OPINION:
The story of American defiance in the face of terror began at the dawn of our nation.
When Barbary pirates attacked American naval vessels and took Americans captive, it was Thomas Jefferson who ordered a blockade and demanded that we not follow the path of the Europeans by paying ransom to terrorists. The Barbary pirates were the Enlightenment era’s manifestation of Islamic fascists.
Jefferson’s courageous decision to confront piracy as secretary of state and eventually as president set a precedent that stands the test of time. Over the past several days, Israeli tankers have come under fire by modern Somali pirates. However, when the Chinese navy ships heard the Israeli cries for help, they ignored them — despite China’s presence in the Horn of Africa. Ultimately, it was American and Japanese ships that intervened to defend our Israeli friends.
While Israel is under attack from all angles, it is clear which side China takes in this conflict. Not only has China erased Israel from its digital maps and fueled Iranian drone production, but it also refuses to act upon its supposed mission of securing shipping lanes and fuel supply. The Chinese Communist Party is a selfish and hostile actor on the world stage. Xi Jinping is capable only of buying captive countries; he is not a faithful friend.
The U.S. must continue its Jeffersonian tradition of destroying terrorism and maintaining friendships.
HENRY WILSON
Washington
