Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Video Footage Of Hostages: Paul & Rachel Chandler

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Paul-And-Rachel-Chandler-David-Miliband-Defends-Effort-To-Free-Britons-Kidnapped-By-Somali-Pirates/Article/201002115539467

I found the video footage for the most recent release of information about the Chandlers.

I don't know why, instead of money, the Somalis wouldn't agree to a name of someone or some company, some documentation of who was involved in polluting and dumping in their waters. With that, they could get clean-up and compensation, but when they're just asking for money, and so much money, it makes me wonder who is behind the scenes getting some of it.

I do understand that if you pay 7 million to bail them out, what about everybody else that is held hostage? It does sort of set it up so that this happens again in the future. But rescue would be very difficult with them separated, because you rescue one and they kill the other.

It was good that they allowed them to see eachother for a short time though.

I don't know if they have any religious affiliation or not--if they're Somali muslim or christian or have their own religion or none, but I hope, that at least, under the eyes of God, they would allow them to spend a little more time together secretly, or to at least communicate by webcam. At least if they could communicate, even if they're separated, I think it would be a great comfort to Rachel. I also think it doesn't help them to have the Chandlers frail. They should be given plenty of food and water to eat because it will make no difference when it comes to government negotiations and might even harden government people into deciding they will stand their ground, because it will make them more angry. The public might be sympathetic, but not government persons, in the same way, because it will be seen as an attempt of manipulation. If the British government paid ransom on each hostage they would go bankrupt in no time. Others would be holding the government hostage. I don't think the Somalis should expect this to happen, because in the past, they got money from private funds, but here they're talking about government. It doesn't help the Chandlers to say they're poor when they're yahting all over the world, but it may be that their money has run out.

I think the Chandlers are gaunt because it was said in the last video, that they wouldn't be given food so maybe the Somalis were trying to prove a point.

I keep thinking there must be some "name" that could be offered to them which might make a lot of people feel it was right to release them.

They could be heroes in their own country, if they were willing to take an opportunity to really hold the right people accountable. So on one hand, you don't want to encourage this idea, but someone should be paying for the clean up. I don't trust the money would all go for clean up and the country though, because it sounds like some of these pirates have built mansions and then given money to others, but not to really help the people who need it.

I also sort of wonder what Naples has to do with anything because one day when I was thinking about this problem, Naples, Italy came to mind.

I feel that, if the Somalis could obtain an important piece of information or a tip, this would be worth far more than 7 million because they could not only seek compensation, they could get it from the right people, persons responsible, and they could even end up with more than 7 million in the long run.

Getting the name of, and means to prosecute, even one company that did dumping, would be worth millions, and possibly tens of millions. It would also get clean up money going torwards the right thing.

They would have to have some documentation or solid proof of a company, and then be able to take it to the UN but also have a lawyer who could actually sue on behalf of Somali citizens. Maybe more than one company.

And then, as Somali is getting cleaned up, the pirate situation should be controlled by other countries who have a right to safety.

The Somalis would have to see how the information could be directly used. Maybe allow the Chandlers to just give them what they have of their own monies, and then return them in exchange for a name.

At any rate, in the meantime, whatever will help them to be nourished, even if it's roast beef and mashed potatoes, I hope they have a good meal soon.

I was just thinking, I hope that the Somalis can demonstrate love and compassion torwards the Chandlers.

In the past, while evil has been done to the Somalis, they have been able to show kindness even to their hostages. In some ways, maybe because they expected a higher payment in ransom, but it does no good to torture people when they're innocent, to prove a point. Some of the Somalis were innocent, to have had such horrible things happen to them, but these hostages are as well. It's larger companies, and possibly, some in different government positions, who are responsible. But going after the companies or putting pressure on such government people, to give a name about who was doing the dumping, that would be more along the lines of securing justice. Even a private citizen with information could somehow do this, and pass along information somehow, and it would be worth more than just cash now.

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