General Discussion

moodforaday

(1,860 posts)

207. "decide on a whim" is totally irrelevant

Wed Feb 6, 2013, 11:48 PM

Feb 2013

It doesn't matter whether Obama and his team spend a full year debating who to kill with a drone strike and why. It doesn't matter how much sleep he does or does not lose over it, how good the intel really is or how many well-informed people agree.

He does not have the legal right to do this. This is a usurpation of a dictatorial power, a complete trashing of the separation of powers. It is most likely a "high crime". No way out of this.

I am sure Joseph Stalin and his executioner Felix Dzerzhinsky also picked their targets carefully, out of a population of many millions. In fact, we know they did. They tortured and killed people they considered dangerous to their newly hatched revolutionary state. Some of them were; others were simply made an example of. But the process was pretty much the same. They picked people and they killed them, because they could. And there was no-one to stop them.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

393 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

A Note On 'Drone Strikes', Ladies And Gentlemen [View all] The Magistrate Feb 2013 OP

DU rec... SidDithers Feb 2013 #1

-1 blkmusclmachine Feb 2013 #295

+2... SidDithers Feb 2013 #296

K & R. n/t FSogol Feb 2013 #2

You do realize that the problem that arises from treating terrorism as warfare... redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #3

The Chief Problem With Your Response, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #9

To emphasize your point, how many Americans either travel or live overseas vs how many stevenleser Feb 2013 #11

No, we do *not* know whether these decisions are made 'on a whim'. redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #13

Yes we do, from simple mathematics. How many Americans have traveled abroad stevenleser Feb 2013 #16

What Obama has done and what the powers enable any future president to do redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #21

It's really not. There is nothing expansive about this power unless you believe that stevenleser Feb 2013 #27

Stateless combatant groups have existed off and on for very, very, very, very long. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #108

They have existed for a long time. I think in some respects, drones and the corresponding AUMF stevenleser Feb 2013 #124

Mathematics? moodforaday Feb 2013 #205

No. stevenleser Feb 2013 #228

Slippery Slope, Sir, Is A Slippery Ground On Which To Take a Stand.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #24

Slippery slope is precisely the issue with executive powers. redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #30

Present Needs Must Be Met, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #33

Obama will not fire a missle at Assange. redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #39

No One Will, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #53

No one knows that. You're a fool if you think unbelievable shit isn't possible. Dawgs Feb 2013 #68

No One Will Strike Mr. Assange With A Hell-Fire Missile, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #76

Bullshit. There is no way you can know that. Dawgs Feb 2013 #80

No One Will Strike Mr. Assange With A Hell-Fire Missile, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #90

You or I can't prove it, so the only one that's pretending is you. n/t Dawgs Feb 2013 #131

No one (except for someone listening to John Yoo.) OnyxCollie Feb 2013 #164

I am astonished that you would repeat such a statement, Sir. malthaussen Feb 2013 #176

I Will Happily Repeat It Again, Sir: No One Will Strike Mr. Assange With A Hell-Fire Missile The Magistrate Feb 2013 #178

Pfui, Sir, such an argument amounts to nothing more malthaussen Feb 2013 #187

"Which is all very well if your wish is only to thunder in rhetorical periods..." cleanhippie Feb 2013 #298

Would all the idiots who believe the earth may implode LanternWaste Feb 2013 #199

Common sense has nothing to do with logic, dude. n/t malthaussen Feb 2013 #202

You're not serious because HE SAYS you're not serious. :-) eom tledford Feb 2013 #183

Bush didn't unilaterally make the decision to invade Iraq because.... OldDem2012 Feb 2013 #100

I didn't say that exact same thing could or would happen again. Dawgs Feb 2013 #129

Assange is only an example. redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #112

There are a lot of questionable assumptions in your argument, The Magistrate. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #113

Thank you for saying this, redgreen. Practically everyone who supports the drone strikes truth2power Feb 2013 #69

Let's deal with reality, shall we? Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #44

