Pirates Killed, U.S. Captain Freed

The AP is reporting that Navy SEALS have rescued ship captain Richard Phillips, unharmed, from Somali pirates.

From the article:
"An American ship captain was freed unharmed Sunday and three of his captors were killed in a daring rescue by U.S. Navy Seals that ended a five-day standoff between the world's most powerful Navy and Somali pirates in a lifeboat far off the Horn of Africa.

"Capt. Richard Phillips was in 'imminent danger' of being killed before U.S. Special Operations forces shot the pirates in an operation personally approved by President Barack Obama, U.S. officials said.

"Phillips' crew, who said they had escaped after he offered himself as a hostage, erupted in cheers aboard their ship docked in Mombasa, Kenya. Some waved an American flag and fired flares in celebration."

I'm sure you're all like me and elated that Phillips was rescued unharmed. Bravery, luck, and skill combined for this joyous outcome.

Yet, I just cannot forget that Phillips was rescued by some of the same men whose medical benefits Obama had threatened to cut off less than a month earlier. While we celebrate this news, we need to remember this incident months from now. We need to support our military. And we should not forget that Obama's own actions and policies have shown that he has a very low opinion of these fine men and women, whose duties and services save American lives.