US Navy murders Venezuelan citizens on the open seas
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TheTexan
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Could have been going anywhere.
If I were a consultant for the cartel*, the first thing I would tell them is they should place floating depots of stabilized fuel all along their routes. Which they might already be doing.
(*not that I've done that before because I certainly have not)
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TheTexan
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Yea, it could be entirely made up, like the moon landing, the holocaust and possibly 9/11
acptulsa
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Wasn't going to China. Would have needed sails.
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Additionally, Trump's recent move to make burning the US flag illegal could simply be cover for making burning the Israeli flag illegal.
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RE: the "Barbary pirates" excuse the defenders of this action seem to have glommed on to:
https://x.com/TenthAmendment/status/1965211903757877427
to: https://x.com/TenthAmendment/status/1965217128484909348
{Tenth Amendment Center @TenthAmendment | 09 September 2025}
THOMAS JEFFERSON VS THE BARBARY PIRATES
A Timeline and THREAD
that proves Jefferson did NOT use offensive military action without first getting approval from Congress.
and proves that almost everything the government-run "education" system has taught you is a lie, or littered with propaganda.
This one goes to 11.
October 7, 1800: Five months before Jefferson takes office, the Pasha of Tripoli demands more tribute money from the U.S., threatening to "forge a pretext to capture your defenseless merchantmen."
February 21, 1801: The U.S. consul in Tripoli, James Cathcart, warns that the Pasha will "commence Hostilitys against the U. States of America in less than Sixty Days."
Pre-Inauguration, 1801: Congress passes the "Act Providing for a Naval Peace Establishment," which gives the President authority to officer and man six frigates.
May 14, 1801: The Pasha of Tripoli formally declares war on the United States
May 15, 1801: Unaware that war had been declared the previous day, President Jefferson holds a cabinet meeting.
The consensus is that if war is declared by Tripoli, the U.S. Navy may only act in self-defense until Congress approves offensive measures.
Jefferson's notes show his cabinet believed they were not authorized to "search for & destroy the enemy’s vessels" without a state of war, and even then, there were disagreements about the extent of that power.
Attorney General Levi Lincoln, Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, Secretary of State James Madison, and Acting Secretary of the Navy Samuel Smith - all unanimously agreed that defensive measures were the only thing authorized without approval from Congress.
May 20, 1801: Jefferson sends a naval squadron to the Mediterranean with orders for Commodore Richard Dale. The primary mission is to "superintend the safety of our commerce."
The orders explicitly state that only if Dale finds that war has already been declared should he take defensive action by blockading the port of Tripoli.
If no war was declared? Make a peace offer to the Pasha of Tripoli, “Great and Respected Friend.”
“The assurances of friendship which our Consul has given you, & of our sincere desire to cultivate peace & commerce with your subjects, are faithful expressions of our dispositions, and you will continue to find proofs of them in all those acts of respect & friendly intercourse which are due6 between nations standing as we do in the relations of peace & amity with each other”
July 1, 1801: The American squadron arrives and learns of Tripoli's declaration of war. Following Jefferson's defensive orders, Commodore Dale establishes a blockade of the port.
Jefferson's order to the squadron:
“Should the bey of tripoli have declared war (as he has threatened) against the united states – you will then proceed direct to that Port, where you will lay your ships in such a position as effectually to prevent any of their vessels from going in or out. The essex and enterprise by cruising well on towards tunis will have it in their power to intercept any vessels which they may have captuers”
Summer 1801: As a result of the defensive blockade, the USS Enterprise defeats the 14-gun corsair Tripoli in a Naval Battle.
Because Congress had not yet authorized offensive action or declared war themselves, Captain Andrew Sterret could not even take the ship as a prize.
Instead, he merely disarmed it by throwing its guns overboard and released the ship and its crew.
December 8, 1801: In his First Annual Message to Congress, Jefferson reports on Tripoli's declared war and ongoing aggression.
He states he is "unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense."