It seems that Cheney, Rice, Wolfowitz and others decided to attack Iraq amandabeech Feb 2013 #138

My point exactly Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #145

I'm with you on this. amandabeech Feb 2013 #161

People need to remember that Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #169

Many lawyers get so deep in the minutiae of decisions, regulation, etc., amandabeech Feb 2013 #180

Precisely! Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #185

A lawyer's job is to represent his or her client's interests. amandabeech Feb 2013 #190

Well put. At the risk of triggering Godwin's Law, I would note that Nazi Germany coalition_unwilling Feb 2013 #253

Perhaps you meant..."The Correct Thing to Do" for the Common Good? KoKo Feb 2013 #300

It was actually the exact opposite of a whim... Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #290

I'm well aware of the PNAC. I can't believe that anyone posting here would not be. amandabeech Feb 2013 #297

Flimsy? Yes. Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #299

Perhaps I should have used a different word. amandabeech Feb 2013 #301

My reply was harsh? Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #312

Well, you're obviously not a nice person, wherever you're from. amandabeech Feb 2013 #323

Ahem... Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #337

It's PNAC, not PANC elias7 Feb 2013 #388

No. You're just experiencing some mild dyslexia. Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #392

What you write is probably true for military drones as used in Iraq and Afghanistan Democracyinkind Feb 2013 #63

you should do more research Warren Stupidity Feb 2013 #81

Certainly We Have Killed a Number Of Non-Combatants, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #99

We are not in any valid sense of the phrase, restricting drone strikes to Warren Stupidity Feb 2013 #123

I Disagree, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #173

"You know perfectly well these decisions are not made on a whim;" But they are made Vincardog Feb 2013 #101

I Hold No Brief For 'War On Terror', Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #106

You limit the discussion to your specific situation. In reality the argument is against a Vincardog Feb 2013 #126

There is always recourse. Congress can impeach him. That is the Constitutional recourse. nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #135

Without notice or review, how would Congress know the facts of the crime? Vincardog Feb 2013 #137

Part of the impeachment process is discovery. nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #139

I prefer an easier means of correction. Checks and Balances. The American way. Vincardog Feb 2013 #143

That IS the check and balance on the Presidency. And it is the American and Constitutional way. nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #146

My argument is that the power to kill without notice review or oversight is unconstitutional. We Vincardog Feb 2013 #148

I argue we are talking combatants in a war, as does the Magistrate and many others. stevenleser Feb 2013 #150

So you are arguing to Unlimited unconstrained executive power? Vincardog Feb 2013 #153

I reread the magistrates OP. I can't see that anywhere. Can you cite? nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #154

Did you read my post? Can you defend your position? Or are you saying I agree with the Vincardog Feb 2013 #156

I'm saying I agree with the magistrate's OP. In fact, in a rather long OP, I cannot find anything on stevenleser Feb 2013 #158

I have seen you "parse legal language" ..I've disagreed with you in past KoKo Feb 2013 #303

Much Appreciated, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #349

"decide on a whim" is totally irrelevant moodforaday Feb 2013 #207

Obama Equals Stalin, Sir: Got It --- Points For Mention Of Felix, Though.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #208

I think your 'straw man' is a bit unfair. The person to whom you are coalition_unwilling Feb 2013 #256

There Is a Stalin Correlary To Godwin's Law, Sir, Or there Ought to Be The Magistrate Feb 2013 #258

Well put. - n/t coalition_unwilling Feb 2013 #251

ditto, this stuff is not 'decided on a whim' pasto76 Feb 2013 #331

Except political suicide and impeachment. randome Feb 2013 #10

Actually there is as defined in their rules. It would not be permitted on us soil still_one Feb 2013 #203

Stop reading my mind. WilliamPitt Feb 2013 #4

Thank You, Mr.Pitt The Magistrate Feb 2013 #26

Message auto-removed i am taking a_luvvah Feb 2013 #47

Thank You and rec nt independentpiney Feb 2013 #5

Why are there people who don't like the US? leftstreet Feb 2013 #6

Because the U.S. has done some evil things, but that does not mean that everyone who patrice Feb 2013 #109

