What with all the news this week about supertankers and merchies being seized by Somali and other pirates, would it be necessary for countries flagging such carriers to issue letters of marque and reprisal so that said carriers could arm their ships, or perhaps provide their own escorts?

Personally, I like the idea.

First, it seems eminently practical.  I would think there would be a ready supply of mercenaries eager to take up such employment.  And how much firepower would be required to fight off a couple small boatloads of thugs?

Second, such an idea has a certain romance about it for us hardcore history buffs, emphasizing once again that times change but that people and their problems really don’t.