Some Seemingly Rejoice as Hundreds Die on the High Seas

Some 700 refugees died today fleeing the northern shores of Africa in an attempt to find a better life, one free from persecution, tyranny, or the utterly horrific conditions that were left in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

Pope Francis, in his noon address today in St. Peter’s Square said, “They are men and women like us, our brothers seeking a better life, starving, persecuted, wounded, exploited, victims of war. They were looking for a better life, they were looking for happiness.”

Meanwhile, upon posting the news on gCaptain’s Facebook page, we received the following comments.

Other comments reflected quite an opposite view, one similar to Pope Francis,’ however two days ago, The Sun columnist Katie Hopkins published the following editorial:

In the United States’ Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress, it states:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Those of you who would make such comments as those posted above, does the above passage from the Declaration of Independence apply to refugees from Northern Africa or elsewhere?  What about the fundamental obligation of all seafarers to provide assistance to those in peril on the sea?

Your comments are welcome below.

Editorial Standards · Corrections · About gCaptain