I am conflicted on this, but good post. longship Feb 2013 #7

It is a conversation that we MUST have. annabanana Feb 2013 #278

Well said and I agree 100% nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #8

would you say that also applies within the United States? quinnox Feb 2013 #12

What's the difference between a drone strike and a firefight that kills the suspect? randome Feb 2013 #14

ever read the declaration of independence? quinnox Feb 2013 #22

They don't have those rights when they commit crimes in other countries. randome Feb 2013 #29

The troubling drone attacks are not the ones that target enemies during fighting. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #117

Our government is ALWAYS constrained by the constitution, it is the source of TheKentuckian Feb 2013 #201

Why do you jump to the conclusion that a suspected terrorist will engage in a firefight? Luminous Animal Feb 2013 #28

I agree, within the United States, when possible, use of lethal force should be avoided. randome Feb 2013 #32

Your scenario is conjecture. Conjecture doesn't cut it for me particularly Luminous Animal Feb 2013 #48

Of course it's conjecture. So is the idea that Obama is planning to assassinate political enemies. randome Feb 2013 #66

Would a warning shot help? DaveJ Feb 2013 #121

A firefight has to be started by someone. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #116

Then there are those who participate in firefights by building bombs in a basement. randome Feb 2013 #132

If you have evidence that someone is building a bomb somewhere out of your jurisdiction, JDPriestly Feb 2013 #140

Part of this is the immense distances involved. randome Feb 2013 #151

IEDs are only useful locally. If they are a danger to our troops engaged in war, then drones JDPriestly Feb 2013 #159

ALL targeting is based on intelligence that may or may not be reliable. randome Feb 2013 #167

Last night I woke up with the horrible question as to whether we are capable of stopping foreign JDPriestly Feb 2013 #280

Our first drone kill of an american citizen was against a person who ran a web site. Warren Stupidity Feb 2013 #177

He Was A Recruiter And Lead Propagandist, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #181

The ground begins to look less firm and the stance taken less reasonable. Bonobo Feb 2013 #218

If I Am Solipsistic, Sir, You Would Have a Hard Time Proving To Me You Exist.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #219

LOL. Well played! cliffordu Feb 2013 #289

I would suggest that you do a little more reading up on Mr. Awlaki's involvement msanthrope Feb 2013 #357

True, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #358

"Non-violent" was how one long-time DUer described him. msanthrope Feb 2013 #359

One Is Reminded Of A Passage From Mr.Orwell, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #361

"A louse is a louse...." All this handwringing over a man who would kill every one of us, without msanthrope Feb 2013 #362

People Who Are Themselves Good-Hearted, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #381

I am a criminal defense attorney. I am far more cynical than that--people adopt the stance of msanthrope Feb 2013 #382

Unsurprising that DUer would defend a murderous terrorist. joshcryer Feb 2013 #389

That isn't the issue though. There doesn't have to be a clear and present threat. TheKentuckian Feb 2013 #206

Isn't this, in apart, about accessability? Sheepshank Feb 2013 #15

It Would Seem Excessive To Me, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #18

thanks for the answer quinnox Feb 2013 #19

And 'employing military means' at the request of that country's government. randome Feb 2013 #20

John Yoo disagrees. OnyxCollie Feb 2013 #114

I believe it could, conceivably, be exercised. joshcryer Feb 2013 #198

That's the piece I was looking for. Sparkly Feb 2013 #231

No - we have the LAPD to take care of that shit. cliffordu Feb 2013 #288

We need better, independent oversight, Sir. bemildred Feb 2013 #17

There Will Be Errors, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #23

Face it. The type of governance you are advocating is authoritarianism. redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #36

I Am Recognizing What is In Fact Present, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #78

Amazing what 5 years can do to people LittleBlue Feb 2013 #182

Indeed Sir, and drones will be misused, and for expediency's sake, and that is the problem. bemildred Feb 2013 #37

It Is a Very Seductive Weapon, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #88

