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Subscribe to RSSIs it legal for the federal government to kill a U.S. citizen overseas, someone who has never been charged or convicted of a crime? Civil liberties groups are condemning the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, but many legal scholars say it is fully justified.
No U.S. court has ever weighed in on the question, because judges consider these sorts of issues exclusively matters for the president.
Anwar al-Awlaki's father, Nasser, with the help of the ACLU, sued President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and CIA Director Leon Panetta a year ago, when it became clear that the U.S. was targeting al-Awlaki. But Judge John Bates threw the case out, ruling that federal courts were in no position to evaluate whether someone was a terrorist whose activities threatened national security and against whom deadly force could be justified.
The ACLU lawyer who handled the case, Jameel Jaffer, said Friday the killing of al-Awlaki was a violation of both U.S. and international law.
"The government's authority to use lethal force against its own citizens should be limited to circumstances in which the threat to life is concrete, specific and imminent," Jaffer said. "It is a mistake to invest the president, any president, with the unreviewable power to kill any American whom he deems to present a threat to the country."
But Kenneth Anderson, an international law scholar at American University's Washington College of Law, said U.S. citizens, who take up arms with an enemy force, have been considered legitimate targets through two world wars, even if they are outside what is traditionally considered the battlefield.
"Where hostiles go, there is the possibility of hostilities," Anderson said. "The U.S. has never accepted the proposition that if you leave the active battlefield, suddenly you are no longer targetable."
Robert Chesney, an expert on international law at the University of Texas School of law, concluded in a recently written law review article that al-Awlaki could be legally killed "if he is in fact an operational leader within AQAP, as this role would render him a functional combatant in an organized armed group."
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Nuff said!
Guess it's one less thing the nut jobs can't scream for his impeachment over!
Like my GF Nashville_Fan said earlier today; If Bush were half as effective as President Obama has been fighting the war on terrorism his face would be on a dollar bill by now!
Obama - 2
Bush - ZERO
Twilight Zone Time-out:
I agree Feisty.
Battlefield argument?
Who considered downtown Manhattan a battle zone.
How many battles have ever been fought where we lost 3,000 in one morning.
Zero.
Twilight Zone Time-in
Feistyy,
Those nut-jobs are liberals.
Conservatives point out that Obama did his job, a job any reasonable president would have done in a minute ..... no biggie.
Clueless on several levels, but the one thing that really bothers me most was not is the 2-0 juvenile boasting by libs, the even more disgusting classless boasting of the Administration, the sickening plan to use the SEALs for political benefit (with their plans for a Hollywood film to capitalize on it before the next election) .... the bottom-line is simply that they blabbed to the world that it was SEAL Team 6.
Because of this pathetic, absolutely clueless stupidity, the bad guys get to view it more accurately as .... 1 - 1.
Trading SEAL Team 6 for an old man watching old videos of himself on a 15 year old TV?
And it was absolutely unnecessary, avoidable and senseless loss of the these 30+ heroes.
Horrible. Unforgivable. Contemptible.
Sorry Bob - go read the earlier thread here at FR... they don't sound real liberal to me!
Twilight Zone re-engaged!
XOXO
Feistythepopcorneatingignorantslut,
Totally off topic, put I want to pass this on;
http://www.occupytogether.org/
...OCCUPY TOGETHER, an unofficial hub for all of the events springing up across the country in solidarity with Occupy Wall St."
As far as the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, I have trust in the President's authority and judgment on this on.
I'm sorry. I'm a Liberal (in the classic sense) which means I respect the LIBERTIES granted by the US Constitution, including the right to be free in my person and property from threats from the government.
The US government should NOT be able to target and kill its citizens, unless there is an active, imminent threat to lives or property of the US. I don't think that was the case in this situation.
A US Citizen does not lose his/her right to due process simply by leaving the country.
Have we suddenly appointed an emporer who can suddenly decide to kill US Citizens whereever they may be simply by calling them enemies of the United States ?
Do you really want to give that much power to one person ?
Is it a war, or a police action? Yes, Bush made an address to Congress calling out a war on terrorism. But it is arguable, and long argued, whether or not the Bush speach actually constitutes a "Declaration of War". The Constitution would allow Congress to declare war against another Nation. Al Queda is not a nation.
Is the Bush speach an open-ended authority for any successive President to shoot if he wants?
