of Blackwater mercenaries dispatching the Somalians with extreme predjudice. The oil companies have the money to hire security.

by KenTX on 11/19/2008 02:38:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I was wondering why they didn't have security. (none / 0)
Considering you're not even allowed to smoke on deck, oil tankers and firearms are a bad mix. A tanker full of oil wouldn't explode like they do in the movies, but you could very well set it on fire easily, which would be bad news for the environment. They would need to have something else for security, like water cannons, sonic weapons or escort ships. All expensive, but a lot cheaper than paying $250m in ransom.

by Scandinavian Chef on 11/19/2008 03:39:27 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Wow. (none / 0)

Your use of the word "funny" when talking about killing people supports your diagnosis as a psychopath.

Still, I regret to admit that I agree with Ken in that I think the ship owners are irresponsible for not providing adequate security.

(As unlikely as any future similar agreement  ;is, I sincerely hope that this never happens again.  I've just discovered that I get dizzy when Ken gets something right.)


The world is a strange place, but that makes it really fun to watch. -- bfaul

by EveningStarNM on 11/19/2008 08:31:38 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I Love It! (none / 0)

I love it that the people of Somalia are taking actions into their own hands. If you know how this country is being ran...you too would be a Pirate.

I feel for the victims in this case, because no one should have a rifle pointed at the middle of their skull...but what would you do to survive.

I just posted another link where they have hijacked a Thai fishing boat. Along with the other boats they have hijacked in the past two months.

Amazing, what determination and survival will make a 'man' do.

Peace.

"Everything That Is Green...Is KeeN"

by GGooDie on 11/19/2008 09:19:12 AM EST

A story always has more than one side. (none / 0)
If this brings more attention and urgency to solving the problems in Somalia, I guess that's a positive thing. Then again, they might end up making things even worse for their own people.

Reading about Somalia makes me appreciate where I live that much more...

K'naan - What's Hardcore?

by Scandinavian Chef on 11/19/2008 10:12:37 AM EST

[ Parent ]
totally with Scan Chef (none / 0)
I was very disappointed with that bit on tyt, too.

What's cool about being a criminal, please? Saying these guys take faith in their own hands is a slap in the face of all Somalis who try to get by without kidnapping.

And I wonder how it would make you feel to have you life threatened by a desparado with a machete. I guess it would change your mind kinda quickly.

by grebrim on 11/19/2008 02:05:46 PM EST

ARRGGGGG Me mateys (none / 0)

A) Pirates rock. Now they are back - awesome.

B) This ship should've been properly equipped to deal with pirates, as their activity has been on a noticeable rise this year. Easy pickings for six pirates is funny - where was the largest tanker's defenses again?

C) I personally have nothing wrong with criminals stealing from the government. Especially the Saudi government. (Not a racist statement, but their government is a repressive p.o.s.).

I have nothing wrong with what Cenk said, and in fact agree with him. It's just a fucktonne of oil, wether buying it back diplomatically or blowing their shit out of the water is up to the Saudi governments, or whomever wishes to get involved. The pirate's have brought both courses of action upon themselves.

 

But it is amusing for the time being.

by Ranting Libertarian on 11/19/2008 02:05:52 PM EST

look, (none / 0)
a) They're not back, they've allways been around. You just didn't notice.

b) Yeah! Let's equip every oil tanker in the ocean with a paramilitary unit to fiight off gangsters. Damn, I just cannot wait to give oil companies another excuse to raise prices.

c) Except that the government's property is the people's property. The sheiks in charge would be the last men in Saudi Arabia to feel any hardship if their economy went down. Look what has happened in Cuba, the U.S. put up an embargo that made the whole country suffer; the whole country but Fidel and friends, that is.

by grebrim on 11/19/2008 02:42:33 PM EST

[ Parent ]
ARRGGGGG Me mateys (none / 0)

First of all I realize pirates have always been around - but not to this extent, their activity has been increasing since 2007 to the point that their now making national news.

Obviously weapons are needed! If there had been enough defense to A) intimidate pirates to not attack, and B) take care of SIX people with machine guns, then obviously this could've been avoided. 