You appear to be in favor of a monarchy or a dictatorship, sir. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #122

The courts DO have a place in war. RC Feb 2013 #155

Who would you like to suggest as the provider of "better, independent oversight"?.... OldDem2012 Feb 2013 #34

It's not really a tricky question unless you are worried about avoiding oversight. bemildred Feb 2013 #40

Is Congress At Present Even Capable Of Doing Its Job, Sir? The Magistrate Feb 2013 #51

One assumes the capability is there Sir. bemildred Feb 2013 #54

House votes 253-167 to require balanced budget date from Obama bemildred Feb 2013 #60

I Appreciate Your Making My Point For Me, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #64

Quite. A matter of emphasis perhaps. bemildred Feb 2013 #77

... leftstreet Feb 2013 #79

All that work on forcing a budget Paulie Feb 2013 #328

For the FISA court there a judge on call 24/7 SpartanDem Feb 2013 #57

Exactly. nt bemildred Feb 2013 #61

Possibly....but would they be ready to make decisions involving life and death.... OldDem2012 Feb 2013 #83

At last someone has come up with an alternative! randome Feb 2013 #84

Well-reasoned argument. Thank you. nt. OldDem2012 Feb 2013 #25

While I disagree with you - I wish you wrote xchrom Feb 2013 #31

I was contemplating writing an OP on this Tom Rinaldo Feb 2013 #35

I Am Not Particularly Happy About It Either, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #43

Hard, but I think worthy of a good faith effort Tom Rinaldo Feb 2013 #62

Just a point Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #38

al'Alawi, Sir, Did Adhere To A Body Engaged In Hostilities Against The United States The Magistrate Feb 2013 #49

Again, based upon what evidence? Kelvin Mace Feb 2013 #144

Question: who is to decide? Taverner Feb 2013 #41

Persons Willing To Abuse This, Sir, Would Act As They Will, Precedent Or No The Magistrate Feb 2013 #45

Labor Organizers are murdered by government agency TODAY Taverner Feb 2013 #50

True, Sir, On a World-Wide Basis The Magistrate Feb 2013 #59

Sometimes it's just a matter of "blessing" them. See: Salvador Allende Taverner Feb 2013 #70

A well stated point of view Still Sensible Feb 2013 #42

Excellent analysis as always, Magistrate. malthaussen Feb 2013 #46

Yes, that bothered me, too dreamnightwind Feb 2013 #238

Very well said. Thank you. n/t MirrorAshes Feb 2013 #52

Then let's get those drones trained on the Far-Right Militias! WinkyDink Feb 2013 #55

I think your point on insurrection is important. JoePhilly Feb 2013 #56

Your problem is you are blindly accepting YOUR definition of drone strike as justifiction rustydog Feb 2013 #58

Just curious, but how many Confederate soldiers were afforded the protections of Amendment 6..... OldDem2012 Feb 2013 #165

So could they have taken out David Koresh? G_j Feb 2013 #65

He was Dealt With By Ordinary Police Power, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #73

In other words, yes.. nt G_j Feb 2013 #96

Actually, no. And beyond that, the point is moot. ConservativeDemocrat Feb 2013 #281

Did he pose an imminent threat? G_j Feb 2013 #287

The DOJ Memo... Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #292

I don't think all your words trump the simplicity of the Constitution on the matter. xtraxritical Feb 2013 #67

Good essay, I disagree on some points. Warren Stupidity Feb 2013 #71

I generally trust Obama not to abuse this power. Nye Bevan Feb 2013 #72

That has been my feeling on this and other thorny issues. DCBob Feb 2013 #279

Well sir... 99Forever Feb 2013 #74

Did the Confederates in the Civil War receive this "due process" ? ConservativeDemocrat Feb 2013 #282

So now two wrongs make a right? 99Forever Feb 2013 #284

I do not consider preserving the Union and breaking the back of slavery to be a "wrong"... ConservativeDemocrat Feb 2013 #329

