The Libertarian Way to Fight Pirates

In Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress has the power to issue Letters of Marque. As I understand it, this is an authorization from a government to individuals to let them seize assets from a foreign ship. “Here (scribble), go nuts.”
I always thought this was some curio still left in the Constitution. I even joked with a friend recently that this would be the best way to fight the pirates.
I joked too soon. I give you, Ron Paul:

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) has called for the use of congressional letters of marque to allow private security forces to patrol international waters and assume liability for such operations.
“The whole mess over there is a reflection of our foreign policy as well because we’ve been involved in Somalia for a long time,” Paul said on Fox News on Wednesday.

I wonder if it would apply to blimps. Shouldn’t they be Emails of Marque? So many questions. Anyway, Happy Tax Day.

Posted by on April 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm


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