The Jolly Roger was an effective signal because flying it was cheap for pirates (already outlaws) but extremely costly for coast guard ships, which would step outside legal bounds and become subject to being hunted and hanged as pirates—so coast guards refrained from using it, preserving the flag's meaning.
causalpending
Speaker
Peter LeesonEvidence Quote
“The Coast Guard ship is officially legitimate ship right if it flies the Jolly Roger it has now stepped outside those bounds... which means that now British colonial officials can send out warships to hunt and track you down... and ultimately if they catch you hang you as a pirate”
Created: 6/17/2026, 10:31:31 AM
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