There aren't enough options here. I say no, but not because they will kill them anyway (that's not necessarily true). I say no because it encourages other people to kidnap for ransom (but you're right, few families of the kidnapped would be so ready to say that). Also, why are we singling out terrorist kidnappers? The same question applies to all kidnappers who are willing to talk ransom.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
They can't pay because it will open them up to lawsuits. When they save one guy for $1M ransom but then balk at a $25M ransom for someone else and that person is then killed, families are going to sue.
They can't pay because it will open them up to lawsuits. When they save one guy for $1M ransom but then balk at a $25M ransom for someone else and that person is then killed, families are going to sue.
There are enough options here. I say no, but not because they will kill them anyway (that's not necessarily true). I say no because it encourages other people to kidnap for ransom (but you're right, few families of the kidnapped would be so ready to say that). Also, why are we singling out terrorist kidnappers? The same question applies to all kidnappers who are willing to talk ransom.
you bet, but but the article used the term terrorist...so used that.
There are enough options here. I say no, but not because they will kill them anyway (that's not necessarily true). I say no because it encourages other people to kidnap for ransom (but you're right, few families of the kidnapped would be so ready to say that). Also, why are we singling out terrorist kidnappers? The same question applies to all kidnappers who are willing to talk ransom.
you bet, but but the article used the term terrorist...so used that.
Godfather.
Ha, I didn't even realize there was a link there. Okay, well there are two sides and I agree with both, kind of. I don't think they should be paid because it encourages more kidnapping and legitimizes the tactic. But since they're just saying that it's the families making the decision and paying.... I don't know if you can force a family not to do it. If they try, then families will take matters into their own hands anyway, no? That could cause even more problems, especially if the families trying to pay against the government's advice will be punished for trying to save their loved one.... It's really a rock and a hard place I suppose. I still have to say they government needs to have a no exceptions rules against it, but no rules stopping families from trying to help independently. I don't think the government should be involved in helping the families negotiate.
I was shocked, btw, when Obama actually went through with that prisoner release last year in order to get that soldier back (was it from the Taliban? Can't even remember now). I didn't think that was a good idea at all.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
The government isn't going to pay, are they? I took it as the government won't stop the families from paying.
That's my impression from the article as well, but it sounds like the government wants to actively facilitate the families in doing so, which I also don't think they should do.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
On the greater scale, I would say no, don't pay ransoms. However, if I had a family member that was kidnapped, I would do everything in my power to bring them back safely. I can't fault those that would want to pay the ransom.
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brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,708
not sure
Generally I would say "no" but went with "not sure" because I would want to assess each case on its own depending on circumstances. I have to say I'm glad that's not my job.
"Don't give in to the lies. Don't give in to the fear. Hold on to the truth. And to hope."
The government isn't going to pay, are they? I took it as the government won't stop the families from paying.
Right. This isn't about the gov't paying ransoms. It is about the gov't not blocking families from paying, and not prosecuting them for paying ransoms. I'm glad Obama cleared the way for families to have this as an option that might help to get their loved ones home. It would be a horrible precedent for our government to pay ransoms, but that's not what is being done here. Kudos to POTUS on this one.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
If you have the funds as an individual and it is your loved one why shouldn't you be allowed to do what you think is right. Future kidnappers will do what they want regardless and it could change the way kidnapped people are treated. The Somali pirates did not kill their hostages. They saw it as bad for business. Now them getting ransom enabled the behavior to get as bad as it did but the alternative with shit like Isis beheading people is worse.
Tom Brady & Donald Trump, BFF's Fuckus rules all Rob Seattle
Plus they would just use the money to buy more weapons to kill more people.
It looks like the Cult is having a busy week. Drowning people in cages. Setting people on fire alive. Blowing peoples heads off with Running Man like neck explosives. Cutting peoples heads off in France. Shooting tourists in Tunisia. They still have the weekend to go.
Plus they would just use the money to buy more weapons to kill more people.
It looks like the Cult is having a busy week. Drowning people in cages. Setting people on fire alive. Blowing peoples heads off with Running Man like neck explosives. Cutting peoples heads off in France. Shooting tourists in Tunisia. They still have the weekend to go.
edit: Just learned the Cult killed at least 146 civilians in the Syrian town of Kobani
edit #2: Just learned the Cult blew up people in a mosque in Kuwait.
Comments
Only benefit Maybe get intel to free them.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Godfather.
Godfather.
Godfather.
I was shocked, btw, when Obama actually went through with that prisoner release last year in order to get that soldier back (was it from the Taliban? Can't even remember now). I didn't think that was a good idea at all.
Fuckus rules all
Rob
Seattle
"terrorists" or not
kidnapping is a fancy word for POW
Godfather.
It looks like the Cult is having a busy week. Drowning people in cages. Setting people on fire alive. Blowing peoples heads off with Running Man like neck explosives. Cutting peoples heads off in France. Shooting tourists in Tunisia. They still have the weekend to go.
edit #2: Just learned the Cult blew up people in a mosque in Kuwait.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.