The 1973 War Powers Act came into effect above the Presidential veto and was designed to limit Presidential powers (Nixon, particularly) to strike without due processes. It is questionable that a funeral procession in a Yemen desert constitutes an "imminent threat to the United States" justifying a U.S. unmanned drone attack.
Although two victims of today's strike are American citizens born and raised in America, and with advanced degrees earned at American universities, clearly they are bad apples and deserved pursuit and arrest, and trial. Usurping the law and snuffing them by any official, even the President, however, is very disturbing to me.
Anyone who does not condemn this is not a true American. To paraphrase T.S. Elliot: "This is how [democracy] ends, not with a bang, but with a whimper" as those who could fail to support the very basic foundations of the democracy.
IMO: IF this was a situation where a US Citizen was targeted for extinction, those responsible should be impeached, tried, and convicted.
First I'd like to know when did his military convoy become a "funeral procession"? But, besides that, the question also arises, what laws should be following? U.S. or Yemen? He held both.
But again I'll ask the question...why didn't he return to clear his name? A real simple matter.
dirp101, apparently you didn't have a relative or friend die on 9/11, or knows someone that did have a love one die on 9/11.
And again this guy was FAR from being a TRUE America. A TRUE American won't threaten to kill his fellow Americans or destroy his home land, America. How can any true AMERICAN support your statements?
Feisty, you are correct, Obama has now done 2 things that I am proud of!
Have a great weekend ;o)
Who would of ever guessed?
I even voted for your comment! ;o)
You too Atlas!
The fact that the U.S. is targeting what it sees as enemy combatants seems to be the cloak under which those defending the killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki are hiding. The jingoistic comment above regading TRUE AMERICANS is ludicrous, as there is not one test of American-ness, measured by words or deeds of patriotism, or simply disdain for the enemy of the moment. Americans are found in every race, every creed, and every country on the planet. Americans defy classification in any one group, sect, cult, political persuasion, or other category. American-ism as alluded to by Derf-1791763 is the angry, exclusive club peopled by small-minded xenophobes. I am AN American, one of millions, who believe that the taking of life in combat is a necessary evil, but that the taking of life in situations outside of self-defense, without due process, is a considerably closer to murder than patriotism.
On Sept. 12, 2001 I mourned the individuals who died.
When the "Patriot" Act was passed, I mourned the death of many of our rights.
With this action, I mourn the death of our right to be free from the government arbitrarily deciding to kill us.
Whatever.
President Obama DID IT.
The ACLU should have talked to al-Awlaki...not President Obama, nor Gates, nor Panetta.
You're not going to reason with this constitutional lawyer (President Obama) when it comes to killing terrorists.
He's made up his mind...just as President Bush did.
This President averted a possible sunset for the Patriot Act...just as any American President should have.
He's a terrorist killer, and a good one.
So..he's got this one exactly right.
I've got numerous beefs with the Obama Administration, as many of you know all too well.
This isn't one of them.
Feisty...?
Got my back, darlin'?
I cannot believe I'm saying this - YOU BETCHA!
I'm now going to run out and buy a lottery ticket - figure the odds are about the same! ;o)
Scott, comment 1.5 and Dirp, comment 1.4:
Excellent posts. In the absence of war, any US citizen anywhere in the world has a right to due process. Well, that is until Bush and Obama came along.
I only ask you to remember, Feisty.
Just remember that I don't always oppose President Obama.
Some here forget.
Umm..Feisty?
You did VOTE for me, right?
;-)
Of course I did bag boy - I am however, disappointed you didn't return the favor...
Now STOP IT before you make Anna Molly envious will you?
If the man was the mastermind of the underwear bomber. That to me is a act of war against his own country. Sorry I support this action, to stop his actions. Did we have to wait for him to kill some Americans before he was smoked? I guess not.
Did they target him or did they target the other two terrorists that he just happened to be riding with?
But but but but but but Spanky said: "Killing is Killing."
Spanky says lots of sh!t, Torpedo. Thing is, most of us don't take much of it serriously.
DBO, who pays attention to Spanky, he's only a legend in his own mind and maybe to followers nojo and jas1. Birds of a feather....
wow, the kool aid is extra strong today.
Is that a 32oz tumbler you're holding Leona?
Aw shucks you guys - all talking about me and all. Gonna make me blush with all this attention.
I love you all too.
