Terrence has a real jewel of a 18th century history lesson in his story today — now I have to read more.

“The Stubborn Americans have a long history of battling Islamic Sultans . . .

“. . . the international TRIBUTE system worked until the young, immature and very emotional American Republic led by President Thomas Jefferson came along. With the cry of “Millions for Defense but not one cent for tribute” Jefferson sent a squadron including the frigate USS Philadelphia, the USS Constitution and several sloops of war in 1803 to blow the Sultans and their heathens to kingdom come. Well, it did not turn out well. Upon attacking the Sultan in Tripoli the USS Philadelphia ran aground. The Pirates promptly captured its crew and the ship with all of her guns and took it into the Tripolitan Harbor.”