Should American citizens be executed by Presidential decree without trial?

[Kayak Fish]

I don't see what the problem is. If one is plotting an attack on this Country then it is considered Treason and subject to death under our laws. As far as I am concerned, one should lose all their American rights if they are hiding in the hills in the desert somewhere. Blast the batturd to kingdom come. :angry:

Right. That's the key word. IF. That's what a trial is for. Or should we just execute anyone on sight who is accused of a capital offense?

 

[30ashopper]

Right. That's the key word. IF. That's what a trial is for. Or should we just execute anyone on sight who is accused of a capital offense?

I'd like to believe that Obama, prior to making this decision, knew the answer to that question?

 

[Lynnie]

Did Charles Manson kill Sharon Tate? No. But, his speak certainly was influential. Did Osama bin Laden fly the planes on 9.11.01? No. but, his teachings against America certainly had an influence on those who became to hate us so much.

I believe in fair trial. So, let's wait until this guy does something and then bring him to trial. OR, IF Treason can be proved, then bring him to trial. Right?

 

[scooterbug44]

I have a problem with publicly declaring that an American citizen is to be executed w/o a trial, but I am trying to square that with my other feelings, as I have no problem with it in reality/practice, just on paper/legally.

I have no problem with an American citizen being declared "wanted dead or alive".

I have no problem with executing criminals.

I have no problem with sending a drone or smart bomb to a known location of a meeting of terrorists.

I have no problem with unleashing the full force and power of the US military and making terrorism against the United States such an unpleasant thing that it becomes a moot point.

I know that realistically we decide to kill people all the time and don't train snipers and build bombs to apprehend people.

And I think there are a lot of people that this world really is better off without.

I am sure that this is legal and has been thoroughly researched, but that doesn't mean I like it.

 

[Arkiehawg]

WTH? This is WAR people, the man is a traitor to his country and traitors are the lowest of the low. If you get a shot you take it. The life you save may be yours or your family.

While I don't disagree with your comment (shocking), I have a question.

This is War against terrorism. I agree.

IMO if someone plots to overthrow the government or threatens harm to an elected official, then that is a terroristic act against the United States. Shouldn't they fall under your statement?

Shouldn't the whacko militia that plot (talk) against us and the folks calling and threatening elected officials be held to the same standards as this traitor?

 

[Matt J]

Cops have the right to shoot someone threatening the life of another individual, why can't the CIA target a guy in Yemen plotting to blow up a building in New York?

I don't see why people of authority charged with protecting the public shouldn't be allowed to defend themselves or others with lethal force.

Cops have the right if there is a threat of imminent death. Stating that you are going to kill someone does not give a cop the right to shoot you on the spot.

I'm with FBB on this one, there's a big difference between a cop dealing with a suspect and a piece of electronics 2 miles away from the suspect. The key word being suspect.

 

[Bob]

If Thomas Jefferson were alive today, his views would be deemed as being at one with terrorists.

 

[idlewind]

"What you and probably most Americans are saying is "my government (whom incidentally I personally don't trust to deliver the mail) tells me someone is a terrorist because of unpopular speech, and even though he is an American citizen and has constitutional rights to said speech and due process, he should be killed."


Fishfood, let me get this straight, you do not trust the government to deliver the mail or identify terrorists but DO trust them to properly deliver quality healthcare. HHHMMMMMMMM.

 

[idlewind]

While I don't disagree with your comment (shocking), I have a question.

This is War against terrorism. I agree.

IMO if someone plots to overthrow the government or threatens harm to an elected official, then that is a terroristic act against the United States. Shouldn't they fall under your statement?

Shouldn't the whacko militia that plot (talk) against us and the folks calling and threatening elected officials be held to the same standards as this traitor?

If they do the crime, do the time. I do not know anyone who wishes any harm to anyone except to vote them out of office. So unless you count forcing a career change "threatening" elected officials, the standard doesn't apply.

 

[Arkiehawg]

If they do the crime, do the time. I do not know anyone who wishes any harm to anyone except to vote them out of office. So unless you count forcing a career change "threatening" elected officials, the standard doesn't apply.

Two points:

1. The militia members that were arrested were plotting to start a war with the U.S. by murdering law enforcement officers.

2. There have been physical threats against duly elected officials on both sides of the isle recently, not just statements to work on voting them out of office.

IMO, both of these points constitute an act of terrorism and threat to America.

Again, if you are comfortable with the President's decree to kill or capture an American/Islamic threat are you also comfortable with him decreeing the same for people associated with points 1&2?