As always, my mailbag is bulging with urgent questions. Here’s 3 of the best:

As I die-hard liberal, you’ll defend anything that non-Americans do. What say you about the Somali pirates, 3 of whom were killed last week?

First, I do not defend the acts of the four men who were overtaken by Navy SEALS last week. That said, let’s not allow our indignation to obscure some key facts here. For decades, the Somalian people have seen their economic resources systematically exploited by North American and Europe. Somalian coastal waters have been used as illegal dumping grounds for the world’s toxic waster. Also, seafood, Somalia’s biggest resource, has been shamelessly stolen by large shipping vessels for nearly two decades. Since the war-torn country has no navy or coast guard, citizens must take matters into their own hands in order to protect their interests and recoup their losses. While this doesn’t defend the type of selfish and lawless piracy that took place last week, it does explain how our policies often force the hand of other nations.

There’s been a lot of talk about “enhanced interrogation techniques”. Should we use them to fight terrorism?

If by “enhanced interrogation techniques,” you are referring to intense procedures, with no long term effects, that are used to secure vital information from terrorists, I’m all for it. After all, you can’t get Al-Qaeda to spill the beans by tickling them. If, however, you’re referring to the inhumane forms of abuse that were authorized under the Bush Administration in violation of the Geneva Convention and the Convention against torture then the answer is no. In addition to being unethical, there is no compelling evidence that torture produces the outcomes proponents  promise. Also, by engaging in acts that we’ve previously criminalize –for example, Japanese soldiers were criminally charged by the US for the same waterboarding tactics that we endorse today– we compromise moral authority, respect, and security around the globe

Since you think you know everything else, why don’t give an NBA prediction?

Glad you asked! With Kevin Garnett out for the year, the Celtics simply don’t have the interior defense or front court presence to make it out of the East. The Magic, while talented, do not have the experience, consistent scoring, or rebounding necessary to win it all. Expect Lebron’s Cavaliers to slide into the Finals without much struggle. In the West, Kobe’s Lakers seem to have a similarly easy road, due to Tim Duncan’s gimpy legs and Portland’s immaturity. Expect the Lakers to squeak by the Cavs after seven of the most exciting (and profitable) championship series in recent memory.