Any means to an end, right friend? 99Forever Feb 2013 #330

If ending slavery requires violence, so be it. ConservativeDemocrat Feb 2013 #360

Two May Not, Sir, But Three Do.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #342

To the armchair, Monday morning quarterbacks .... Raggaemon Feb 2013 #75

The US has 17+ Intelligence Agencies leftstreet Feb 2013 #85

Even the Sunday quarterbacks have to play within the rules of the game TheKentuckian Feb 2013 #233

Well reasoned argument. nt Progressive dog Feb 2013 #82

Drones are a must have to support our Democratic allies think Feb 2013 #86

a heaven05 Feb 2013 #87

Isn't this what we all wanted? deminks Feb 2013 #89

Message auto-removed shelly_moskwa Feb 2013 #91

Shit, that's bad enough I am tempted to alert on you. randome Feb 2013 #95

I don't necessarily agree with categorizing these people as belligerent parties alcibiades_mystery Feb 2013 #92

Given the nature of terrorism ProSense Feb 2013 #93

I understand your view, The Magistrate. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #94

"If drones are to be used as weapons..." randome Feb 2013 #98

Grenades, machine guns, bayonets, etc. are generally used in war zones. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #147

Expecting Obama or anyone else to adhere to the Golden Rule or the Categorical Imperative of Kant... randome Feb 2013 #149

How do you know whether someone is a part of the Taliban? That is part of the problem. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #160

It's more than just the Taliban. I should have listed others we know about. randome Feb 2013 #166

A Few Points, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #172

K&R. A Never Ending War with American citizens potentially targeted think Feb 2013 #263

+1. sagat Feb 2013 #97

Drone Strikes Are Acts of War triplepoint Feb 2013 #102

When we are invited by other countries to use them? I don't see that happening. randome Feb 2013 #103

Invited........... think Feb 2013 #104

Pakistan also provided intelligence about OBL's whereabouts then denied to their people they did so. randome Feb 2013 #115

You realize that we did have drones operating out of Pakistan with permission at one time stevenleser Feb 2013 #162

Do we have permission now? Seriously.......... think Feb 2013 #179

Maybe we should start calling them "buzz bombs" to make it clear. nt bananas Feb 2013 #240

GOP Rep. On Drone Strikes: �There Is Oversight� Great Cthulhu Feb 2013 #105

Bullshit whatchamacallit Feb 2013 #107

Brevity Is Said To Be a Virtue, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #110

Looks like your opinion is consistent with John Bolton's sadalien Feb 2013 #111

If one engages in violence against civilization, no matter the cause, then civilization has the Yavin4 Feb 2013 #118

No problem with using drones against people engaged in violence against civilization. JDPriestly Feb 2013 #127

Let me offer you a slight counterpoint...two actually. nadinbrzezinski Feb 2013 #119

I've never bought the idea that you'll see armed drone use in the US SpartanDem Feb 2013 #133

Well there was a time people said nadinbrzezinski Feb 2013 #136

Not for a while yet, no. sibelian Feb 2013 #168

Thank you for writing your Cha Feb 2013 #120

Still it's easy to identify your enemies infantry, they have uniforms SpartanDem Feb 2013 #125

Solution: Only fight wars on "Casual Friday" (nt) Jeff In Milwaukee Feb 2013 #130

It sucked when Bush did it, it is awesome now the Obama does it AngryAmish Feb 2013 #128

I don't think anyone is saying this is 'awesome'. randome Feb 2013 #134

Nor can that person point to anyone who said it sucked that Bush did it and now is in favor nt stevenleser Feb 2013 #142

Except they weren't here defending Bush G_j Feb 2013 #163

Exactly. It's that kind of hyperbole that Cha Feb 2013 #157

Baron von Raschke! OnyxCollie Feb 2013 #141

Thank You! Tarheel_Dem Feb 2013 #152

Excellent post. K&R. DevonRex Feb 2013 #170

I'll say this much for my liberal brethren: Marr Feb 2013 #171

This web site's in danger of having its name changed to D Yoo. Efilroft Sul Feb 2013 #212

