In response to the demands and actions of Muslim Barbary Pirates, President Thomas Jefferson sent the Marines . (Marines and some professional military contractors.)

Thus the verse in the Marine Corps Hymn , "To the shores of Tripoli."

Muslim pirates, this time centered around Somalia, are once again making demands and threatening U.S. interests.

Will Obama respond like Jefferson?

Previous blogs mentioning the Barbary Pirates as the first U.S. war with Islamic enemies here and here .

UPDATE:  Crew of the hi-jacked vessel has overpowered the Pirates.  So, we'll have to wait and see if the Pirates present another opportunity for Obama to act, or, if he will use this instance as justification for going after the Pirates O'Bannon style.

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