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Should Shipping companies Pay the US for protection?

It costs billions of taxpayer dollars to maintain the large military we have. If private shipping companies, to save money, steer their ships in dangerous waters than expect the US military to save them, shouldn't they pay for that?

Public Comments

1. Yes you should pay for that through higher product prices.
2. There is one of our own involved. You might feel different if it was one of your loved ones.
3. Absolutely if they want it but they will just pass it down to consumers anyway same as it is now with our taxapyers money for this.
4. Yes. US Navy should only protect US registered ships. Registering a ship in the US -- paying to register a ship in the US -- is the cost of receiving US protecton. Steven : Is the the US citizen -- consumer -- who pays taxes to support the military. Ever think of it that way?
5. As an American, and as a Veteran, I would expect the military to protect me no matter where I'm at. I know Bush would ensure this, and Obama has yet to prove that he would.
6. they have insurance companies taken care of that. for loss in case of loss in accidents fire, theft...
7. yes, they should hire blackwater like bush did
8. The company has said they don't want military intervention. They want to pay the ransom. Maybe a lesson from the French is in order.
9. American shipping companies already pay for it. It's called taxes and PROTECTION is one of the few true responsibilities of the government anyway.
10. They are RIB's and old junk trawlers. Mount a 50 cal on the foredeck and turn them into driftwood. This pathetic need for the government to do everything is disgusting.
11. It cost taxpayers lots of money, yes. But It it use to help fund the economy. The money is used to pay for our brave men and women. People who manufacture weapons and Equipment, and others suppliers. The money is not disappearing to thin air. The US military is doing it's job by saving and protecting our citizens. Their jobs is not to protect the cargo, but to protect the people on board and save them. That is why shipping company's have insurance to pay for lost goods. So they are trying to save the life on board not the cargo. just something people don't think about.. But to awnser you question, No they don't need to.
12. no. the united states navy needs to remain flexible in pursuit of our international goals. the navy is not a mercenary force. this is a job for private security companies like blackwater.
13. nah, we should just quit sending money to the UN "aid" racket