There's nothing I could add to that but Marr Feb 2013 #220

Nonesense, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #244

And here is what is unreasonable about the policy. Efilroft Sul Feb 2013 #259

I Agree With The Definition Employed, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #262

You're omitting one important element. Fantastic Anarchist Feb 2013 #174

That pretty much describes a defacto war to me. stevenleser Feb 2013 #184

Doesn't describe it for me. Fantastic Anarchist Feb 2013 #195

As always, thanks for the clarity of a well-thought-out essay Hekate Feb 2013 #175

Can't add a word to what you wrote. K&R. David Zephyr Feb 2013 #186

Thanks for this n/t malaise Feb 2013 #188

A bold choice sir, and much appreciated quaker bill Feb 2013 #189

Reverse the situation Flying Squirrel Feb 2013 #191

The Situation Does Not Reverse Quite That Simply, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #192

So you do support the right of other countries to attack within our country with drones Flying Squirrel Feb 2013 #193

I Strive To Apply a Uniform Standard, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #194

John Bolton said about the same with much less verbiage. That's got to make you feel good. Bluenorthwest Feb 2013 #196

If He Agrees With Me, Sir, Then For Once In His Wretched Life He Has Stumbled Into A Correct View The Magistrate Feb 2013 #197

Actually Bolton was defending Bush era policies sadalien Feb 2013 #209

Do Not Try And Teach Your Grandmother To Suck Eggs, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #210

I'm sorry I don't get your little folksy witticisms sadalien Feb 2013 #213

Although I disagree with your premise... LanternWaste Feb 2013 #200

Thank you, Magistrate. Well stated. jazzimov Feb 2013 #204

So basically, any abuse by any authority can be justified if you make up situations. I get it. n-t Logical Feb 2013 #211

A good summation followed by a dereliction of responsibility to the precedent being set. Bonobo Feb 2013 #214

As Said Once Up-Thread, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #216

That is a very good point. However there is an argument to be made that by codifying it into law, Bonobo Feb 2013 #221

But It has Not Been Coded Into Law, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #223

Good point. Bonobo Feb 2013 #225

This part explains my position perfectly: cliffordu Feb 2013 #215

So you would do away with all constitutional provisions to rights guaranteed by same to Americans lonestarnot Feb 2013 #217

So I bought my first drone and used it today The Straight Story Feb 2013 #222

Nonesense Of This Grade is Beneath Your Dignity, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #224

Letting a few in power do this The Straight Story Feb 2013 #227

Great analogy. OnyxCollie Feb 2013 #327

After reading a portion of the thread BootinUp Feb 2013 #226

Article III section 3 westerebus Feb 2013 #229

That is A Criminal Charge, Sir, For Someone Taken Alive The Magistrate Feb 2013 #230

Glad to see the spirit intact, my good sir. westerebus Feb 2013 #232

You Mistake The Point, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #234

War has not been declared unless you know other wise... westerebus Feb 2013 #235

We Are Getting Deep Into 'Say Something Once, Why Say It Again?' Territory, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #236

I respectfully agree, good sir. westerebus Feb 2013 #265

Congress broadly authorized war on September 14th, 2001 bhikkhu Feb 2013 #257

What was authorized was a "state of emergency". westerebus Feb 2013 #271

What was authorized was war: "all necessary and appropriate force" bhikkhu Feb 2013 #307

Worth Re-Reading,Sir: People Forget Just How Sweeping That Language Is.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #310

I stand corrected. westerebus Feb 2013 #320

For the record, I thought it was a bad road to go down, and a bad way to do it bhikkhu Feb 2013 #324

For the record, you lack the conviction of your initial impression on just how bad this would get. westerebus Feb 2013 #326

Does this include people in another country riding in a vehicle on the way to the store? The Straight Story Feb 2013 #239

Often Combatants Are Killed, Sir, Whilst Doing Nothing Particularly Combative At The Moment The Magistrate Feb 2013 #241

