A LAUGH IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE - AT 9:25 A.M. ET: Excellent talk-show host Mike Scully (WVOX 1460 in the Westchester, New York, area, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays) alerts us to a terrific bit of satire, traced to Jon at Exurban League.  President Obama is speaking:

For too long, America has been too dismissive of the proud culture and invaluable contributions of the Pirate Community. Whether it is their pioneering work with prosthetics, husbandry of tropical birds or fanciful fashion sense, America owes a deep debt to Pirates.

The past eight years have shown a failure to appreciate the historic role of these noble seafarers. Instead of celebrating their entrepreneurial spirit and seeking to partner with them to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive.

Some of us wonder if our current Overseas Contingency Operation would even be needed had the last administration not been so quick to label Pirates as "thieves," "terrorists" and worse. Such swashbucklaphobia can lead to tragic results, as we have seen this week.

COMMENT:  Bull's eye.

April 11, 2009