Just kidding, it's not talk like a pirate day. So.... what do pirates and the environment have in common you ask? Clean water. Illegal overfishing and toxic dumping off the Somalian cost are the main causes for it's people turning to piracy. And honestly, who can blame them? Their government (who is supposed to regulate and stop these kinds of things) is non existent. These ex-fisherman are being poisoned and robbed of millions of dollars and their livelihoods. And no one cared. Until they started hijacking ships and taking Americans hostage.
What is one to expect after years of environmental abuse by other countries? Not only are they looting the profitable seafood from the Somali fishermen, they cut their nets, ram their boats and dump garbage, toxic sludge, even nuclear waste in the water. This toxic dumping off the shores has become common place. Proof came in 2004 when a tsunami washed up several radioactive and toxic barrels. The UN was supposed to investigate...
Somali piracy is just the first wave of social unrest (also seen in China) we will see in the future because of corrupt corporations and environmental degradation. Pirates, back in they day, were the first people to rebel against the status quo. These people are no different. They are using piracy as a National Defense against these atrocities they are helpless to prevent. Should they stick to ships that performing the illegal acts? Sure. Should they use ransom money to fix problems they claim to be the source of their piracy in the fist place? Sure. But why aren't corporations being held accountable for the sickness and destruction they have caused? Either way, you have to admit they certainly have the world's attention. And the world seriously needs to listen.
For more, check out Red, Green and Blue's blog entry on the same subject.
2 comments:
Alot of things you are saying is just part of the modern day attitude. Apathy rules.
It is easier that way. This was a sad post. I liked it though.
why thank you. Yes, apathy is easy to subscribe to when things are complicated.
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