Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War that Changed American History, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, reviewed by Pastor LaMont Bonath.

"Those who do not know history are prone to repeat it." — Harry Truman

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates is a great reminder that the problems we have faced in the past are sometimes very similar to the problems we currently face. While I pray for peace, I am also aware that when you are dealing with a bully sometimes you have to stand up to them. This is a bit oversimplified but none the less true as we continued to deal with certain Arab nations and military forces.

The book is an easy read and the writing style keeps you interested. Take time to read the cover flap and the acknowledgement.

It also provided me some new insight into the early life of Stephen Decatur. In later life, during the Civil War blockage of the South by the North, he authored the phrase, "Dawn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."

Enjoy the book.