Or hitchhiking a ride with a college student and teacher, who died The Straight Story Feb 2013 #245

Five Combatants, Two Non-Combatants, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #246

Can you expand on what they were combating? The Straight Story Feb 2013 #248

You Can Do Better Than This, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #255

Again, are we at war in yemen? The Straight Story Feb 2013 #260

Members Of A Body We Are Engaged In Hostilities With Are, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #264

A willing ally indeed, when we kill innocents there they claim it is their airplanes doing it The Straight Story Feb 2013 #266

Your Use Of 'Suspects', Sir, Points Up The Problem With This Discussion The Magistrate Feb 2013 #267

Combatants The Straight Story Feb 2013 #269

These Apply To Persons Captured, Sir, Not To Engagement With Combatant Persons The Magistrate Feb 2013 #270

So I guess things like this are ok as well (I don't see much difference in drones and this:) The Straight Story Feb 2013 #321

That, Sir, Would Seem To Come Under "SNAFU' The Magistrate Feb 2013 #322

Bookmarking to read later. freshwest Feb 2013 #237

In essence, you think a moderate degree of "martial law" is an appropriate response redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #242

I Consider Addressing Such Acts As Crimes A Proper Course, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #243

Good, thoughtful piece. It does seem to me that the U.S. government seeks to have its cake and coalition_unwilling Feb 2013 #247

I Agree, Sir, We Are In Grave Breach Of Geneva Conventions On Treatment Of Prisoners The Magistrate Feb 2013 #250

Juan Cole: Top Five Objections to the White House�s Drone Killing Memo Hissyspit Feb 2013 #249

I Disagree With His Analysis, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #252

I do remember the debates about the wide-open interpretations Hissyspit Feb 2013 #261

Well said, and I fully agree bhikkhu Feb 2013 #254

Excellent piece and very thought provoking. Javaman Feb 2013 #268

One might ask the OP to consider the best strategy for the Executive Vinnie From Indy Feb 2013 #272

A Few Answers, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #276

just a question--I work near a research facility MisterP Feb 2013 #273

I Expect The Drill, Sir, Would Be The Old 'Bend Over And Kiss Your Ass Good-Bye' Routine The Magistrate Feb 2013 #275

You make a good argument... awoke_in_2003 Feb 2013 #274

This message was self-deleted by its author limpyhobbler Feb 2013 #277

The killing of Anwar al-Awlaki may have been legal or otherwise justifiable azurnoir Feb 2013 #283

+1 uponit7771 Feb 2013 #285

K&r... spanone Feb 2013 #286

Under Obama and Bush, the United States has grown up bucolic_frolic Feb 2013 #291

They learned a lesson or two from Kim Philby... AntiFascist Feb 2013 #305

kicked, rec'd and bookmarked eom arely staircase Feb 2013 #293

Well said! I agree southern_belle Feb 2013 #294

Just admit it: You are an object Taverner Feb 2013 #302

You Know, Sir, There Are Sites Which Cater To That Sort Of Thing... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #304

Sir, we should talk Taverner Feb 2013 #306

Tavener...understand what you are saying. KoKo Feb 2013 #308

forget the " Terrorists "... dtom67 Feb 2013 #309

Again, Sir: Slippery Slope Is Not Solid Ground on Which To Take A Stand The Magistrate Feb 2013 #311

K & R Scurrilous Feb 2013 #313

. Ian Iam Feb 2013 #314

And, Sir, If You Are Offering Video Entertainment.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #315

There must be some mathematical correlation between Bonobo Feb 2013 #316

The Mathematical Correlation, Sir, Is With the Degree Of Precision In Communication Desired The Magistrate Feb 2013 #317

As I learned when I dabbled with Darts... Bonobo Feb 2013 #318

But Precise Execution, Sir, Is Necessary To Accuracy, Certainly To Accuracy Sustained Over Time... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #319

The message is inherent in your posting style, "sir". We all knew you'd find some excuse. Romulox Feb 2013 #336

Glad That You Suffered No Disappointment, Sir.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #350

