A public service announcement for any pirates reading this.

Should you ever find yourself surrounded by the United States Navy, holding an American hostage, and (supposedly) out of ammunition, follow these three simple steps:

1. Carefully put down your now-useless weapons.
2. Carefully place your hands on your heads and kneel.
3. Yell out, as loudly as you can, “DON’T SHOOT!  WE SURRENDER! DON’T SHOOT!”

That might keep you from getting shot by the United States Navy.  I say “might” – like Ed Morrissey, I’m a firm believer in the need to make it clear that it’s inadvisable to take Americans prisoner in the first place – but, believe me: it’s better odds than the alternative.

Because actions have consequences.

Crossposted to RedState.