Terrorist foes are not new to the United States. Two centuries before 9/11, our country sought to protect its citizens from a foe who held allegiance to no country, the Barbary pirates of North Africa. Capturing ships and demanding a ransom for the crew provided a steady income for the pirates. Many seamen became slaves when the ransom couldnt be paid. The newly elected president, Thomas Jefferson, was forced to confront the continued attacks. Many wished to avoid conflict at any cost. Jefferson believed that continued payment to the terrorist pirates would only encourage more demands, so he refused to pay. The U.S. Navy was formed during 4 years of war in the Mediterranean. Our naval victories in 1815 led to treaties which ended all tribute money paid by the United States.
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Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandsons, Calvin and Paul. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA).
and a great quote from Jefferson and Adams, reported to Sec. of State John Jay which sheds to light the worldview and theology of orthodox islam(as well does the history of Jihadist conquest going back to Muhammed himself)
"It was written in their Koran, that all nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave; and that every muslim who was slain in this warfare was sure to go to paradise. He said, also, that the man who was the first to board a vessel had one slave over and above his share, and that when they sprang to the deck of an enemy's ship, every sailor held a dagger in each hand and a third in his mouth; which usually struck such terror into the foe that they cried out for quarter at once. "
- Thomas Jefferson
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This is far removed from many that think they are the heirs of Jefferson. Far from it.
Jefferson didn't go to Congress at all to get a magic "Declaration of War" passed either. Why? because with outlaw regimes its not required, and the original Article II intent was pretty broad(on purpose) in this area as it was. The irony is Jefferson actually governed in a Hamiltonian(strong Executive) vision of the office. Barbary Pirates, La. Purchase, Lewis and Clark Explorations(remember that next time someone questions the Constitutionality of NASA).
Meanwhile, Congress just passed repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to further demoralize the military. 5 GOPer's voted for Repeal with the Left, including the Ronuluan himself(arguably only a GOPer to use the brand to get elected).