I repeat: The issues with the targeted killing program are *transparency* and *accountability*.
Much of the discussions of the targeted killing program are missing the point entirely. Specifically the "cops sometimes shoot people too" argument.
What the administration is claiming is the power to kill a person on suspicion of malicious intent, if an arrest is not an option, or when there is an immanent threat. So far so good. However what the administration is also claiming is that such an act can later not be rewieved by a court.
Therein lies the issue: If there is an immanent threat, then it might be justified to use lethal force. However, the use of such force should automatically lead to an investigation of the circumstances by an independent entity, which is what happens when police use lethal force. In the case of police, if it turns out that the use of force was not justified, this can then lead to criminal charges, up to murder charges, against the officer in question. Therefore the police is accountable for the use of lethal force (at least in theory).
The administration however is claiming the power to use lethal force without any accountability and transparency. Such a thing should not exist in a democracy.
= new reply since forum marked as read