He explicitly asks Congress to consider "authorizing measures of offense" to put the U.S. on an equal footing with its adversary.
December 8, 1801: In his First Annual Message to Congress, Jefferson reports on Tripoli's declared war and ongoing aggression.
He states he is "unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense."
He explicitly asks Congress to consider "authorizing measures of offense" to put the U.S. on an equal footing with its adversary.
February 6, 1802: In response to Jefferson's request for offensive war powers, Congress passes the "Act for the Protection of American Commerce and Seamen."
This act grants Jefferson the specific, limited authority to "subdue, seize and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli."
February 6, 1802: In response to Jefferson's request for offensive war powers, Congress passes the "Act for the Protection of American Commerce and Seamen."
This act grants Jefferson the specific, limited authority to "subdue, seize and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli."
February 18, 1802: Only after receiving authorization from Congress does Jefferson issue a circular to his naval commanders authorizing offensive action.
The new orders explicitly cite the statute passed by Congress and direct them to "subdue, seize, and make prize" of Tripolitan vessels.
Bonus: We also used to get this wrong - like virtually every other American.
It started as "Thomas jefferson did it"
Then it went to "Jefferson held the line of defense, but in response to attacks, could go on the offense"
Then we learned - Jefferson was FAR MORE STRICT - couldn't go on offense - even after a declaration of war against the US - and attacks against US Ships.
Then we learned - this is exactly what Pres. Adams did in the years prior. In the face of the FRENCH NAVY seizing over 300 ships - he stayed on the defense, and couldn't use offensive measures until congress gave him authorization in the "quasi war"
https://x.com/TenthAmendment/status/1965211903757877427
to: https://x.com/TenthAmendment/status/1965217128484909348
{Tenth Amendment Center @TenthAmendment | 09 September 2025}
THOMAS JEFFERSON VS THE BARBARY PIRATES
A Timeline and THREAD
that proves Jefferson did NOT use offensive military action without first getting approval from Congress.
and proves that almost everything the government-run "education" system has taught you is a lie, or littered with propaganda.
This one goes to 11.
October 7, 1800: Five months before Jefferson takes office, the Pasha of Tripoli demands more tribute money from the U.S., threatening to "forge a pretext to capture your defenseless merchantmen." February 21, 1801: The U.S. consul in Tripoli, James Cathcart, warns that the Pasha will "commence Hostilitys against the U. States of America in less than Sixty Days." Pre-Inauguration, 1801: Congress passes the "Act Providing for a Naval Peace Establishment," which gives the President authority to officer and man six frigates. May 14, 1801: The Pasha of Tripoli formally declares war on the United States May 15, 1801: Unaware that war had been declared the previous day, President Jefferson holds a cabinet meeting.The consensus is that if war is declared by Tripoli, the U.S. Navy may only act in self-defense until Congress approves offensive measures.
Jefferson's notes show his cabinet believed they were not authorized to "search for & destroy the enemy’s vessels" without a state of war, and even then, there were disagreements about the extent of that power.
Attorney General Levi Lincoln, Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, Secretary of State James Madison, and Acting Secretary of the Navy Samuel Smith - all unanimously agreed that defensive measures were the only thing authorized without approval from Congress.
May 20, 1801: Jefferson sends a naval squadron to the Mediterranean with orders for Commodore Richard Dale. The primary mission is to "superintend the safety of our commerce."The orders explicitly state that only if Dale finds that war has already been declared should he take defensive action by blockading the port of Tripoli.
If no war was declared? Make a peace offer to the Pasha of Tripoli, “Great and Respected Friend.”
