1904: American man Perdicaris and son kidnapped in Morocco by bandit Raisuli. Teddy Roosevelt sent ships, landed Marines, declared, “This government wants Persicaris alive or Raisuli dead!” We got the hostages back unharmed. Teddy was re-elected.
2023: State Department: Up to 600 Americans Trapped in Gaza. Biden: “We’re trying like hell to get them back.” Inspiring to our side? Frightening to the other side? Naw, all the world can see, just empty words.