General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Apparently this is the breaking point, [View all]TheKentuckian
(25,034 posts)but it is bullshit, Pro.
It is bullshit because that is not anywhere near the asserted line.
It isn't an active member of Al Queda either.
It isn't actively plotting against the US either.
In fact the line is all the way fucking past thought crime to in our unchecked, unverified, and unbounded opinion that so and so is, not allied or associated with but "aligned" with a terror organization and POTENTIALLY may plot against the US because we say so.
You are guilty because we said so just like you are deemed to be a combatant because of age range, genitalia, and we hit you.
Al-Awlaki is not the Alpha and Omega here, this is a program. Even if you believe you have enough information on that one target, it does not logically follow that subsequent hits are legitimate and no way to make sure. No way to verify the authority is not used in error or maliciously going forward. Nor is the power constrained to this one President in a war without an enemy nation-state, battle ground other the entire world, clear goals to know victory is achieved, time line, nationality, or even coherent organization at this point. No uniforms, language, or even religion.
The more "normal" and the more subsequent administrations do this is the greater the risk of errors, creeping rationale, and outright abuse protected by self justifying logic that takes for granted if you are targeted then you are guilty.
To defend this shit is a form of treason, not only against our nation but against justice, self governance, and rule of law.