Everyone knows the phrase “to the shores of Tripoli” from the Marine Corps Hymn. What might not be known is that in the 18th century North African pirates had preyed on European ships for decades, either capturing them, or extorting fees for their safe passage which the pusillanimous Europeans quietly paid. In contrast, the new United States in its first international action sent in the Marines, and the Marines quickly quelled the pirates. Of course the solution to piracy is always the same: neutralize the pirates or, in more forthright language, take them out.

And so now, after decades of pirate depredations south of the Suez Canal, the United States has recovered its youthful fortitude in the form of Donald Trump. Trump has warned the Houthis: the Houthi-backed piracy will end voluntarily, or it’ll be terminated by more permanent means. The pirates the Marines took out two centuries ago have not been heard from again. We look forward to the same civil silence soon issuing from south of the Canal. And a bill should then be sent to Europe for every ship of theirs which hence passes safely through it. And then maybe it should be renamed the American Canal.

ROBERT JACQUES

JAMES STUCHELL

Williamsport

Submitted by email