And oh, Torpedo - Killing is not killing? Davis and Al Alawki are both dead?
Well at least we know that none of you will be perturbed when the next death row inmate gets executed. That's a big step in the right direction, particularly after all the bitching about Davis last week.
And as for you Ginger Bread Mamma - I know it's been a while since we last tripped down the Libs R us road, but it was you that said I own the afternoon boards.
In fact you essentially called my your Daddy.
So again, thanks for that GingerBread. I feel the love.
Yes, GBM- birds of a feather. And they all seem to tweet the same song all day:
Squawwwk.
Squawwwk.
Squawwwk.
"Is that a 32oz tumbler you're holding Leona?"
You seem to know a "32 oz tumbler" well. Since I've never held one, your point is not well made. Anyway, is that where you pour the kool aid?
DBO I think you have Spanky confused with the old LibsRus gang with your "Yes, GBM- birds of a feather. And they all seem to tweet the same song all day:" comment.
Say, that's pretty original, there, ksw. Think that one up all by y'self?
Neat.
Look at that, will ya Buzz?
This person called us OLD - not hardly - new & improved is much more like it! ;o)
most FR libs are always confused, must be in the genes...
[most FR libs are always confused, must be in the genes...]
"american", I sense fear and frustration on your part...what gives? You're usually more diplomatic than this...
Fear is powerful isn't it, "american"...more powerful even than, say, ignorance?
Your fear has overtaken your ignorance.
Fiesty is right - new and improved, now with 45% less numbers.
Presidentin' is hard, rootin' for Obama is even harder.
Ain't that the bitch old gal?
An American who no longer lived in this country, who wanted to kill as many Americans as possible, who urged violence against his own country and by his words denounced any loyalty to this country, in my view, is a traitor. While we may ponder today whether or not al-Awlaki's rights were violated, did we ponder the rights of the innocent Iraqi civilians who were killed in our War on Terror. If we consider those deaths as collateral damage in fighting terrorism, then we must consider Anwar al-Awlaki's death the same. Civil liberties are important in democracy but the question that should be asked is when a persons hates his own country and his fellow citizens enough to leave it and to promote death to Americans, does that person give up those civil rights?
I believe in our judicial system, in the right to trial but I also believe al-Awlaki gave up those rights when he left his country, denounced it and planned to murder as many Americans as he could.
Well said Jody, I believe in our justice system, it is not perfect as we saw recently. However, in this incident, I would have no trouble knocking off this traitor myself, I consider him and his ilk, expendable.
Loyalty plays a big part in my view of this situation, he had none, in addition he worked to kill his fellow citizens. All is fair in love and war.
I guess he didn't to a real good job of hiding if he's known for over a year that he is a target and they still got him!
It is clear that the administration had the authority to do what they did and I'm glad that there is one less terrorist going after us today.
All you moonbat hypocrites are still on board to try Bush and Cheney for war crimes, because they didnt give a captured terrorist The Playboy Channel on cable , though, arent you?
Phonies all...
Bob, you are so right about the liberals. There's Eric Holder who wanted to bring KSM to trial in NYC vs. GITMO, but he does NOT have a problem with dropping a drone on Awlaki. Go figure the HYPOCRISY.
How nice that Jody can make it so simple.
Jody bright line test - LOCATION.
If the bad guy lives in the US, not summary execution. If he does, why then, no way.
Right Jody?
So JOdy there are hundreds of bad guys in Mexico - we can just go take them out, eh?
I'm sure this will be great news to President Perry/Romney.
"I truly am not concerned about him" George Bush in 2002 in response to to a question about Bin Laden.
You guys got your panties all twisted cause you have no defense for this kind of incompetence and can't stand the fact that it's your guy.
[So JOdy there are hundreds of bad guys in Mexico - we can just go take them out, eh?]
If we did, you'd have nobody to clean your toilet...
king of the hill - it is called "focusing on the events at hand and delegation" The CIA didn't drop looking for bin laden, just because their special section was closed down. If you read the nytimes article you would have understood.
I would imagine that both bush and obama receive regular briefings from the CIA about terrorist activities. Based on the news reports given out at the time of bin ladens assasination that the beginning of the trail for finding bin laden occurred during the bush administration and carried over to obamas.
Jody - Not to bad of an analysis, except to say that American laws and rights end when anyone leaves the country and don't reside or take shelter in an american embassy abroad.
