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Obama already authorized a targeted killing of an American citizen (Anwar al-Aulaqi) and his Denver-born, US-citizen son. Both of those killings were carried ou
by enoch_r 14y ago
Obama already authorized a targeted killing of an American citizen (Anwar al-Aulaqi) and his Denver-born, US-citizen son. Both of those killings were carried out via drone in late 2011.
- rayiner 14y agoYes, this one is legally questionable, because at least arguably the Constitution protects U.S. Citizens not on U.S. soil. That doesn't necessarily mean what Obama did was illegal. The 5th amendment says: "...except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger..." You might be able to fly a drone through the "or public danger" loophole. Also, the 5th amendment calls for "due process" but that doesn't mean a trial. Due process is a fluid concept that depends on the circumstances. Al Awalki might have been entitled to due process, but what process is "due" in a situation where someone leaves the county to take up arms against it? It's not obvious he didn't get all the process he was due.