“The assurances of friendship which our Consul has given you, & of our sincere desire to cultivate peace & commerce with your subjects, are faithful expressions of our dispositions, and you will continue to find proofs of them in all those acts of respect & friendly intercourse which are due6 between nations standing as we do in the relations of peace & amity with each other”
July 1, 1801: The American squadron arrives and learns of Tripoli's declaration of war. Following Jefferson's defensive orders, Commodore Dale establishes a blockade of the port.Jefferson's order to the squadron:
“Should the bey of tripoli have declared war (as he has threatened) against the united states – you will then proceed direct to that Port, where you will lay your ships in such a position as effectually to prevent any of their vessels from going in or out. The essex and enterprise by cruising well on towards tunis will have it in their power to intercept any vessels which they may have captuers”
Summer 1801: As a result of the defensive blockade, the USS Enterprise defeats the 14-gun corsair Tripoli in a Naval Battle.Because Congress had not yet authorized offensive action or declared war themselves, Captain Andrew Sterret could not even take the ship as a prize.
Instead, he merely disarmed it by throwing its guns overboard and released the ship and its crew.
December 8, 1801: In his First Annual Message to Congress, Jefferson reports on Tripoli's declared war and ongoing aggression.
He states he is "unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense."
He explicitly asks Congress to consider "authorizing measures of offense" to put the U.S. on an equal footing with its adversary.
December 8, 1801: In his First Annual Message to Congress, Jefferson reports on Tripoli's declared war and ongoing aggression.He states he is "unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense."
He explicitly asks Congress to consider "authorizing measures of offense" to put the U.S. on an equal footing with its adversary.
February 6, 1802: In response to Jefferson's request for offensive war powers, Congress passes the "Act for the Protection of American Commerce and Seamen."
This act grants Jefferson the specific, limited authority to "subdue, seize and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli."
February 6, 1802: In response to Jefferson's request for offensive war powers, Congress passes the "Act for the Protection of American Commerce and Seamen."This act grants Jefferson the specific, limited authority to "subdue, seize and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli."
February 18, 1802: Only after receiving authorization from Congress does Jefferson issue a circular to his naval commanders authorizing offensive action.The new orders explicitly cite the statute passed by Congress and direct them to "subdue, seize, and make prize" of Tripolitan vessels.
Bonus: We also used to get this wrong - like virtually every other American.
It started as "Thomas jefferson did it"
Then it went to "Jefferson held the line of defense, but in response to attacks, could go on the offense"
Then we learned - Jefferson was FAR MORE STRICT - couldn't go on offense - even after a declaration of war against the US - and attacks against US Ships.
Then we learned - this is exactly what Pres. Adams did in the years prior. In the face of the FRENCH NAVY seizing over 300 ships - he stayed on the defense, and couldn't use offensive measures until congress gave him authorization in the "quasi war"
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https://x.com/TenthAmendment/status/1965202106270580987
War Powers and the Constitution 101
The president does NOT need approval from congress - or anyone - to use military force to repel an active attack.
The president has this unilateral power - for as long as the attack happens - and not a moment longer.
The founders called this the principle of repelling FORCE by FORCE.
Anything beyond that? Like taking out capabilities - or taking out suspected threats?
Required Congressional approval - through either a limited authorization to use military force - or a full declaration of war.
This sounds weird to most people
because most people
a) are victims of government-run "education"
b) have never done anything to stop being a victim
c) have never studied what the founders said
d) have never learned a thing about how Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison all put this into practice.
nikcers
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Its not the only instance though.
One analysis by the Congressional Research Service identifies over 125 instances where a president acted without prior express military authorization from Congress before 1998.
Many presidents have gone to war without congress.
The Quasi-War with France
(1798–1800): President John Adams initiated hostilities against France at sea without a formal declaration of war.
Conflicts with the Barbary Pirates
(1801–1805, 1815): Jefferson's initial action: Without a formal declaration of war from Congress, Jefferson sent a squadron of four ships to the Mediterranean. He instructed the fleet to protect U.S. ships and citizens but to engage only in defensive measures unless attacked. The Pasha of Tripoli formally declared war on the United States. This followed Jefferson's refusal to increase tribute payments so Jefferson knew he was sending them to war.
The Mexican-American War
(1846): After sending troops into a disputed border area, President James Polk claimed Mexico had "shed American blood upon American soil" and called on Congress to recognize a state of war, rather than formally declare it.
