But I digress.

I don’t really care if you think my beliefs are controversial. I tend to hold my peace here, because I know a lot of you may feel differently and I don’t like getting into political discussions when we should be talking about books. However, this situation is unique. It’s not political – or at least it shouldn’t be. It’s about a man, a fellow citizen. Someone who could have easily been your father or your brother or your friend. A hero who lives by an ancient code that few have the courage to follow today.

I firmly believe what Captain Phillips did – trading himself for the safety of his crew – is something heroic and honorable in the extreme. He is a great man, if for nothing else than his actions under fire. When the chips were down, he behaved in a way few others would, displaying true courage.

I worried for him as this dragged on and on… and on. I worried that the Navy’s hands were tied. I worried that the politicians would let this man die at the hand of pirates rather than use the military might of the United States to go in there and just GET him! For cripes sake! It’s not a hard question. Four pirates. One hostage. A lifeboat vs. a big, honking US Navy warship. Take the shot and get it over with already! There’s nothing to negotiate here. There’s no question but that the pirates were guilty as sin. No need to examine evidence or hold a trial. They were caught in the act! Still committing the act and possibly about to commit murder.

But then the days dragged on some more and the President didn’t say anything. Hillary’s response was to laugh about piracy. LAUGH! (If you don’t believe me, watch her do it on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii_c3B5AasI) Captain Phillips wasn’t laughing. How DARE she??? What kind of leader LAUGHS when one of their citizens is being held hostage? And where were the words of concern for him or his family?

Again, I digress…

But then we got our Easter miracle. The Navy acted and the man of honor was freed from those who had none. God bless those sailors who acted to save one of their own – a fellow seaman who had made such a dangerous sacrifice for his men.

Some of you know that my dad was a young sailor on the Pacific during WWII, but the history of maritime officers runs long and strong in my family. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see that the tradition of honor and courage among those who go out to the sea in ships continues to this very day. Kudos to the men of the Bainbridge. They, and Captain Phillips, are my heroes.

Happy Easter!