Anybody here have a passport? If you do, have you ever read it?
If you take up arms in ANY foreign nation, it is seen as a renunciation of your American citizenship. It was for that reason that many young men- my great uncles among them- became Red Cross ambulance drivers in the early days of World War I. The U.S. Had not yet entered the War, and they could not join the Canadian or British armed forces for fear of losing the or citizenship.
There is too little good education in Civics in this country. On the other hand, how can teachers teach what they have not been taught?
Members of Al Queda, no matter their country of birth, are NOT American citizens- as they have taken up arms in a foreign military- despite its not having a "home" country.
Therefore, the American Citizen argument is moot.
The only issue I have is that this enforces a conviction without trial. A very sad day for the US.
Congrats Air Force....One more ahole buried.
Constitutionally there are 3 ways to "expatriate" ones self. (give up one's own citizenship.) 1) voluntarily declare same before a US official ie: embassy official if overseas; 2) vote in a foreign election; 3) serve in the military of a foreign enemy. Wars have ceased to be declared and the "War on Terror" has blurred a lot of lines but has pretty much been accepted as "War" by all sides. If that's the case, I don't think its a big leap to say that this dude had joined the Mujahadin. Makes all consideraion of killing a US Citizen pretty moot.
If someone tries to kill by exploding a plane over your house by detonating a bomb in his underwear, but you shoot him down before he does so, did he get due process?
If someone tries to rob you, and you shoot him first and he dies. Did that person not get Due Process?
If you kill a terrorist that is trying to kill innocents, with Weapons of Mass destruction, and you kill him first, Did that Terrorist get Due Process?
The problem is sometimes Due process doesn't happen because the person is killed in the act of being a criminal or terrorist.
Does anyone really care that this guy didn't get due process?
It seems the liberals don't care if he got due process, BUT they cared about the waterboarding of KSM . Liberal hypocrites did not want to have KSM's trial at GITMO. Goes to prove that liberals don't stand on their own ideologies which may work against them politically. They called Bush a "war criminal" and they call Obama a "savior" . HAHA
big difference when you kill somebody who was apart of attacking you (911), rather than killing people in a war (iraq) in which the reasons for that war were made up or not true(weapons of mass distruction) So seems to me instead of running your mouth about hypocrites you ought to spend as much time getting your facts straight so you dont look like such an idiot !!!!
LEONA: don't call me a hypocrite on this one. This is WRONG in so many ways.
Does it rise to "high crimes and misdemeaners ?" only the HOUSE can say.
dirp101, you are either for giving these terrorists/criminals a FEDERAL COURT trial ( which Obama & Holder said they were for ) or you take the approach that they are enemy combatants who should be "taken out" by drones or given a trial in MILITARY COURT . Obama can't have it both ways. That's all I'm saying .
Totally agree with you on the trials issue. Particularly for US Citizens who had not even been charged, let alone tried or convicted.
I guess that no longer matters to his Imperial Dictatorial Presidency, Mr. Barrack Obama.
I have a real problem when our government starts killing its citizens without trying and convicting them in a fair trial.
LEONA: Why can't they have it both ways that is what the Rethugs want, preach and act on. "Smaller government that is out of peoples lives" (Rethuglican mantra) unless we are talking about abortion or drugs then it is as big as government as possible and as much government interference as possible. Pot meet kettle.
No problem killing this hate insighter, he preached hatred toward the U.S. and condoned terrorist actions against the USA......Bottom line is if this traitor had mastermined something or even done something himself to harm the people of the USA and we could have gotten him and didnt most of you would be all over Obama for not doing so and you have proved that with your prior posts so dont bad mouth him for doing what most were for in the 1st place....if ya do so your bout as 2 faced as they come..............
President Obama ASSASINATES US Citizen without a trial!
Of course that won’t be the headline anywhere around here but that’s exactly what happened. And to quote (somewhat) Michelle Obama “For the first time in my life I’m proud of our President”.
Amwar al-Awlaki was a Muslim terrorist dirt bag and like all Muslim terrorist dirt bags he deserved a drone strike right in the eye. I thank Obama for taking him out and setting the precedent for the incoming Republican President in 2013 to follow suit.
