There was a great editorial published in the Wall St Journal this morning on response to the piracy off Somalia. The United States has laws about response, retaliation, human rights, and prisoners of war.
This article reflects back to a distinction made by the Romans "between bellum (war against legitimus hostis, a legitimate enemy) and guerra (war against latrunculi, pirates, robbers, brigands and outlaws).
I like the sound of that word - latrunculi.
In my opinion, it's one thing to have rights for those who patriotically go and fight for their country in a war, and another for those who take things into their own hands.
Am I alone in thinking this?
Hi Sharon, I am in complete agreement with you on this and also have the same love of words that you do! I hope you have a good holiday weekend!
Thanks, Russell. Tomorrow afternoon I've given the rest of the team the day off, and I'll be at our new office - probably sitting outside with my new Netbook.