The people's property, eh?  If it was our property we would have the right to name its prices, we don't own it we buy it.

by Ranting Libertarian on 11/19/2008 03:04:23 PM EST

[ Parent ]
You will (none / 0)
have your weapons and your mercenaries. Good day for Blackwater, sad day for car owners.

And when I say people, I do not necessarily mean your people.

by grebrim on 11/19/2008 03:20:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
What do you expect, (none / 0)
from the same people who celebrated the death count in Iraq. They finally shut up, but only after the Surge proved them wrong.

by KenTX on 11/19/2008 02:25:11 PM EST

Sure, (none / 0)
the search is working great.
As long as you're not christian, that is.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id /27699565/

by grebrim on 11/19/2008 02:30:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
lol (none / 0)
no.

by jarett on 11/19/2008 04:19:37 PM EST

[ Parent ]
10, 2, etc. (none / 0)
Eeeeverybody just calm down.  Cenk was pointing out the abstract humor of pirates being real again, that's all.

by jarett on 11/19/2008 02:31:56 PM EST

Too bad (none / 0)
that the hundreds of people who got killed in pirate attacks over the last few years are neither abstract nor humorous.

by grebrim on 11/19/2008 02:53:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
abstract humor (none / 0)
Giving a cool drink of water to a terrorist who is relaxing in a reclining position is funny to me. But somehow, you guys don't get the humor?

by KenTX on 11/19/2008 03:16:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Strange, but maybe (none / 0)
it's about the fact that one of these situations has to do with abandoning our moral standing as Americans and other has to do with isolated acts of non-ideological criminal activity.

by jarett on 11/19/2008 04:21:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
September 19th! (none / 0)
http://www.talklikeapirate. com/

SAM: What's new, Normie?
NORM: Terrorists, Sam. They've taken over my stomach and they're demanding beer.

by Spinny on 11/19/2008 04:06:02 PM EST

I'm With Scandinavian Chef on This One (none / 0)

I agree 100% with what you have said (and others in line with you).

What is also amazing and likely to be the Real Story, is that we only hear of these Pirates (or other similar events) when an OIL Tanker gets taken .... oh yes.. and Russian Military Equipment.

But what only a few people have heard is that 8 ships have been hijacked by pirates during only the Last 12 Weeks in the same area. How many of these others have any of you heard about ?

This fact was mentioned on CNN earlier this evening but I see the video article is gone now.

Also, as Chef mentioned, there have been pirates in the Strait of Malacca for many years. Almost Daily in fact.

Millions of Dollars of Products from all over the world are stolen every day. Lives are often taken during the sea-hijacking. Often times too, the products are FOOD being sent to the millions of people that are Still Starving in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, presumably due to lingering effects of the Vietnam War (as is reported in countries that are not in North America). This has been going on for 30 years ..... but we NEVER hear about it in the news. Tons to be learned on the NET though.

I admit, I am short on Links (here) to illustrate my points being Facts but I am willing and able to produce many if requested. The information is widely available on the internet. The thing that really pisses me off, is that you/we rarely ever hear about the REALLY Controversial stuff on North American News. Canada is a "bit" better with its news coverage and transparency, but not much.

In any case, my point is that there are MANY pirates, sea-hijackings and other worldly events that can often result in tragedy (and do), that we rarely hear about OR simply Don't Want to Hear About but We Should hear about them anyway ! Besides, you can switch to the Sports Channel for updates on those statistics any time. Let's put the Full 30 minute or 60 minute News time slots towards Real, Important, Transparent, Informative and mostly Honest News.

This is one reason why I (continuously) continue to mention the Atrocities in places like Palestine and Tibet and South Osetia and Abkazia, etc etc etc.

It is time that we North Americans, open our frigging eyes to what is really going on out there in OUR WORLD ("our" meaning "relating to all humans").

Let us open our eyes, open our minds, open our hearts, and open our cognitive senses. If WE don't do it, Nothing Will Ever Change except to get only worse and spread into our lives directly. Let us not leave the crimes of the few, reflect on the lives of the many. Need I continue ?

Sorry... maybe I've already gotten carried away !!!  ?

 


by SnowTiger on 11/19/2008 10:21:13 PM EST

Pirates Steal An Oil Ship - Awesome? | 25 comments (25 topical, 0 hidden)
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