General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why was Anwar al-Awlaki executed by drone, without due process? [View all]MadHound
(34,179 posts)The only real plot he maybe, might have been convicted of was the Underwear Bomber, and that was only because the UB came up with a confession after being jailed and interrogated for a month straight. Fort Hood killer, Stephen Timms' stabber, those folks were inspired inspired by al-Alwaki's speeches. People are inspired to do horrible things, Manson was inspired by the Beatles, Son of Sam by the neighbor's dog. Do we kill the person who was the inspiration? No. As far as the fatwa goes, yes, he did. Other fatwas have been declared by other clerics as well. Is that a reason to kill them, no, nor is it a reason to launch a drone strike on al-Awlaki.
I'm not handwringing for a terrorist, I'm concerned about the US drone policy, and where it is going. It is quickly becoming secretive, expanding, becoming all encompassing, and will be abused, guaranteed. While you might trust US drone policy under Obama, will you trust it under the next Republican president? Did you support it under Bush?
It is about the policy, not the people.