Three pirates. Three shots.

I have been rather harshly critical toward President Obama on this website for a variety of reasons (which still exist). But frankly I think conservatives can and should give him due credit for how he handled the standoff with Somali pirates.

I know that some (conservatives?) might have wanted the president to use more aggressive rhetoric and actions – but that could have ratched up the tension and resulted in a dead American ship’s captain. Send ships. Use trained negotiators.

And as Commander-in-Chief authorize the use of deadly force if it looks like the American’s life is in danger.

As a Baptist Christian (and pastor) I harbor some ambivalence about the use of deadly force. I do not believe in pacifism. (Does one negotiate with Morgoth?) But neither am I entirely comfortable with the idea of killing human beings created in the image of God. (Even if that is sometimes in some way necessary.)

But in such a fallen world – the president handled this very well.

ADDENDUM – Was watching Sean Hannity for a few minutes this evening. He was talking with Bernie Goldberg author of Slobbering Love Affair. And Goldberg – whose book tears into the Mainstream Media for their “slobbering” over Candidate Obama – was trying to compliment and defend the president. He said “the liberal media would never give George Bush credit for anything. I do not want to do the same thing to President Obama”. Well said sir.