The American Civil War
(1861): President Abraham Lincoln took several military actions without congressional approval while Congress was in recess, The Supreme Court upheld his actions in the Prize Cases (1863).
The Philippine-American War
(1898–1903): President William McKinley ordered the use of military force in the Philippines.
The Boxer Rebellion
(1900–1901): President McKinley sent troops to China as part of a multinational force to suppress the Boxer Rebellion.
The Nicaraguan Intervention
(1927): The U.S. intervened in Nicaragua to protect American citizens and property.
Korean War
(1950): President Truman sent troops without congressional authorization.
Vietnam War
(1963–1973): Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon committed and expanded troop involvement without a formal war declaration.
Grenada
(1983): President Reagan ordered an invasion, citing the need to protect American citizens.
Panama
(1989): President George H.W. Bush invaded to depose Manuel Noriega.
Kosovo
(1999): President Clinton conducted a bombing campaign against Yugoslavia under NATO without specific congressional authorization.
Libya
(2011): President Obama ordered airstrikes as part of a NATO-led coalition without seeking congressional approval.
Syria
(2017): President Trump ordered missile strikes, justifying the action under his Article II powers.
Yemen and Red Sea
(2024): The Biden administration ordered airstrikes against Houthi targets, citing its Article II authority.
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Okie RP fan
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I’m tired of foreign drugs killing Americans. Drug dealers are terrorists, get over it.
Yea, it’s a slippery slope but then, so much is.
Yea, it’s a slippery slope but then, so much is.
TheCount
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If you're going to pretend to respond with a long gpt spam, you could at least take the 2 seconds of work to remove the incorrect examples that were the topic of the post you replied to
Snowball
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btw I still don't believe it happened.
theintercept.com
U.S. Attacked Boat Near Venezuela Multiple Times to Kill Survivors
American officials said the repeat drone strikes were carried out by Special Operations Command, and more attacks could come soon.
theintercept.com
PAF
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US Bombs Another Boat Near Venezuela
by Dave DeCamp
September 15, 2025
President Trump claimed without evidence that the boat was running drugs and that the strike killed three 'terrorists'.
The US military on Monday bombed a boat near Venezuela and killed three people, according to a statement released by President Trump on Truth Social.
President Trump claimed without providing evidence that the boat was carrying drugs and that the three people who were killed were “narcoterrorists.” He made similar claims about the first US military strike on a boat near Venezuela that occurred on September 2, which he said killed 11 “narcoterrorists.”
The president also posted a video that purported to show the Monday strike. It showed what appeared to be a boat that was drifting at sea, followed by an explosion.
.
.
The Venezuela policy is being largely driven by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has long pushed for regime change in Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday called out Rubio in response to the US boarding the tuna boat, calling him a “lord of death and war.”
More here:
news.antiwar.com
by Dave DeCamp
September 15, 2025
President Trump claimed without evidence that the boat was running drugs and that the strike killed three 'terrorists'.
The US military on Monday bombed a boat near Venezuela and killed three people, according to a statement released by President Trump on Truth Social.
President Trump claimed without providing evidence that the boat was carrying drugs and that the three people who were killed were “narcoterrorists.” He made similar claims about the first US military strike on a boat near Venezuela that occurred on September 2, which he said killed 11 “narcoterrorists.”
The president also posted a video that purported to show the Monday strike. It showed what appeared to be a boat that was drifting at sea, followed by an explosion.
.
.
The Venezuela policy is being largely driven by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has long pushed for regime change in Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday called out Rubio in response to the US boarding the tuna boat, calling him a “lord of death and war.”
More here:
US Bombs Another Boat Near Venezuela - News From Antiwar.com
The US military on Monday bombed a boat near Venezuela and killed three people, according to a statement released by President Trump on Truth Social. President Trump claimed without providing evidence that the boat was carrying drugs and that the three people who were killed were...
news.antiwar.com
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PAF
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