The Chandlers & the price of freedom

[chirpychirpy]

Good news that Paul & Rachel Chandler have been released more than a year after being taken captive by Somali pirates. Even better news for them is that, in this modern age, with their freedom comes massive deals to sell their story to the Media, an even bigger book deal (including an account of how they dealt with the Media on returning home!) and the obligatory movie of the book. Within another year they should be millionaires at least once over. Almost worth getting kidnapped for, eh?

[sandyRoe]

If a ransom was paid, who provided it?

[New Judge]

“Almost worth getting kidnapped for, eh?”

I hope your remark was tongue-in-cheek, chirpy chirpy. If not, how on earth can you believe that being kidnapped, held hostage by a bunch of lunatics for a year in a cess-pit of a country whilst not knowing, not only if you will ever be released, but whether you will live or die is worth any sum of money?

Incidentally, I’ve just watched the first half hour of the BBC news. The leading items:

Release of Aung San Suu Ki.

General Sir David Richards suggesting Al-Qaeda can be contained but that “victory” (whatever that might mean) is impossible.

Gerry Adams to stand for election to the Irish Parliament (whilst retaining his salary and seat – which he has never occupied – at Westminster).

Peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

Two thirds of people who die in hospital would prefer to die at home but less than a fifth are able to do so.

Literary standards among twelve year olds fall “stubbornly short” of expected levels.

No mention of the release of the Chandlers.

[boxtops]

It was on the ITV news headlines just now, NJ, pictures of them getting on a plane to Kenya.
SandyRoe, the press association release suggests that the ransom was paid by the Somali governement and "private investors" http://www.google.com...N0056021289723343731A

[jno]

It's on the BBC website, NJ. I assume the BBC were awaiting confirmation that the story was true before publishing, which not all news organisations do.

I don't share at all the OP's view. From some of the posts on here, it's clear some ABers think about money as quickly as pirates do; and rather more quickly than the Chandlers, who are highly unlikely to be considering their bank accounts at the moment..

[chirpychirpy]

there are some humourless people on here

[naomi24]

//there are some humourless people on here //

I like to think I have a sense of humour, but I've tried and I just can't find anything funny about being kidnapped by Somali pirates. Money isn't the be all and end all you know.

[New Judge]

Yes, naomi, even tongue-in-cheek it's not much to laugh about.

[ummmm]

I don't often get annoyed on AB but these stupid posts have wound me up no end...

[flipnflap]

You're dead right, chirpy, Some people really need to lighten up. The couple have been released for gawd's sake.