It’s amazing to me that surprisingly few HotAir conservatives had a problem with killing al-Aulaqi, an American citizen. Let’s get something straight here – I’d have offed the guy myself I ran into him myself. And … I really don’t shed tears over the death of al-Aulaqi – I hope when the drones hit him it was painful and I hope he suffered.

HondaV65 on February 3, 2013 at 4:43 PM

If congress actually declared war anymore this would be much easier to explain. al-Aulaqi in that case was fighting for the declared enemy and was therefore a legit target. The other problem is declaration of war sort of requires a nation state. We did launch Military engagements authorized by Congress in the Quasi-War (1798) against France, the Barbary Wars (1802, 1815), without a declaration of war. So I don’t know.

I think the key to me is has an American citizen actively joined a declared (by congress) or authorized (by congress) enemy of the United States. The president should not have the right to whack his own declared enemies of the country.

President Obama’s refusal to declare or explain his legal right to kill follows White House tradition. According to reports, President Clinton secretly authorized the assassination of Osama bin Laden, his lieutenants, and possibly even unconnected people.

They were Americans?

Rev Jesse Jackson has called for Mr. Obama to “do something” about all the killings in Chicago. By something, he means to have “Homeland Security” do something about it. It’s no wonder that violence is allowed to spiral out of control in Chicago—it feeds into the “we need to have a domestic army, that’s just as strong, just as well funded as the US military.” Their first deployment will be to Chicago. I mean, they’ve already bought up all of the weapons and rounds to supply the deployment. – ted c on February 3, 2013 at 5:00 PM

Why can’t Chicago with its great leaders solve its own damn problems instead of looking to Washington. I guess that Jackson thinks that Obama is some sort of god.

With you 100%.

Rev Jesse Jackson has called for Mr. Obama to “do something” about all the killings in Chicago. By something, he means to have “Homeland Security” do something about it. It’s no wonder that violence is allowed to spiral out of control in Chicago—it feeds into the “we need to have a domestic army, that’s just as strong, just as well funded as the US military.” Their first deployment will be to Chicago. I mean, they’ve already bought up all of the weapons and rounds to supply the deployment.

ted c on February 3, 2013 at 5:00 PM

I would not be surprised if Obama, et al use this as a means to introduce his private security force. Who would object? The first one who does will be derided by the media as not wanting to make the streets safer.

It is something the low info voter will applaud. And the Revrund Jacksun will get the people behind it.

Rev Jesse Jackson has called for Mr. Obama to “do something” about all the killings in Chicago.

Just curious. Who’s doing all these killings?

Prarie Fire. Light the flame to the dry grass and stand back, laughing yourself silly.

Enhanced techniques are temporary. Death is forever.

CW on February 3, 2013 at 4:51 PM

The Princess Bride disagrees. =P