It’s really amazing that there was such hubbub made of pouring some water on the faces of a few terrorist a few years back. I have to say this is the best thing about having a liberal president. He just made it okay for future presidents to assassinate ANYONE without any due process whatsoever - never mind water boarding. And we certainly, shouldn’t hear any more of that nonsense about Bush and Cheney being WAR CRIMINALS. The things they did are chump change next to Obama.
And from now on I will never criticize the President for not calling the Muslim Terrorists Muslim Terrorists. He can call them enemy combatants, extremists for all I care he can call them misunderstood. I now know that our Prez is truly a steely eyed KILLA! GO Obama!
This is a great day for democracy. Thanks you Mr. President!
THERE NEEDN'T BE A DEBATE. One needs not to commit an act of violence, nor break any laws of the United States to feel the wrath of justice. This man made VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDINGS against the USA and his execution was justified. Anyone who makes video and audio recordings against the free and prosperous United States of America is risking their life, whether they are a citizen or not! We will execute you, and we will do so in defense of the constitution. Your days are numbered!
WOW is all I can say Fred.....the man made video and audio recordings against the USA.
Is that the bar you want to set?
A lot of Hippies in the 60's would be gone. I guess Bill Ayers is in need of a drone strike!
"I guess Bill Ayers is in need of a drone strike!"
I'm for that.
You had better just hope they don't start using IP addresses tied to GPS and newsvine comments for justification.
Read this and undestand Obama's mentor position on the issue:
(organization)
Wow- dirp is off the Obama reservation. Good for you foe being honest and true to your core beliefs-
But, whoever will you vote for in 2012?
It's a serious question. A few years ago, them parties in my state gave me a choice between a far left liberal lunatic, and a far right liberal lunatic.
I did not cast a vote for Governor. I voted for every other office, and on the referendum questions- but not for the office of Governor.
Sometimes that happens. . .
I may just start endorsing Ron Paul.
OMG, did I just say that. :)
What's the problem? This happens every day. American Citizens run from the authorities, refuse to be arrested, hide, resist apprehension, and they get hurt or killed.
He knew he was a wanted man. Kill or capture tells you something. Kind of like wanted , dead or alive.
What's the problem? He could have turned himself in.
"What's the problem? He could have turned himself in."
The PROBLEM is, it was on Obama's watch, you big silly. Boy- I hope Hannity continues with all his 'coddling terrorists' nonsense today. Maybe he'll even name some of our very own posters by name.
Naaawww.........
I can honestly say I have never laugh so hard.
Reading the post of liberals defending the execution of an american citizen with no due process.
If Bush was president they would be lined up in front of the white house with impeachment signs.
Don't misunderstand me I'm all for this piece of trash getting killed. I hail the decision but I would have hailed the decision if Bush ordered it as well!
Because I'm not a complete hypocrite like those on the left!
"If Bush was president..."
Y'all kind of like that word 'IF', don't you. Seems you like to just ASSUME things, and that makes them reality. Neat.
BUT- you haven't heard? We are not supposed to talk about you-know-who anymore.
I cannot believe the posts I am reading from some of these neocons. The same ones who demanded waterboarding and all other means of torture on suspected terrorists are all up arms over the killing of an avowed terrorist who has admitted he wants to kill Americans anywhere he can. Unbelievable.
maybe you should ask Al Awaki if he would rather have some water poured on his face or get hit by the drone strike?
On second thought he can't really answer that question.
you libs are too funny.....no water over the nose but bombs away!
Rob, you are right, and while we are comparing Bush the "war criminal" to Obama the "savior of mankind", haha.........read....."As Bush arrives in Africa today at the start of a five-country tour he will be welcomed chiefly for an initiative which has gone largely unnoticed outside the continent but which has saved the lives of more than a million people with HIV."
Bush poured funds into Africa to combat HIV aids ( saved millions of lives) and got no awards ..... but the Socialists in Europe gave a Nobel Peace Prize to Obama for doing NOTHING.
spot on Leona spot on
The hypocrisy of defending an action just because fits your party or "religion"!!
So, when you're against an enemy in the field, the DOJ orders you to read the "miranda" rights before arresting then and if they leave their gun you can't even do that least kill them. So, the terrorists already in jail because they were taken for a military tribunal to show that we abide by our justice system have a right to the same right as an american citizen (which is absurd in itself) and Obama and Holder made you believe that this is the higher ground to persue, why can the dems defend the killing an american (or not) without a fair trial? Why not bring him to justice and then kill him?
