To the Point
Piracy on the High Seas and Gun Control in America
Despite a rash of mass killings, calls for increased gun control are falling on deaf ears. Has the NRA prevailed in Washington and state capitols? Will American guns continue to flow to Mexican drug cartels? Also, the US resolves to do what's necessary to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAfter Navy marksmen killed three Somali pirates, American sea captain Richard Phillips is alive and well. President Obama says the US will work with other nations to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. Can they be defeated in an area too large for effective naval patrol? What are the risks of a land invasion to eliminate their safe haven? Also, recent mass shootings have renewed calls for gun control. But the issue is dead on arrival at state legislatures, Capitol Hill and the Obama White House. Has the NRA won the battle? What about American guns used to arm Mexican drug cartels?
Banner image: View of pirates and hostages on the Tanit, that was seized by Somali pirates on April 4, 2009. Photo: ECPAD/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
2 storiesAmerican Ship Captain Rescued from Pirates
The Captain of the Maersk Alabama is safe after Navy Seal sharp-shooters picked off three pirates who were holding him in the Indian Ocean. Richard Phillips had given himself up to the pirates to save his crew. Friday night, President Obama authorized Navy marksmen to shoot to kill if Phillips' life was in danger.
Read the story22 minIs Gun Control Dead?
In the past month, 57 Americans have lost their lives to gun violence in eight incidents, which included mass killings of 10 and 13 at a time. The shooting victims included children and other family members, nursing home residents, immigrants and police officers. In recent months, a church, college and day center all have been shot up.
Read the story27 min