We have actually faced, as a nation, this dilemma *twice* before: apocalypsehow Feb 2013 #325

We have raised a few thousand disconnected radicals to the dignity of a state jpgray Feb 2013 #332

As Noted In The Initial Comment, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #338

People will draw the line differently no doubt - but there is something to remember jpgray Feb 2013 #365

I Am Certain Mistakes Have Been, And Will Be, Made, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #367

that's some hilarious and insulting nonsense stupidicus Feb 2013 #333

If You Want To Consider Yourself Insulted, Sir, Wear It In Good Health The Magistrate Feb 2013 #339

who said I did? stupidicus Feb 2013 #343

So Much Effort, Sir, And For So Little Effect.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #344

hardly stupidicus Feb 2013 #345

You Are Getting A Little More Proportionate, Sir.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #346

I thought so stupidicus Feb 2013 #347

Well, At Least You Think You Thought, Sir.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #348

and I apparently articulated those thoughts with so much depth and breadth stupidicus Feb 2013 #371

Bit Late, Sir, For That Attempt At Snappy Rejoinder To Have Any Sting.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #374

bit late for continued dodging to help you stupidicus Feb 2013 #387

Trusting the inherently untrustworthy never leads to anything good eridani Feb 2013 #334

While You Say You 'Get It', Ma'am, You Show Remarkably Few Signs Of Having Done So The Magistrate Feb 2013 #340

Our foreign policy mainly serves imperial bullying, and is mostly untrustworthy for that reason eridani Feb 2013 #363

That May Well Be True, Ma'am The Magistrate Feb 2013 #366

Given that most data used is suspect, the policy is wrong, and will likely backfire eridani Feb 2013 #368

I Think That Here, Ma'am, You Are Getting Out a Bit Ahead Of What Can Be Taken As Fact The Magistrate Feb 2013 #375

I saw the OP's name, and KNEW this was going to be a huge excuse/justification. Romulox Feb 2013 #335

K&R - nt Ohio Joe Feb 2013 #341

Very well stated ... 1StrongBlackMan Feb 2013 #351

Senator Angus King (Maine) wants oversight: mainer Feb 2013 #352

If A Workable Arrangement Can Be Made, Sir, I Certainly Would Not Object The Magistrate Feb 2013 #354

To read later snagglepuss Feb 2013 #353

Excellent post. I think you explain the situation very well, and I think you would msanthrope Feb 2013 #355

Thank You,Ma'am: Much Appreciated The Magistrate Feb 2013 #356

Hear! Hear! Or whatever a magistrate... reACTIONary Feb 2013 #364

I don't believe your last line, not one bit... Humanist_Activist Feb 2013 #369

You Are Free To Be Mistaken, Sir The Magistrate Feb 2013 #372

All I see are people who sacrifice long term solutions for short term satisfaction... Humanist_Activist Feb 2013 #383

Doesn't fit within familiar categories? caseymoz Feb 2013 #370

Deliberate Misunderstandings, Sir, Help Make The Point: Thank You For Your Assistance The Magistrate Feb 2013 #373

No, I didn't misunderstand you. caseymoz Feb 2013 #377

It would seem that ad homs, couched in eloquent prose, are the new MO. cleanhippie Feb 2013 #378

Why Should I Want To Impress You, Sir? The Magistrate Feb 2013 #379

I'm supposing you posted to be persuasive. caseymoz Feb 2013 #385

Message auto-removed SquirrelHill4444 Feb 2013 #376

Outstanding Sir. great white snark Feb 2013 #380

The correct term for this, Sir, is "whitesplaining". redgreenandblue Feb 2013 #384

I Expect, Sir, That Strikes You As Devastatingly Witty And Cogent.... The Magistrate Feb 2013 #386

Assuming there is Congressional oversight... Benton D Struckcheon Feb 2013 #393

A very well put together explanation except... Oakenshield Feb 2013 #390

Nice reasoning but the fact is that the primary reason for the US being in Zorra Feb 2013 #391