It's just another political point, showing that this president has no integrity or principles just scores!! Read his speech after going back on trying Guantanamo prisioners on civil courts:
"From the beginning of my administration, the United States has worked to bring terrorists to justice consistent with our commitment to protect the American people and uphold our values," President Obama said in statement on March 7. "Today, I am announcing several steps that broaden our ability to bring terrorists to justice, provide oversight for our actions, and ensure the humane treatment of detainees.
"I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al Qaeda and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system -- including Article III Courts [or civilian courts] -- to ensure that our security and our values are strengthened. Going forward, all branches of government have a responsibility to come together to forge a strong and durable approach to defend our nation and the values that define who we are as a nation," he added.
This is a difficult question that demands a look to the american constitution for an answer. the answer found there is of course we can not execute american citizens without due process of law.
The american constitutional processes of law do not support this action taken by President Obama.
if Ron Paul is the only politician that recognizes this then i am voting for him.
With a name like "If I Tell You Who I Am, You May Wiretap Me", I could infer that.
As a Conservative I have no problem with the order to take Al-Awlaki out with a drone strike. Now that President Obama has justified the killing of Al-Awlaki why not issue an order to kill those currently in GITMO, particularly KSM who was responsible for the 3000 deaths at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Why did the Obama Administration fight so hard to bring KSM and the others to trial in a federal court, and why did they, and the liberals, complain so much about the water boarding of KSM, by the Bush Administration? Remember KSM wanted to plead guilty and be executed prior to Obama becoming President, along with Attorney General Holder, decided they wanted a public trial in NY.
Although I agree with the orders to kill this dirt bag, even if he is an American citizen, does this now set a precedent for future Presidents and could a President use it against organized crime figures or Americans involved with the drug cartels?
My other concern in the fact this will so publicized was it not for political gain, why not just have kept it covert and let Yemen take credit. Also does this now give countries that don't agree with us a legal right to start killing Americans because they pose a threat to their citizens? (Special Ops participating in covert operations, or even CIA operatives and Embassy personnel)
sfcret - yes the US needs to keep its mouth shut on the results of such attacks, and let the host nation (so to speak) take the credit.
If the helicopter hadn't crashed during the bin laden assasination I don't think obama would have said a thing until someone else said something and his response (the smart response) would have been "Oh really, slit happens!"
Covert ops need to remain covert and let hollywood offer us movie story lines.
Another terrorist against America dead. Osama bin Laden dead. I support taking out these terrorists. Democrats will always want justice for America.
THIS IS SICKENING!!! OBL was NOT an American citizen. What we did to him is perfectly Constitutional because he was a foreign enemy. This man was an AMERICAN CITIZEN for crying out loud. If he was guilty of something, he should have received a fair trial, been convicted by a jury and been executed. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE FIFTH AMENDMENT?!?!?!? Obama is an unamerican traitor to the Constitution.
yemeni law you mean, right? Without diplomatic recognition by the US government he had no US rights in yemen.
Do we really care how he died? Shrapnel or concussive force makes little distinction in who dies, besides shlt happens
The ACLU lawyer who handled the case, Jameel Jaffer, said Friday the killing of al-Awlaki was a violation of both U.S. and international law. Really? That's interesting. Lawyers say lots of things. Now if he can get a Judges in a trial to agree with him I might give a $hit. But until that happens, he's just another camel jockey with his head stuck in his a$$ trying to sound important.
According to BushCheney--this is War! We need to give the Pres a medal.
The liberals do not like the death penalty but love to kill Muslim terrorists and unborn babies
What is wrong with this picture???
Doesn't siding with Al Qaida make an American a traitor to his country?
Read the US Constitution, something the constitutional schalar in chief seems to have failed to do as well. Due Process, probable cause, trial, conviction, abiltiy to face your accusers, 2 witnesses. NOT ONE of the constitutional protections afforded US Citizens was upheld.
All you had was the US Government saying this person was connected to, or supported, or recorded videos supporting Al Queda. There was NO PROOF. There was writings and videos and statements by administration officials, but NO PROOF.
If that is all that is needed now to kill a US Citizen, then we are all in real trouble.
Obama used his authority vested in him through the office of President, and that's fine. What's scary is that Obama used his judgement.....and, as we all now know,....he has no good judgement.