The same authority President Thomas Jefferson recognized when he launched attacks against the Barbary Pirates in the late 1700s.
My only question is why did Bush and Obama fail to take action against the Somali Pirates? Did they not wish to keep the seas open and safe?
Perhaps I’m not fully understanding what’s in your mind though. Is there something more than war time or reasoned military intervention that is called for, that you are thinking about?
Generally I don’t think we’re hindering or harassing shipping.
If we’re talking contraband headed for our shores, then there is more taking place. I think that’s reasoned as long as our laws are what they are. If we wish to change those laws, then some changes would take place.
Even legalization wouldn’t satisfy the revenuers (IRS) for better or worse though.
Yes indeed and I should have made the point in my reply -- COMMERCE; or more accurately the billion($) in revenues generated from "leases" etc in INTERNATIONAL waters. Not to mention the "authority" to select winners and losers by picking who can and can't drill in those INTERNATIONAL waters. The BP blowout was, what, fifty miles offshore? And just what happened to those billions in fines levied on BP? Last I heard our territorial waters are still just twelve miles offshore since the senate has never ratified LOST; to their credit BTW. Is that weird or is it just me?